Not the end of the road for Manpreet, others: Hockey India

Hockey India assures players, including Manpreet, that their careers aren’t over, considering farewell opportunities at the Asian Games.

A day after ‘resting’ certain senior players for the FIH Pro League, Hockey India is categorical that it is not the end of the road for Manpreet Singh and others.

The Hindu had already reported that the decision to exclude Manpreet Singh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak from the 33-member core probables for the Pro League next month had more to do with off-field issues than anything else.

As the seniormost players in the side both in terms of age and experience, both the federation and the selectors felt it necessary, in consultation with coach Craig Fulton, to send a message to the rest of the players.

But while the duo, along with Dilpreet Singh, won’t figure in the first two legs of the Pro League, HI officials have made it clear that the decision does not mean an end to their playing careers.

“It will be the end of their careers only if they announce their retirements. Other than that, so long as they clear fitness standards, no one can say it’s their end,” HI secretary general Bholanath Singh declared.

Federation officials confirmed that the issue during the team’s South Africa tour in December had been serious enough to warrant an enquiry with the players concerned, including Dilpreet Singh, apologising.