Indian-born Patel gets recall in Kiwi team for Azlan Shah

Christchurch, June 9 (UNI) Indian-born experienced midfielder Mitesh Patel has been recalled in New Zealand squad for the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament starting from June 18 in Kuala Lumpur.

The 30-year-old Gujarati, who earned his first Black Stick cap in 1998 and has played 121 matches so far including in the Athens Olympics, makes a comeback after a year's absence from the international scene. He last played in the European Tour in July last year.

Patel is a key figure in the Kiwi team and formed a midfield combination with Ryan Archibald, who also finds a place in the 18-member squad, and Darren Smith who retired recently. This will be Patel's third outing in the Kuala Lumpur event, having played in 2000 and 2003.

Australia, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, Pakistan, Argentina and New Zealand are competing in the tournament.

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