PRESS TRUST OF INDIA
New Delhi, Oct 24: Hockey India (HI) lifted the nine-month ban on Gurbaj Singh Saturday with immediate effect in the wake of Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order that termed the suspension of the senior player ‘illegal’. The decision was taken at HI’s athletes disputes and grievance addressal committee headed by former great Harbinder Singh, days after the High Court said the charges were not enough for the severe ban the player was handed.
HI had alleged that Gurbaj created disharmony and groupism in the team and suspended him following the Hockey World League semifinals in Antwerp, Belgium. Finding the ban unfair, the midfielder sought legal action.
Sticking to its earlier stance, committee Saturday let off Gurbaj with a warning. “We issue Gurbaj Singh a warning that should he misconduct himself in the future, serious action will be pressed. The past record, including that at the London Olympics, will be taken into consideration if such instances occur in future. We sincerely hope that the members of the national team do not repeat the mistake of indiscipline and creating groupism within the team. “In light of the above, we reduce the period of ban to the period already undergone. Gurbaj Singh, with immediate effect, would be eligible to participate in all Hockey India, AHF and FIH sanctioned tournaments,” said the committee.
The Harbinder-headed panel comprised former players R P Singh, A B Subbaiah, Jasjeet Kaur and HI CEO Elena Norman.
