Bhubaneswar, Oct 30 (UNI) Ahead of the Indian Men's Team crucial FIH Olympic Qualifier matches against Russia on November 1 and 2 here at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Hockey India announced the replacement of defender-dragflicker Varun Kumar who sustained an injury on his shoulder and right bicep.

He will now be replaced by experienced defender Birender Lakra. "Varun Kumar injured his shoulder and right bicep on Monday while training which has put him out of the FIH Olympic Qualifier against Russia. He has been receiving treatment since then but unfortunately it has not shown enough signs of improvement," explained Graham Reid, Chief Coach.