Injury Blow for India: Manpreet Singh Ruled Out of Asian Champions Trophy Due to Calf Injury

India's most-capped hockey player, Manpreet Singh, has been ruled out of the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy following a calf muscle injury. His unexpected absence comes as a major blow to hockey enthusiasts and fans who were eagerly awaiting his historic eighth appearance in the prestigious continental tournament. The veteran midfielder was on the cusp of setting a monumental record by becoming the first player in Asia to feature in eight editions of the Asian Champions Trophy. As the marquee event enters its ninth edition, it held deep personal significance for Manpreet, who made his debut in the inaugural edition held in China back in 2011. Heartbreak Over Missing Home AdvantageSpeaking to media representatives, Manpreet expressed profound sadness over his inability to represent the national side on home turf in Punjab. "It is a huge disappointment. It was a big opportunity to play on my home ground, but now I won't be playing. This is where I started playing hockey, and I was so excited. But I don't know when this opportunity will come my way again," he remarked. Emphasizing the significance of staging top-tier sports in the region, the decorated player urged the state government to bring more international fixtures to Punjab. "I would urge the Punjab government to organize international tournaments again so that I also get to play here in front of my people," Manpreet added.