Sandeep, Sardar check in

Sandeep Singh and Sardar Singh, who had their two-year ban overturned by Hockey India two days back, reported to the National hockey probables camp here at the SAI campus on Friday.

The two, who were welcomed back after they issued an unconditional apology, checked into the City late on Thursday night before joining the rest of the probables on Friday morning.
“We are happy to be back,” said the duo. “We had problems in the family which have been sorted out. That’s the reason why we had to quit the camp midway. With the issues being sorted out our first priority is India. We want to win the Olympic qualifiers.”

Statements apart, their first test of commitment will come next week when they have to issue a written apology to the entire squad, a condition laid out by coach Michael Nobbs.
“The apology will happen when the entire team arrives (expected to be Saturday),” said Nobbs. “It is a must and there is no changing on that stance.”

Meanwhile, the 18 players who were part of the victorious Asian Champions Trophy are scheduled to fly in on Saturday with the Sports Ministry’s felicitation function scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

SAI Director General DD Verma will give away cheques for Rs 1.5 lakh to each of the players as promised by the Ministry. India beat Pakistan in the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy final earlier this month via a tiebreaker.