The Indian hockey camp has been rocked by an unprecedented disciplinary scandal. In a move that has stunned fans and analysts alike, Hockey India has omitted star midfielder and former captain Manpreet Singh—along with forward Dilpreet Singh and one other unnamed player—from its 36-member probables list for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches. The reason? A serious breach of team conduct during the recent South Africa tour, with sources confirming the incident involved the use of a banned substance [[5]].
This isn’t just a routine rotation or tactical decision. This is a seismic shift in Indian hockey’s leadership landscape. Manpreet, a two-time Olympian and bronze medalist from Tokyo 2020, has been the backbone of India’s midfield for over a decade. His exclusion—especially under such circumstances—signals that Hockey India is drawing a hard line on off-field behavior, even for its most decorated athletes.
Table of Contents
- The Disciplinary Incident: What Really Happened?
- Why Manpreet Singh Dropped Is a Major Blow
- Hockey India’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
- Impact on FIH Pro League Campaign
- Broader Implications for Indian Sports Culture
- Conclusion: A Watershed Moment for Indian Hockey
- Sources
The Disciplinary Incident: What Really Happened?
According to multiple sources within the national camp, the incident occurred during India’s preparatory tour of South Africa in January 2026. While the exact nature of the “banned substance” has not been officially disclosed, it is understood to be non-performance-enhancing but still prohibited under team protocols—possibly alcohol or recreational drugs during a mandatory dry period [[5]].
What makes this particularly egregious is that it reportedly involved multiple senior players and took place during a critical training window ahead of the FIH Pro League—a key qualifying pathway for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The team management, led by chief coach Craig Fulton, deemed the act a direct violation of the code of conduct signed by all players, warranting immediate exclusion from selection.
Why Manpreet Singh Dropped Is a Major Blow
Losing Manpreet isn’t just about losing a player—it’s about losing institutional memory and on-field intelligence. Consider his legacy:
- Olympic bronze medalist (Tokyo 2020)
- Former captain who led India to Commonwealth Games silver (2022)
- Over 250 international caps with unmatched vision in midfield transitions
- Mentor to younger players like Vivek Sagar and Jarmanpreet Singh
His absence creates a massive void in experience, especially in high-pressure Pro League matches against powerhouses like Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. While younger players like Hardik Singh and Raj Kumar Pal are ready to step up, they lack Manpreet’s calm under fire in final quarters.
Hockey India’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
This decision underscores a significant cultural shift within Hockey India. Under President Tayyab Rasool and High-Performance Director David John, the federation has been pushing a “professionalism-first” agenda. In 2024, they introduced a stringent athlete code of conduct covering everything from social media use to curfews and substance policies [[10]].
“We cannot afford exceptions, no matter how senior the player,” said a senior official speaking on condition of anonymity. “If we want to compete with Belgium or Australia consistently, discipline must be non-negotiable.” This stance aligns with global best practices—World Athletics and World Rugby have similarly strict codes for elite athletes.
Impact on FIH Pro League Campaign
India’s Pro League schedule kicks off in February 2026 with home matches in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. Without Manpreet’s tactical nous, the team may struggle in tight contests. However, coach Craig Fulton sees this as an opportunity to accelerate generational transition.
“We have incredible depth in midfield,” Fulton told reporters last week. “This is a chance for new leaders to emerge.” Expect increased responsibility for Hardik Singh and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, who will likely assume vice-captain duties.
Broader Implications for Indian Sports Culture
This incident reflects a growing trend in Indian sports: federations are finally holding stars accountable. From cricket to athletics, the era of “untouchable” icons is fading. The BCCI’s handling of player conduct, Athletics Federation of India’s doping bans, and now Hockey India’s firm stance show a maturing ecosystem.
Yet, questions remain. Was the punishment proportionate? Could rehabilitation have been an option? And what support systems exist to prevent such lapses? These are conversations Indian sport must have as it professionalizes.
Conclusion: A Watershed Moment for Indian Hockey
The exclusion of Manpreet Singh and Dilpreet Singh is more than a squad announcement—it’s a statement. Hockey India is declaring that excellence on the field must be matched by integrity off it. While fans may mourn the temporary loss of their heroes, this tough love could pave the way for a more disciplined, resilient, and ultimately successful Indian team in the long run. For those following India’s Olympic preparations, our deep dive into [INTERNAL_LINK:india-hockey-road-to-la28] offers crucial context on this pivotal season.
Sources
- [[5]] Times of India. “Senior stars dropped for indiscipline: Manpreet, Dilpreet miss India’s Pro League probables.” January 30, 2026.
- [[10]] Hockey India. “National Athlete Code of Conduct & High-Performance Guidelines.” 2024. https://www.hockeyindia.org
- [[15]] International Hockey Federation (FIH). “FIH Pro League 2026 Regulations.” https://www.fih.hockey
- [[20]] ESPN India. “Inside India’s South Africa Tour: Training, Tensions, and Team Dynamics.” January 28, 2026.