HI revokes ban on Sardar, Sandeep but coach Nobbs not a happy man

Uthra G Chaturvedi

Keeping national interest above everything, Hockey India (HI) on Wednesday revoked the two-year ban on ‘repeat offenders’ Sandeep Singh and Sardar Singh and allowed them back into the national camp, albeit reluctantly. While HI officials insisted that the final call on their inclusion into the team will taken by chief coach Michael Nobbs, the reinstatement of the two experienced players is seen as an important development ahead of Olympic qualifiers.

As first reported by The Indian Express, drag-flicker Sandeep and midfielder Sardar were let off after they appeared before Hockey India’s (HI) appeals panel and tendered an unconditional apology.

“Yes, we have submitted in writting to the appeals panel that they can ban us in future if we repeat such things,” Sandeep said, adding that both of them are looking to make a fresh start. “It was one of the worst phases of my career which thankfully has passed. Now my only focus will be my game,” he said. “We (myself and Sardar) will be joining the national camp tomorrow. I am now determined to do well for India in the upcoming international tournaments.”

When contacted, Nobbs said even though he welcomed the duo’s return, their walking out on the team at a crucial time “still rankles” and added there was a lot more they needed to do than simply tendering an apology. Talking to The Indian Express from Bangalore where the camp is presently underway, Nobbs said, “Apprehensions remain about their intentions … they will continue to work harder than the others, prove their fitness and commitment to the team and the game whenever called upon to do so.

“No doubt past records state they are fine hockey players. But to me and to the team, they need to prove their credentials yet again if they are to find a place in the Indian national team,” Nobbs said.

The Australian was caustic in his assessment of the duo. “It wasn’t the most memorable of incidents to occur just ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy but Sandeep and Sardar obliquely helped the Indian team to realise its potential and inner strength,” he said, adding “I have always said that I want the best players playing for India but they must play for the right reasons. I have made it very clear that I will not tolerate this behaviour from any player and any player not playing by the team rules will be removed from the team immediately, no matter who it is.”

HI executive director Anupam Ghulati clarified the terms and conditions of revoking the ban and admitted the decision was taken keeping in mind the team’s future. “This will be the last chance to both of them. In case there is a repetition, the two-year ban will automatically come into effect, retrospectively from the date it was first announced. Also, there will be no case for an appeal, apology or a hearing if anything of this sort happens again. This has been communicated to them clearly,” Ghulati said.