Manpreet Singh cites ‘much-needed break’ despite reports of being dropped from Indian team
Midfielder Manpreet Singh, who was reportedly dropped from the Indian team for February’s FIH Men’s Pro League leg in Rourkela, thanked Hockey India and coach Craig Fulton for granting him a much-needed break.
However, it was learnt that in light of an off-field misdemeanour involving Manpreet, forward Dilpreet Singh and goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, during the tour of South Africa in December, the trio was left out of the 33-man probables.
After a player was found absent from a team meeting, it emerged that the trio had allegedly asked him to consume an ‘edible’ containing a banned substance in a car the previous night. The player was reportedly unaware of its ingredients .The three players in question apologised to the management, but the top brass decided to take strict action to serve as a warning for the rest of the playing members.
READ | Not the end of the road for Manpreet Singh & Co: Hockey India
But, Manpreet took to X to state that, “Since the Paris Olympics, it’s been non-stop hockey for me. Back-to-back tournaments, across Asia, Europe, Australia and South Africa.
“Last year, my wife Illi and I were blessed with my second baby girl. With all the camps and tournaments lined up one after another I’ve hardly been able to spend quality time with my family. I had been meaning to request for a break before the season picks up steam with World Cup and Asian Games this year.
“After a fantastic HIL (Hockey India League), where my team Ranchi Royals played the final, the coach spoke to me and informed of his decision to allow me this much-needed rest.
“While this short break will allow me time with family, it will also help me recharge mentally and comeback stronger for the team. I thank the Hockey India and [the] coach for allowing me this short break and I wish the Indian Team best of luck for their Pro League.”
Hockey India officials have made it clear that the decision to drop them does not mean the end of 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 concerned players, including Dilpreet, apologising.
Published on Jan 30, 2026