Indian hockey fraternity joins hands in 'Justice for Gurbaj Singh'

A spark can lead to an inferno – that's what the Gurbaj Singh controversy is threatening to become for Indian hockey that gets a hit on the knuckles every time it tries to form a fist to fight.

Controversy has never left the corridors of administration when it comes to hockey in India; and though it's true with many sports federations in the country, hockey is one sport that has the capacity to lift Indian spirits like none other Olympic discipline. And that's why the fans feel betrayed and hurt as incessant wrangles never allow the game to get into a shape from where it can attempt to regain the lost glory.

The latest in that long row is the hubbub around midfielder Gurbaj.

Not long ago Gurbaj was considered the most talented player in the Indian team, but a report post the FIH World League semis by assistant coach Jude Felix led to Hockey India banning him for nine months on charges of 'misbehaviour' and 'groupism' in the team. However, Gurbaj pleaded not guilty and appealed the decision but the Hockey India Executive Board did not find his explanation good enough to reduce or lift the ban.

The disgruntled player decided to go to court, and now the disquiet around the controversy is growing among the people of India as well.

Fans and friends of the Indian midfielder have formed a community on famous social networking site Facebook by the name 'Justice for Gurbaj' that is growing fast with already over 4,000 people joining.

However, there have been reports in the media highlighting Gurbaj's past, when he was reported by former India coach Michael Nobbs after the team drew a blank at the 2012 London Olympics.

A report in the Indian Express has mentioned about even a 'Punjab clique' in the squad, saying that "a group of players", including Gurbaj, ganged up and that the team was a divided house in London.

While it's debatable whether Gurbaj had a role to play in that 'clique', the player and his fans seem to have decided to take the battle to Hockey India until truth prevails – if it hasn't until now.