India head coach Craig Fulton addresses a press conference on the eve of the first match against China in the men’s Asia Cup Hockey in Rajgir, Nalanda district, Bihar. (PTI photo) Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh’s suspension on disciplinary grounds was strongly opposed by head coach Craig Fulton, who even offered to resign before being persuaded by Hockey India officials to stay, news agency PTI reported citing sources.According to a PTI report, Fulton considered the decision to drop Manpreet from the 1-7 camp. February for 33 major probabilities in Rourkela as “external intervention”.The two-time Olympic bronze medalist was left out of the main odds for the first time in 15 years after it emerged that he abused a recreational drug during India’s tour of South Africa in December last year.
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During a meeting to finalize the list of probables, Fulton was reportedly “upset” when Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, general secretary Bhola Nath Singh and chief selector RP Singh shared that Manpreet should be left out.“Fulton argued that Manpreet was a mentor to the younger players. Dilip, however, said the players would learn from other seniors. Several players were unhappy with HI’s treatment of Manpreet,” a source was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.An angry Fulton offered to resign a day after the game in Chennai in the recently defunct Indian Hockey League. However, after repeated persuasion from Tirkey, he agreed to go along with the official position that the senior midfielder was “resting”.The source said Fulton had pushed for Manpreet’s inclusion citing the 33-year-old’s fitness. Manpreet was reportedly among the top four in fitness in the core group.Despite this, Tirkey and Chief Elector RP Singh did not change their stance.Fulton’s ‘Defend to Win’ approach emphasizes structure and experience and he often spoke about Manpreet’s fitness and form during the HIL.The head coach wants Manpreet to remain part of the plans at least until this year’s Asian Games and World Cup. The World Cup is scheduled for August, followed by the Asian Games in September.Fulton believes Manpreet’s experience in pressure situations would come in handy in both tournaments.“Let people say what they want, but the fact is that Manpreet was looking for rest and HI arranged it,” Bhola Nath Singh was quoted as saying by PTI.Hockey India announced the list of probables on Thursday, also excluding forward Dilpreet Singh and goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak on disciplinary grounds. The official statement did not specify the nature of the alleged violations.The Pro League season will begin next month in Rourkela. Manpreet co-captained Ranchi Royals in the Hockey Indian League finals where he performed brilliantly.Manpreet is also one game away from equaling Dilip Tirkey’s record of 412 appearances as India’s top hockey player.The Indian leg of the FIH Pro League will be held in Rourkela from February 10 to 15, with India opening their campaign against Argentina on February 11.
