Selvaraju turns down chance to play in France

Forward S. Selvaraju has turned down the chance to feature in the French Hockey League because of his national team commitment.

The 23-year-old Perak player said yesterday that he was invited by former international James Moorthy last month to play for French Division One outift, Racing Sander Club.

“I could not go as my priority is to represent Malaysia in the Asia Cup tournament in Kuantan (from May 9-16),” said Selvaraju.

Selvaraju, with 40 international caps to his credit, instead offered his place in the French club to his brother, former National Junior Bubalan.

“My brother, who plays as a defender for Tenaga Nasional in the MHL (Malaysia Hockey League), was delighted to play in the French League. Forward Davindran (Jai Kumar), who played for Nur Insafi in the MHL last year, was also selected to play in the French League,” said Selvaraju.

He said both the players left for France two weeks ago and had played four matches thus far, winning three and drawing one.

This is the second time this year that Selvaraju has turned down the chance to play in Europe because of national duty, having rejected the chance for a second fling with Berliner Club in the German League, which begins this month. He had played for the German club last September.