Santi Freixa, who was among the galaxy of stars who graced the third Premier Hockey League last year, will be conspicuous absentee for this year’s edition, scheduled to be commenced in the third week of next month in Chandigarh. Taking to s2h here in Kuala Lumpur, he confirmed that no national team from Spain will be making it to Chandigarh this year.

“I love India. I love PHL. But in the run up year to Olympics and in keeping with the Spain team’s commitments, either I or Ramon will be able to come over there”. He even went on a step further and felt no player from any country who is in the national team bound for Olympics or Olympic qualifier will be spared for the PHL. Santi Freixa had a hectic training here in the second pitch in the late evening under a single coach, while whole other team mates were put under the drill by Maurits Hendricks.

The Technical Consultant of PHL, Maurits Hendricks will be in Chandigarh for the first 3, 4 days of the PHL before flying back to Spain. Confirming that no national players from Spain would be available, he asserted he would bring a good lot of other players.

Santi Freixa evinced keen interest to know what happened to Sher-e-Jalandhar team mates who were suspended last year on account of misbehaviour with the officiating umpires.