IPOH (MALAYSIA), April 6: Indian men�s hockey team today suffered a big jolt even before the start of their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup opener against Japan after centre-half Manpreet Singh was ruled out of the tournament following the sudden death of his father.
Manpreet today returned home on hearing the death of his father just before India�s opening fixture against Japan, which the Sardar Singh-led side won 2-1 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium here.
India�s squad was reduced to 17 for the opening match against Japan and to make matters worse they will not be able to get a replacement for Manpreet. Manpreet got the news of his father�s demise hours before the match against Japan. � PTI
