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

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.

Dilpreet Singh in action during the Hero Asia Cup Hockey in Rajgir on Monday, September 01, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
File photo: R.V. MOORTHY

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“It was a serious offence in itself but the fact that they inadvertently included another player makes it worse. That said, any further decision will be taken after consulting all concerned parties. But this is definitely not the end for any of them,” a senior official insisted.

Federation sources also said that HI could be looking at working a way out to allow an honourable exit to the players, specially Manpreet, by including them for the Asian Games making it clear it would be their farewell event.

“That will not only give them time to reflect on their actions but also plan their exit on a big stage without the ignominy of being dropped. It will also put to rest all rumours of sabotaging the international caps record,” they explained.