Couldn’t trust Sandeep, Sandeep Singh: Hockey India

Lack of trust, apart from indiscipline, was one of the major reasons that led to the suspension of two Indian players, Sandeep Singh and Sardara Singh, a HI official has said.

While Hockey India (HI) were keen to go light with the duo, considering that they are key players, the fact that they failed to keep their promise time and again led to their expulsion, disciplinary committee chairman Pargat Singh said. The duo was pulled up three times in last four months, forcing HI to suspend them for two years on Saturday.

They were first let off with a warning in May, when they played in the Belgian league without HI’s permission, then again in July, when they left the camp in Bangalore mid-way and attending an Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) event in Mumbai. “After each of those incidents, they apologised and gave us in writing that they would be careful in future. But time and again they broke their word,” Pargat said.

“We would have pardoned them again. But what would have happened if they left the team just before the Olympic qualifiers? At least we know now that we will be without these two for that tournament.”

It is learnt that HI secretary-general Narendra Batra told the players that he would take appropriate action against the officials, if it was because of them that they had to leave the camp. But the players stuck to their stand and said they left the camp because of personal reasons. However, the real reason is believed to be a spat they were involved with coach in-charge SS Grewal.

Sources said there is no chance that their ban will be overturned if they appeal, however, it may be reduced substantially.