D’Souza leaves camp midway

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India goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza on Sunday withdrew from the ongoing national camp in Pune citing “personal reasons”.
Although the 26-year old refused to state any reason, sources said the talented goalkeeper who was a part of the national squad for the World Cup earlier this year was disappointed as he may not find a place in the team for the European tour.

It is learnt that the team management may go with custodians Bharat Chetri and P.R. Sreejesh and leave D’Souza out. D’Souza joined his Air India teammates here, barely 10 minutes before the start of the match against Odisha Stars at the CM Yeddyurappa Cup, an all-india invitational hockey tournament on the day.
Speaking to this newspaper after the match, the 26-year-old said, “I have taken leave from the camp due to personal reasons. I have communicated the same to chief coach Jose Brasa and have even submitted a letter to him citing the reasons. Playing for India is paramount for me and I will return very soon.”
D’Souza’s withdrawal from the camp comes as a shock since Hockey India is scheduled to announce the Indian team for the European tour on Monday. According to rumours doing the rounds, the team announcement may be deferred by a couple of days.
Local lads Aiyamma, Michael shine
Local boys held sway on the second day of the tournament as Amar Aiyamma and Sandeep Michael proved to be the match winners for BPCL and Air India respectively.
Air India thwarted a spirited performance from Odisha Stars to emerge 3-0 victor.
The Orissa team, mentored by Dilip Tirkey offered initial resistance before Sandeep Michael found gaps in their defence and sounded the boards in the 23rd minute.
He added one more six minutes later. Skipper Sameer Dad completed the tally for the winners when Dhanraj Pillay’s pass was relayed to Michael who gave a cross pass to Dad, whose diving effort was duly rewarded. The match finished three minutes before the final hoot due to a technical failure with the floodlights.
Earlier in the first match, a three goal effort from Amar Aiyamma helped BPCL overcome Indian Railways. Aiyamma struck in the 7th, 30th and 51st minute, while Deepak Ekka scored the consolation goal for Railways.