Hockey India lifts 2-year ban on Sandeep, Sardara Singh

Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh and star midfielder Sardara Singh were handed a lifeline after Hockey India on Wednesday decided to lift the two-year ban imposed on them for indiscipline, saying the two players were being given ‘a last chance’ to make amends for their mistakes.

HI executive director Anupam Ghulati said the decision to revoke the ban was taken after the two players “expressed unconditional regret” for their misconduct before the Appeals Committee. “But both the players have given in writing that if they are again found guilty of any misconduct in future the two-year ban can be re-imposed on them,” he said.

Both Sandeep and Sardara were banned for two years by HI’s disciplinary committee for repeatedly indulging in indiciplinary acts after they quit midway the national camp in Bangalore last month ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy, citing personal reasons. The two players appealed against the ban last week after HI gave them 30 days’ time to do so.

The HI official added that now with the ban revoked, both Sandeep and Sardara have been asked to join the ongoing national camp in Bangalore with immediate effect. Ghulati, however, made it clear that the duo’s selection in the Indian team for the four-nation nine-a-side Super Series tournament in Perth, Australia in October is subject to their fitness and performance in the selection trials scheduled to be held in Bangalore on September 26.

Sandeep, on his part, heaved a sigh of relief at HI’s decision and said from now onwards his only focus would be hockey.