Bereaved Manpreet to rejoin squad ahead of Canada game

Manpreet Singh, India's hockey midfielder, was forced to return to India following the demise of his father hours before India’s opening match in the Azlan Shah Cup against Japan.

Manpreet Singh will be available to play for India against Canada on April 10.

Bereaved Indian hockey midfielder Manpreet Singh will be rejoining the team for the Azlan Shah Cup here today after fulfilling his reponsibilities back home following the sudden death of his father. Manpreet was forced to return to India following the demise of his father hours before India’s opening match in the Azlan Shah Cup against Japan.

Just after receiving the news, Manpreet immediately rushed back to be with his family.

As a mark of respect towards Manpreet’s loss, India and its opponents of the first two games — Japan and Australia — sported black arm bands and observed a minute’s silence prior to their matches. Manpreet will now be available for India’s next game against Canada on April 10.

“I have done my duties here, and I am thankful to the team and everyone involved for supporting me in this time,” Manpreet said. “My team mates are like my brothers, and at this time, I want to go there and be with them and support them as they have supported me.”