Manpreet Singh (Image credit: Hockey India)
JALANDHAR: For Manpreet Singh, Punjab’s historic moment of hosting its first international hockey tournament in 17 years was meant to be a homecoming. “My journey started at the Surjit Hockey Academy in 2005.
“I am disappointed,” Manpreet told TOI here on Wednesday. “While my mother has been in the stands during domestic matches, she was looking forward to watching me play for the country for the first time,” he said. India’s mostcapped player was set to take the field before his own people, on the turf where his journey began. Instead, a calf injury has left him watching the Asian Champions Trophy from the sidelines, wondering when, or even if, he will get another such opportunity. I was on the verge of finally playing here, and then came the injury setback. I don’t know when I’ll get another chance to play in India colours here,” rued the crafty midfielder.