HI upholds Gurbaj Singh's nine-month ban, star player to move court

New Delhi: According to a report in the Indian Express, hockey star Gurbaj Singh will appeal his nine-month ban after it was upheld by Hockey India (HI).

With this latest decision, Gurbaj's hopes of representing the country in next year's Olympics in August have been dealt a blow.

The nine-month ban will only be lifted in May 2016.

“These charges are all baseless. The allegations against me are pre-planned and there is no truth in whatever is being said. I will go to the court as I know I have done nothing wrong,” Gurbaj was quoted as saying in the report.

Jude Felix, the former India assistant coach, had submitted a report to HI in which allegations of misbehavior were made against the Gurbaj.

“Jude has given us a written report against Gurbaj in which he has substantiated his claims. Gurbaj’s past record too did not help his case,” an official said. 

Gurbaj appealed against the disciplinary committee's findings and the matter was heard on Friday by a committee comprising of president Narinder Batra, CEO Elena Norman, Harbinder Singh and RP Singh.

However, they were not convinced by the clarification offered by the player. 

The ban will also see Gurbaj miss the HIL and Hockey World League (HWL) finals.