Hockey stars Sandeep, Sardara get lifeline as HI lifts ban on duo

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Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh and star midfielder Sardara Singh were handed a lifeline after Hockey India (HI) on Wednesday decided to lift the two-year ban imposed on them for indiscipline, saying the two players were given ‘a last chance’ to make amends for their mistakes.

HI executive director Anupam Ghulati said the decision to revoke the ban was taken after the two players ‘expressed unconditional regret’ for their indiscipinary acts before the Appeals Committee.

"Sandeep and Sardara appeared before the Appeals Committee today and expressed their unconditional regret. So keeping in view their age, performance and future potential the committee decided to revoke the ban," Ghulati said.

"But both the players have given in writing that if they are again found guilty of any misconduct in future the two-year ban can be re-imposed on them," he said.

Both Sandeep and Sardara were banned for two years by HI's disciplinary committee for repeatedly indulging in indiciplinary acts after they quit midway the national camp in Bengaluru last month ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy, citing personal reasons.

The two players were, however, appealed against the ban last week after HI gave them 30 days' time to do so.

The HI official added that now with the ban revoked, both Sandeep and Sardara has been asked to join the ongoing national camp in Bengaluru with immediate effect.

Ghulati, however, made it clear that the duo's selection in the Indian team for the four-nation nine-a-side Super Series tournament in Perth, Australia in October is subject to their fitness and performance in the selection trials scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on September 26.