EXCLUSIVE: Indian Hockey Coaching Crisis Deepens as Fulton Tenders Resignation Over Veteran Star's Exclusion

A seismic development has rocked Indian hockey's administrative corridors, with head coach Craig Fulton reportedly offering his resignation following the controversial omission of veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh from the national squad's core probables. This marks the first exclusion for Singh in 15 years, a decision precipitated by allegations of recreational drug abuse. The incident underscores a critical juncture for Hockey India, exposing potential rifts between coaching philosophy and disciplinary protocols. Fulton's purported resignation threat signals profound dissatisfaction with the handling of Singh's case, raising questions about procedural transparency and the balance between punitive measures and athlete rehabilitation. Analysts suggest this could destabilize team cohesion ahead of major international fixtures, as Singh's experience is deemed vital for strategic depth. The situation highlights broader governance challenges in Indian sports, where disciplinary actions often clash with competitive imperatives. Stakeholders are now monitoring whether this escalates into a full-blown leadership crisis or prompts a reevaluation of disciplinary frameworks to align with global best practices in athlete management.