India’s chief hockey coach Craig Fulton reportedly offered his resignation after veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh was excluded from the national core probables on disciplinary grounds, but was later convinced by Hockey India officials to stay on, according to a well-placed source who spoke to PTI on Friday.
Fulton reportedly viewed the decision to remove Manpreet from the February 1 to 7 training camp for 33 core probables in Rourkela as “external interference,” the source revealed.
The two-time Olympic bronze medallist was left out of the core probables for the first time in his 15-year career after reports emerged that he had used a recreational drug during India’s tour of South Africa in December last year.
During the selection meeting, Fulton was reportedly “disturbed” when Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, and chief selector RP Singh collectively insisted that Manpreet should be dropped.
“Fulton argued from the point of Manpreet being a mentor to younger players. But on that, Dilip said players will learn from other seniors. A few players were unhappy with the way HI behaved with Manpreet,” the source stated.
An upset Fulton reportedly submitted his resignation a day after the Chennai leg of the recently-concluded Hockey India League. However, following extensive persuasion from Tirkey, he agreed to support the official narrative that the experienced player was being “rested.”
The source said Fulton made a strong case for retaining Manpreet in the core group, pointing to the 33-year-old midfielder’s outstanding fitness reports. Manpreet was reportedly among the top four fittest players in the core group. However, chief selector RP Singh and Tirkey stood firm on their decision.
Fulton’s ‘Defend to Win’ strategy depends significantly on structure and experience, and he has consistently lauded Manpreet’s fitness and form during the HIL.
The chief coach wants Manpreet to remain part of the setup at least until this year’s Asian Games and the World Cup. The World Cup is scheduled to be held in August, followed by the Asiad in September.
Fulton believes the midfielder’s experience under pressure would be handy in high-pressure games in both the mega-events.
“Let people say whatever they want but the fact is that Manpreet sought rest and had conveyed it to HI,” insisted Bhola Nath Singh when reached for a comment by PTI.
HI on Thursday announced the list of probables, also leaving out forward Dilpreet Singh and goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak due to disciplinary issues. But HI’s statement made no mention of the alleged violation.
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The Pro League season will begin next month in Rourkela. Manpreet had co-captained the Ranchi Royals team to the Hockey India League final, and his performance in the tournament was commendable. Manpreet is just one match away from equalling Tirkey’s record of being the most capped Indian hockey player with 412 games. The India leg of the upcoming FIH Pro League is scheduled to be held in Rourkela from February 10 to 15 with the hosts taking on Argentina in their opening game on February 11.
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