Kanwalpreet disappointed with injury

Jalandhar, Apr 12 (UNI) Defender Kanwalpreet Singh is disappointed, as he will be missing the Four-Nation International Hockey Tournament to be held in Germany from April 15 to 18.

With his right thumb in plaster, a dejected Kanwalpreet Singh said, ''I have been advised four-week rest after I sustained fracture during practice in the national coaching camp in Gurgaon last Saturday.'' Kanwalpreet returned home last night from Delhi.

''When I was hit by the ball, it started bleeding. However, I continued to practice. It might have further aggravated my injury though I applied ice after the practice. I never realised that I have sustained fracture on my left thumb. It was only during midnight when I felt severe pain and noticed my thumb has swollen,'' said Kanwalpreet.

The dependable Indian defender was taken to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. After the fracture was diagnosed, the doctors put his right palm in plaster and advised him four-week rest which cost him the Four-Nation Tournament prior to the Azlan Shah Tournament in Malaysia in June this year.

Moving his fingers without any problem, Kanwalpreet Singh of Punjab Police, who has been manning the defence with stubborn determination since his recall after the Indian Hockey Federation had lifted the ban, was confident that he would fully recover before the coaching camp next month in preparations for the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.

The Indian Hockey Federation has recalled former Indian captain Dilip Tirkey who is also on the injured list, to replace lanky Kanwalpreet Singh.

Kanwalpreet said he will follow his fitness schedule strictly to keep himself fit.

UNI XC DP PDS RS1811