Rajpal Singh refuses to get lured

BANGALORE: He would have been the sixth player from the national hockey camp to have attended the World Series of Hockey media conference on Thursday. But former skipper Rajpal Singh refused the invitation, choosing to train instead at the Sports Authority of India.

“I was invited for the Mumbai function. But I declined to join them because I felt the primary aim of every hockey player at the camp is to prepare for the Olympic qualifiers. We have already missed one Olympics and cannot afford any distractions now,” Rajpal said.

The 28-year-old forward said the team must make complete use of every single practice session as there were hardly seven months to go for the qualifiers.

“When I was contacted, I told the person that camp was my first priority and I needed to concentrate on training. There was no pressure on us to join and I am sure the person understood my views.”

For Rajpal, Olympics reflect a sentimental aspect besides the sheer joy of participation. In 2008, he missed being part of the big occasion although he had dreams of celebrating his birthday on the first day of the Beijing Games – August 8. This time, he wants to make it possible.

“I will never forget Beijing,” Rajpal said. “I felt bad when we did not make it. But this time, I want to celebrate my birthday at the London Olympics. That is my goal.”

When asked whether he had talked about the importance of the qualifiers to the younger players, Rajpal said: “Yes. I have done that right from the first day.

“I have told them we need to work harder than usual in the next six-seven months so that we have the team ready to peak during the qualifiers.”

Rajpal wasn’t willing to comment on the timing of the WSH.

Meanwhile, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) put forth a scaled-down version of the approval that WSH organisers presented on Thursday, saying that players could indeed figure in the $3 million tournament provided they had no national or contractual obligations.

“The FIH would like to restate that it has not changed its position on WSH. It remains an unsanctioned event as per the FIH statutes and bye-Laws. Regarding player participation in the tournament, athletes that signed contracts with WSH before March 31, 2011 could, subject to them having no other contractual or national obligations with their respective National Associations, play in the League,” the release said.