Noida, Feb. 2 -- Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said the veteran Indian midfielder Manpreet Singh asked for a rest himself and is absolutely fit. Notably, Manpreet was not named in the list of 33-member core probable group for the Senior Men's National Hockey Coaching Camp.

When the 33-member core probable group for the Senior Men's Hockey National Camp was announced, the omission of Manpreet, a veteran with more than 400 senior-level appearances for Team India, raised eyebrows. Having performed consistently in Indian colours and been a crucial part of Ranchi Royals' runners-up finish in the Hockey India League (HIL) this year, people wondered why the 33-year-old star was absent from the camp.

Speaking to ANI, Bhola Nat...