India's long-time captain Sardar Singh was on Tuesday July 12,2016 replaced by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as the skipper of the Indian men's hockey squad for Rio Olympics
Hockey India made the announcement at a star-studded function in New Delhi, making public the 16-member squad which will take part in the quadrennial event in August
India won the Champions Trophy silver for the first time recently in London under Sreejesh's leadership. Sardar was rested for the tournament.
Also, Sardar recently invited controversy after a fallout with a British girl who has alleged that Sardar attempted to rape her during their relationship.
While Sardar continues to deny those claims, the girl, who is also a hockey player, is exploring legal options and had also filed a police complaint a few months ago.
India have been clubbed with giants Germany and Netherlands in Rio, where the hockey competition for the first time will see quarterfinals after the league stage. Top four teams from each of the two groups progress to the last-eight stage.
Indian Hockey Squad
Harmanpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Kothajit Singh, Surender Kumar, Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh, VR Raghunath, SK Uthappa, PR Sreejesh (Captain, GK), Danish Mujtaba, Devinder Walmiki, SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmiah.
Standbys: Pardeep Mor, Vikas Dahiya