PTI

Ipoh (Malaysia), May 4: India suffered a jolt even before kicking off its campaign in the eight-nation Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament with ace midfielder Ignace Tirkey ``opting out'' of the squad citing ``personal reasons''.

His replacement, Vikram Kanth (Indian Oil) is expected to arrive here on Friday, ahead of India's opening fixture against Australia on Saturday, according to chief coach Joaquim Carvalho.

Also missing from the Indian contingent was Manager R.K. Shetty from Bangalore, who too opted out at the last moment, citing ``family reasons''. Assistant coach Mohinder Pal Singh has been entrusted with the managerial responsibility in Shetty's absence.

Telecast

ESPN-Star Sports will telecast live the 16th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, which starts at Ipoh, Malaysia, on May 5.

India will be looking to improve upon its third position last year and try to bounce back after the debacle at the Asian Games, where it finished out of the medals for the first time.

Holland missing

Holland, winner last year, will not be defending its title leaving India, Pakistan, Korea and Australia in the fray.

The teams are divided into two groups. India has been drawn with Australia, China and Argentina in Pool `A', while Pool `B' features Malaysia, Korea, Pakistan and Canada.

The top two teams, after a round-robin clash in each pool, will clash in the semifinals. The final will take place on May 13.

India will take on Australia in the opener to be followed by encounters against China (May 6) and Argentina (May 9).