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Manpreet Singh's National Camp Omission Explained: Veteran Requests Rest

Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh clarified that veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh's omission from the national camp was due to the player's own request for rest. Manpreet cited a hectic international schedule since the Paris Olympics and a desire to spend time with his wife and newborn daughter. The break means he will miss the home leg of the FIH Pro League in February. The national camp in Rourkela is part of preparations for a crucial year featuring the Hockey World Cup and Asian Games.

Key Points: Manpreet Singh Misses Hockey Camp After Requesting Break

  • Veteran midfielder requested personal break
  • Focus on Asian Games gold and World Cup podium
  • Misses home leg of FIH Pro League
  • Camp prepares team for crucial year
  • Squad named for Rourkela coaching camp
3 min read

Hockey India Secretary General clarifies Manpreet Singh's omission from national camp, says midfielder asked for rest

Hockey India clarifies Manpreet Singh's absence from national camp is due to his request for rest to spend time with family before major tournaments.

"Manpreet has asked for rest. Manpreet is absolutely fit. - Bhola Nath Singh"

Noida, February 2

Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said the veteran Indian midfielder Manpreet Singh asked for a rest himself and is absolutely fit. Notably, Manpreet was not named in the list of 33-member core probable group for the Senior Men's National Hockey Coaching Camp.

When the 33-member core probable group for the Senior Men's Hockey National Camp was announced, the omission of Manpreet, a veteran with more than 400 senior-level appearances for Team India, raised eyebrows. Having performed consistently in Indian colours and been a crucial part of Ranchi Royals' runners-up finish in the Hockey India League (HIL) this year, people wondered why the 33-year-old star was absent from the camp.

Speaking to ANI, Bhola Nath Singh said that Hockey India is focused on long-term planning ahead of the World Cup and Asian Games, targeting Asian Games gold, Olympic qualification, and a long-awaited World Cup podium finish. He stressed that Manpreet is fully fit and requested for a rest.

"Hockey India does everything with long-term planning... The World Cup and Asian Games are coming up, and we need to move ahead with a lot of planning. We have to win gold at the Asian Games and qualify for the Olympics. We need a podium finish in the World Cup because it has been 50-60 years... Manpreet has asked for rest. Manpreet is absolutely fit," he said.

Taking to Instagram, Manpreet himself offered clarity to his fans, saying that since last year's Paris Olympics, he had travelled to various continents worldwide to feature in multiple tournaments, and this hectic schedule prevented him from spending enough time with his wife, and baby girl, who was born last year. Because of this, he had requested a break, with the all-important Hockey World Cup (in August) and the Asian Games (September-October) tournament coming up this year. This request was granted, meaning that he would miss the home leg of the FIH Men's Pro League in February.

The coaching camp is scheduled to be held in Rourkela, Odisha, from February 1 to 7, according to a Hockey India release. The camp will form part of the team's preparations for the upcoming phase of the FIH Men's Pro League, which is scheduled to be staged at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela from February 10 to 15.

The home leg will mark the start of India's first campaign of the year. The squad assembles following the recently concluded Hockey India League, which provided competitive exposure to several senior players while offering younger prospects the opportunity to play alongside some of the finest international players.

The camp will comprise Pawan, Suraj Karkera, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar and Princedeep Singh as goalkeepers.Meanwhile, the defensive unit features Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Poovanna Chandura Boby, Yashdeep Siwach, Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Amandeep Lakra.In midfield, the group includes Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Vishnu Kant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma and Rosan Kujur.

Rounding off the list, the forward line is made up of Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Angad Bir Singh, Uttam Singh, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Arjun Lalage and Maninder Singh.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Smart long-term planning by Hockey India. The Asian Games gold and World Cup podium are crucial targets. Resting a key player now to have him fresh and hungry for the big tournaments later in the year makes perfect strategic sense.
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Ananya R
Respect to Manpreet for being so open about his reasons. Being a new father and a top athlete is not easy. It's heartwarming that he prioritised time with his wife and baby girl. This is the kind of balance we should support in our sports stars. ❤️
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Vikram M
While I respect the player's decision, I hope this doesn't disrupt team chemistry. The Pro League matches at home are important for momentum. The young midfielders in the camp have a big opportunity to step up in his absence.
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Karthik V
The transparency from both HI and Manpreet is commendable. No room for speculation or rumours. Now we can all focus on supporting the team in the Pro League and trust that our senior pro will return stronger. Jai Hind!
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Priya S
This is a mature approach from all sides. Athletes are human beings, not machines. The mental and physical freshness he'll gain from this break will be invaluable for the pressure of the World Cup and Asian Games. Good call.

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