Army players face action for playing in HIL

The Army Sports Control Board (ASCB) has taken strong exception to their taking part without permission and has asked the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) to recall them and initiate disciplinary action. B Shrikant reports.

When they stepped on the turf on Thursday for the Punjab Warriors versus Mumbai Magicians match in the Hockey India League, India forward SV Sunil, midfielder Ignace Tirkey and goalkeeper PT Rao were defying orders from their bosses to withdraw from the league.

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The Army Sports Control Board (ASCB) has taken strong exception to their taking part without permission and has asked the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) to recall them and initiate disciplinary action.

However, despite the latest communiqué sent to MEG on January 29, Sunil and Ignace represented Punjab Warriors on Thursday while Rao played for the Mumbai outfit.

One player claimed they had not received any order to pull out.

Sources in the Bangalore-based MEG said the ASCB has also sought the recall of Jonny Jasrotia of Mumbai Magicians.

In a strongly-worded missive, the ASCB has asked MEG to explain how the players were allowed to participate in HIL without clearance from the headquarters.

“It was intimated earlier that the hockey players will not take part in the HIL till permission is accorded by the board (ASCB). Govt approval for participation by service personnel for such events has not been accorded.”

While Dharamvir Singh, Robert Hammond, Malak Singh scored for the visitors, Jonny Jasrotia pulled one back for the hosts.