Army players not given green signal for HIL

The Indian Army has not yet granted permission to three of its hockey players to participate in the Hockey India League that is scheduled to start from January 14. It is learnt that the three players - forward SV Sunil, midfielder Ignace Tirkey (Punjab Warriors) and goalkeeper PT Rao (Mumbai Magicians) have not yet got the clearance from the Director General of Military Training (DGMT) that is responsible for sports in the Indian Army.

While it is not clear as to why the permission has not been granted, what is known is that two others players from the Services, both from the Indian air force have been granted permission to play.

However, there is an ongoing effort to try and find a solution to the deadlock. The matter has been brought to the notice of the minister of state for defence Jitendra Singh, who is also the sports minister. Speaking at the Idea Exchange event that is organised by The Indian Express , the minister said that he would study the matter on Friday.