Times of India: I have left behind disappointment of suspension: Gurbaj

GUWAHATI: The disappointment of serving a suspension behind him, veteran Indian midfielder Gurbaj Singh said he is eyeing a fresh start to his career by playing a crucial role in the hockey team’s bid for a gold in the 12th South Asian Games.

Gurbaj was suspended for nine months in August last year on charges of indulging in groupism and creating disharmony within the team during the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Antwerp, Belgium. Former India midfielder Jude Felix, a part of the coaching staff then, had levelled the charges against Gurbaj in his report submitted to HI.

Gurbaj, the senior-most and the most experienced in the current squad in the ongoing South Asian Games, said he wants to look ahead rather than going back to the past.

“I have moved ahead and the past incidents and disappointments are history now. I am not looking back and now I want to perform well for the country. I have always given my best for the country in my career and I will do the same here also,” Gurbaj said ahead of India’s opening match against minnows Bangladesh.

“I have no ill-feelings and now my focus is on hockey and nothing else,” he added.

After the Bangladesh match, India take on arch-rivals Pakistan, who are seeking their third straight title, on Monday and Gurbaj said his team-mates should keep a check on emotions to win the game.

“We should not get emotional against Pakistan. Doing that will spoil our chances and we should play our natural game thinking that we are playing against any other country. We should not put ourselves under pressure,” said the midfielder.

The two sides are playing for the first time in an international match after the Pakistan team’s unruly behaviour during the 2014 Champions Trophy semifinal match in Bhubaneswar.

Two Pakistani players were suspended and one reprimanded for making obscene gestures after the match and Hockey India had threatened to severe all ties with Pakistan unless they issued an apology.

Gurbaj, who played in that controversial match, said Monday’s match against Pakistan should not be taken as a grudge match.

“We should not take it as revenge. We should just think of it as a game. Pakistan are a good game but we have the ability to do well and win the gold. We want to break the gold medal drought,” he said.

India had named a second string team with many juniors in it as most of the senior players are featuring in the ongoing Hockey India League but Gurbaj felt the home team is still capable of going the final distance.

“It is a chance for the juniors to show that they can step up and do better. The current team has a good mix and we can do well,” he added.

Gurbaj was non-committal when asked if he supports skipper Sardar Singh who had said that Pakistan should first apologise before their players are allowed to play in the HIL.