Indian men's hockey was jolted in January 2026 when Manpreet Singh was left out of Hockey India's 33-member core probables for the upcoming FIH Pro League camp in Rourkela. Soon after, reports clarified that the exclusion was not performance-related but stemmed from disciplinary issues during India's tour of South Africa in December.
India toured South Africa from December 2 to 16 for a three-match Test series, losing 2-0 with the final game ending in a draw.
How Manpreet Singh's exclusion impacts Indian Hockey
While disciplinary action explains the immediate omission, Manpreet's absence carries deeper significance. The 33-year-old is not just another senior player; he is the most capped active Indian hockey player, a former captain, and a central figure in the team's resurgence over the past decade,
including Olympic bronze medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
This is the first time in nearly 15 years that Manpreet has not been named in a national camp. He currently sits on 411 international caps, just one short of Dilip Tirkey's long-standing national record.
From a purely sporting lens, the decision is difficult to justify. Manpreet remains among the fittest players in the system, has adapted his game to increased mobility demands, and was a standout midfielder during Hockey India League 2026. Even head coach Craig Fulton has publicly praised his tactical adaptability within India's "Defend to Win" structure.
Hockey India's message
Hockey India's stance suggests a deliberate attempt to reinforce behavioural accountability, even if it means sidelining a pillar of the team. The timing is notable. 2026 is not a rebuilding year: the FIH World Cup and Asian Games are scheduled weeks apart, with the Asian Games offering a direct qualification route to the LA 2028 Olympics.
Excluding Manpreet from the Pro League camp and reportedly not initiating visa processes for the European leg later this year indicates this may not be a short-term sanction. Instead, it appears to be a signal that discipline and cultural standards will outweigh legacy and experience.
India open their Pro League campaign against Argentina in Rourkela on February 11. Whether the midfield can absorb pressure without its long-time stabilizer remains to be seen.
Indian hockey has chosen to draw a hard line. The hope inside the system will be that enforcing discipline strengthens the group. The risk is that, in doing so, it removes the very experience needed when margins tighten and stakes rise.
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