I have Left Behind Disappointment of Suspension: Gurbaj Singh
Gurbaj Singh was suspended for nine months in August last year on charges of indulging in groupism and creating disharmony within the team during the Hockey World League Semifinals in Antwerp, Belgium
The disappointment of serving a suspension behind him, veteran Indian midfielder Gurbaj Singh on Saturday said he is eyeing a fresh start to his career by playing a crucial role in the hockey team's bid for a gold in the 12th South Asian Games here. (Hockey India Lifts Ban on Gurbaj Singh Post High Court Order)
Gurbaj was suspended for nine months in August last year on charges of indulging in groupism and creating disharmony within the team during the Hockey World League Semifinals in Antwerp, Belgium. Former India midfielder Jude Felix, a part of the coaching staff then, had levelled the charges against Gurbaj in his report submitted to HI. (Gurbaj Singh Banned for Nine Months for Dissent and Hurting Team Spirit)
Gurbaj, the senior-most and the most experienced in the current squad in the ongoing South Asian Games, said he wants to look ahead rather than going back to the past.
"I have moved ahead and the past incidents and disappointments are history now. I am not looking back and now I want to perform well for the country. I have always given my best for the country in my career and I will do the same here also," Gurbaj said.
"I have no ill-feelings and now my focus is on hockey and nothing else," he added.
After the Bangladesh match, India take on arch-rivals Pakistan, who are seeking their third straight title, on Monday and Gurbaj said his team-mates should keep a check on emotions to win the game.
"We should not get emotional against Pakistan. Doing that will spoil our chances and we should play our natural game thinking that we are playing against any other country. We should not put ourselves under pressure," said the midfielder.
The two sides are playing for the first time in an international match after the Pakistan team's unruly behaviour during the 2014 Champions Trophy semifinal match in Bhubaneswar.
Two Pakistani players were suspended and one reprimanded for making obscene gestures after the match and Hockey India had threatened to severe all ties with Pakistan unless they issued an apology.