Senior Indian hockey player Gurbaj Singh has been suspended for nine months for indulging in groupism and creating disharmony within the team. This decision will shatter the experienced midfielder’s dream of playing in next year’s Rio Olympics.
Hockey India’s disciplinary committee headed by Harbinder Singh on Monday made the decision, with the midfielder and former India coach Jude Felix, who levelled the charges against him, also present.
Gurbaj, however, has the option to lodge an appeal with HI’s appellate tribunal within a month’s time.
I don’t know why such a report was given against me. I didn’t do anything. During today’s meeting, I cleared my position. But the punishment is little harsh.
– Gurbaj Singh
Talking to PTI, Harbinder later said it was time to teach a lesson to Gurbaj, who is dubbed as a problem child in Indian hockey for his repeated misdemeanours.
We have suspended Gurbaj for nine months starting today, which means he will be unable to play for India till May 9, 2016. The step was taken after Jude Felix in his (HWL) report had brought up disciplinary issues against Gurbaj.
- Harbinder Singh
“Both Gurbaj and Jude were present in the meeting and the committee gave Gurbaj a chance to tell his version. But obviously, he (Gurbaj) can appeal against the suspension,” he added.
Felix in his report, also alleged that Gurbaj did not co-operate with the coaches and was not a good ambassador for the national team.
He was suspended for a brief period after the London Olympics following similar accusations from the then chief coach Michael Nobbs and his support staff.