Rubbish,says Pargat as fixing fingers point at him

Former India skipper says his friendship with Malaysian coach Sarjit Singh should not be misconstrued, is unfazed by the mud-slinging

Along with the match-fixing allegations, has begun the mud-slinging match in Indian hockey.

The two warring sections — the suspended KPS Gill faction and the official Suresh Kalmadi group — are blaming each other for the reported match-fixing, which reportedly happened during the last league match between hosts Malaysia and India at the Azlan Shah tournament in Kuala Lumpur last month.

A member of the Gill faction has blamed former India captain Pargat Singh, and Sarjit Singh, who is the current Malaysian coach, for masterminding the shameful activity. He even went to the extent of saying that since both share an excellent rapport since their playing days, they had a role in the alleged match-fixing episode. Pargat, however, is unfazed. “Yes, I am a good friend of Sarjit, but that doesnt mean we would fix a match. Its absolutely baseless…utter nonsense,” Pargat told DNA from Manali, where he is currently holidaying. “We are friends with a lot of players from other countries. If Sunil Gavaskar happens to be a good friend of Imran Khan, that doesnt mean they would fix a match. Its rubbish!”

With the national game going through a turmoil, beginning with Indias failure to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, and followed by a TV sting showing former IHF secretary K Jothikumaran taking bribes to include a player in the national team, Pargat feels there are better things to do at this hour than indulge in mud-slinging. “At this hour people should think of how we can revive the game, rather than unnecessarily tarnish someones image who has served the country for a long time,” he said, adding: “Theres no logic in dragging us in this matter. Its actually a conspiracy by those who have got vested interests.”

Terming the allegations as illogical, the former Indian full-back said by the time he landed in Malaysia, India were on a rampage, having already won matches against Belgium and Pakistan. “Why would we fix a match in a tournament at that juncture?” he asked. Meanwhile, Malaysian coach Sarjit claimed that the accusations on his players were aimed at tarnishing the image of Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF).

“First of all, I believe in my players and Im confident that they are not involved in any illegal activity. That is why I have lodged a complaint (on Tuesday) to find out who sent the damaging e-mails,” Sarjit was quoted as saying in a Malaysian newspaper.

“My only concern is to clear the MHF and my players name, and bring to book those who have thrown these wild allegations to tarnish the good name of the sport,” he added.
The allegations and counter-allegations are likely to be on till the world governing body (FIH) completes its probe. “I hope the true findings will come out in a few days and then we would know the exact matter,” Pargat added.