Former India hockey captain Manpreet Singh on Friday cleared the air about his omission from the national set-up, saying he quit voluntarily to rest and spend time with his family and not because of any disciplinary action. The questions were raised after the two-time Olympic bronze medalist was left out of the starting group of 33 probables for the first time in 15 years. The development followed reports that claimed Manpreet had been dropped after allegedly abusing a recreational drug during India’s tour of South Africa in December last year. However, Manpreet addressed the speculations on social media and said that a decision was taken to give him a much-needed break after a grueling schedule.
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“It’s been non-stop hockey for me since the Paris Olympics. Back-to-back tournaments, across Asia, Europe, Australia and South Africa,” Manpreet wrote on ‘X’. He also pointed to significant changes in his personal life over the past year. “My wife Illi and I were blessed with my second baby girl last year. All the camps and tournaments lined up one after the other…”
Posted by Manpreet Singh
Explaining how the break came about, Manpreet said it followed discussions after the recently concluded Hockey India League, where he led Ranchi Royals to the final. “After a fantastic HIL where my team Ranchi Royals played the final, the coach spoke to me and informed me of his decision to allow me this much needed rest. The 33-year-old midfielder said the time away will help him recover mentally and emotionally before returning to international hockey. “While this short break will allow me time with my family, it will also help me mentally recharge and come back stronger for the d team. “Thank you @TheHockeyIndia and Coach for allowing me this short break and I wish the Indian team the best of luck in their Pro League,” he added. Hockey India announced the list of probables on Thursday, forward Dilpreet Singh and goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak are also missing. The upcoming FIH Pro League season will begin next month, with the India leg being held in Rourkela from February 10 to 15. India will face Argentina in the opening match on February 11. Manpreet recently co-captained Ranchi Royals in the Hockey India League final and earned praise for his performances. He is also just one international appearance away from equaling Dilip Tirkey’s long-standing India record of 412 matches.
