Indian Express: After court ban, Hockey India lifts ban on Gurbaj Singh

Hockey India’s athletes dispute and grievance redressal panel decided to let off Gurbaj Singh with a warning.

Written by Mihir Vasavda | New Delhi

Barely a couple of months after he was suspended, Hockey India (HI) lifted the nine-month ban on Gurbaj Singh with immediate effect on Saturday. Acting on the directives issued by the Punjab and Haryana HC, HI’s athletes dispute and grievance redressal panel decided to let off Gurbaj with a warning.

Hockey India’s decision paves the way for Gurbaj’s return to the national team but it could not be ascertained if he would be drafted into the squad immediately. The national camp begins at the Bangalore SAI centre on October 26, Monday, with selection trials for the World League final and Australia test series scheduled to be held on October 28.

Harbinder Singh, who chaired Saturday’s meeting, said Gurbaj was let off because the offence he committed was during a national camp and not an international tournament.

“The Court in its order cited an International Hockey Federation rule that such strict actions can be taken against a player only if he commits an offence during a tournament. Gurbaj’s behavioural problems were mainly during the camp. The rules right now have no provisions to impose lengthy ban on players for misconduct at camps. We have advised Hockey India to amend its laws accordingly,” Harbinder said.

He added that if any complaints are received against Gurbaj, they will consider his past record and act accordingly. Harbinder, also a member of the selection committee, refused to comment on Gurbaj’s return to the team.
But a source said the decision to include him for the World League final will be taken in consultation with coach Roelant Oltmans. But interestingly, according to the minutes of the meeting, Oltmans himself wanted Gurbaj dropped for indiscipline.