Gurbaj on sidelines despite HI lifting ban

Rachna Khaira

Tribune News Service

jalandhar, October 26

Hockey India (HI) may have lifted the nine-month ban on Gurbaj Singh after the Punjab and Haryana High Court termed his suspension “illegal”, yet the Punjab player finds himself on the sidelines.

A national camp began at the Bengaluru SAI centre on Monday. The selection trials for the World League Final and Australia Test series have been scheduled for October 28. However, there has been no indication yet from HI to get the player back into the thick of action.

Gurbaj was suspended following the accusations that he created disharmony and groupism in the team.

Harbinder Singh, a member of the selection committee, said the core group was formed in July while Gurbaj was serving the ban. “Moreover, the core group has been formed on the recommendations of coaches alone,” said Harbinder. Due to the ban, Gurbaj has missed out on 11 international matches and a couple of domestic tournaments. Also, he was not included in the auction of Hockey India League (HIL) this year. Gurbaj said the ban has been termed as “illegal” and “extremely harsh” by the High Court, so HI should give him a chance to prove his mettle. “I am fit and capable to represent India, I hope to be back in the game soon. Till the time HI calls me back for national duty, I will focus on domestic tournaments. I have been informed by HI that the ban has been lifted but I have not been called back,” he said.

Former India captain and Hockey Punjab president Pargat Singh said: “Gurbaj is fit to play, he should be given a chance. He may prove to be an asset for the national team,” said Pargat Singh. The 27-year-old is gearing up to take part in the Surjit hockey tournament (October 30) in Jalandhar.