Manpreet Singh , along with forward Dilpreet Singh and goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, was left out of the 33-member probable squad announced on Thursday by Hockey India. It markied the first time in 15 years that the veteran midfielder has not been named in a national camp. The decision immediately sparked speculation, given Manpreet’s stature in Indian hockey and his proximity to the all-time international caps record.
What Really Happened?
According to federation sources, a serious incident of indiscipline occurred during the South Africa tour, prompting Hockey India to take action. The issue reportedly involved the three senior players supplying drug-laced eatables to a teammate, identified as forward Sukhjit Singh. After consuming the substance, the player allegedly fell ill, behaved abnormally and missed a team meeting. The matter was brought to the attention of head coach Craig Fulton and discussed internally, with the players later offering an apology.
While no doping violation was recorded, Hockey India officials viewed the incident as a grave breach of discipline, particularly because it involved senior members of the squad and occurred during an overseas assignment. The federation has confirmed that a formal probe into the matter is likely, and further disciplinary action may follow after due process.
Manpreet Singh Dismisses Anti- Disciplenary Action Claims
Manpreet, however, has dismissed claims that his omission was disciplinary in nature. In a statement posted on social media, the 33-year-old said he had requested time off to rest and spend time with his family following an extended period of continuous competition since the Paris Olympics. “Since the Paris Olympics, it’s been non-stop hockey for me, with back-to-back tournaments across Asia, Europe, Australia and South Africa,” Manpreet wrote, adding that the break would help him re-energise.
Head coach Craig Fulton stated that the Pro League squad was selected with workload management and rotation in mind following the recently concluded Hockey India League. Fulton said the upcoming Pro League legs would also serve as an opportunity to assess players ahead of long-term targets such as the World Cup and Asian Games.
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Despite these explanations, the decision has generated considerable debate due to Manpreet’s legacy. A member of India’s Olympic bronze medal-winning teams in Tokyo and Paris, Manpreet has been a central figure in the national side’s revival over the past decade. With 411 international appearances, he is just one match short of equalling the record held by current Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, a coincidence that fuelled unfounded rumours of deliberate exclusion. Hockey India officials have categorically denied such claims, insisting there was no intention to block the record.
Crucially, Hockey India has clarified that the omission does not mark the end of Manpreet’s international career. Officials stressed that he, along with Dilpreet and Pathak, remains in contention for future selection, provided fitness and disciplinary standards are met.
As India prepare for the Pro League without one of their most experienced campaigners, the episode underlines the federation’s attempt to balance discipline with respect for senior players- a delicate task that could shape the direction of Indian hockey in the months ahead.
