Junior asian cup

Hockey India League: Indian men's junior hockey team defender Talem Priyobarta is excited to ply his trade at the senior level with the UP Rudras franchise in the Hockey India League (HIL) after lifting the Men's Junior Asian Cup in Muscat, Oman earlier this month.

The 20-year-old is excited to play alongside star Indian and international players during his time in the HIL, scheduled to begin on Saturday in Rourkela. He was acquired by the Lucknow-based franchise in the HIL auctions in October.

"I feel extremely happy and excited to be a part of the UP Rudras team. I think it is a great opportunity for players to play alongside some of the best players from not just across the world but also from India. This tournament will not only give me a chance to learn from the best but will also help me enhance my understanding of the game. I am really looking forward to the tournament," Priyobatra told IANS ahead of the start of the tournament.