Sardara, Sandeep pull out

MANUJA VEERAPPA

With less that a week to go before the Indian hockey team’s departure to Ordos for the Asian Champions Trophy, a storm struck the camp at here with ace midfielder Sardara Singh and star drag flicker Sandeep Singh deciding to quit owing to what they called `family reasons.’ The players were noncommittal about their return and Hockey India officials said only the secretary general Narendra Batra could comment on the issue. Repeated calls to Batra did not elicit any response.

Meanwhile, according to coaches at the camp, Vikas Sharma and V.R.Raghunath have been named replacements for the Haryana police duo.

Although the players informed coach Michael Nobbs about their decision on Monday night, speculation was rife about the duo giving rise to doubts about the whole situation being stage managed. Speaking to this newspaper, Sandeep said, “Sardara and I have some important family issues which need to be tackled urgently. So this morning we left the camp with the coach’s permission.“

Almost identical was the response from Sardara who added that he told the coach he was not mentally prepared to play in the China event.

It is learnt that Sardara does not see eye-to-eye with skipper Rajpal and has even thought of quitting the sport for good.

Putting up a brave front, Nobbs’ said, “It will set us back a little but not a lot. Sardara in particular will be missed -he’s a class player.“

On the brewing controversy, Nobbs shot back, saying, “I’ve no idea what’s going on. They just left. They just said they’re quitting. Sardara said he was quitting and Sandeep said he’s got problems with his child.
He said, `I’m leaving, here’s my letter. My flight’s booked and I’ve got to leave’.“