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[caption id="attachment_22808" align="alignnone" width="580"] India unveil 18-men hockey squad for boys Under-18 Asia Cup. File Picture[/caption] Internet Desk : India have announced their 18-men team today that will represent the nation for the Under-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament in the leadership of defender Nilam Sanjeep Xess which will be held in Dhaka from 24^th to 30^th September. Defender Hardik Singh will be Sanjeep’s second in command, as both of them were the part of the junior team, who won the EurAsia Cup for the nation prior this year and will work as the spine of India’s defence. The two goal-keepers of the team will be Pankaj Kumar Rajak and Tanuj Gulia, in other position Manipuri lad Rabichandra Singh and Ibungo Singh  Konjengbam  will be the key men in midfield and forewardline  subsequently. Speaking to the media during announcement, Hockey India general secretary Mushtaque Ahmed said,”Our aim to reach new heights of hockey rankings internationally has to start from the junior level. We are hosts of the Junior World Cup in December 2016 and keeping that in mind we are constantly ensuring our junior teams across different levels get good exposure to international hockey.” He added," I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Hockey  India to thank Sports Authority of India for their initiative in the launch of the National Hockey Academy in Delhi. Many of these young athletes will get their first exposure to international hockey and through this experience it will help them prepare for their future career in the sport." Team: Goalkeepers: Pankaj Kumar Rajak, Tanuj Gulia Defenders: Nilam Sanjeep Xess (Captain), Hardik Singh (Vice-Captain), Vidhan Patel, Harshdeep Kapoor, Shivam Anand Midfielders: Dharminder Singh, Kunwardilraj Singh, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Kishore Arya, Harish Mutagar Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Mohammad Umar, Ibungo Singh Konjengbam, Sunny Malik, Shivam Anand, Abhisek