Ipoh (Malaysia), April 8 (IANS): Bereaved midfielder Manpreet Singh will fly in to join the Indian men's hockey team for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup here on Friday.

Manpreet had to return to India, following the demise of his father, news of which he received hours before the opener against Japan.

Following the news Manpreet was immediately rushed back to be with his family. As a mark of respect India and their opponents (Japan and Australia) sported black arm bands and observed a minute’s silence prior to their games.

Manpreet will now join the team and will be available for their next game against Canada on April 10.

“I have done my duties here, and I am thankful to the team and everyone involved for supporting me in this time,” Manpreet said. “My team mates are like my brothers, and at this time, I want to go there and be with them and support them as they have supported me.”

Manpreet, the former Under-21 captain, is an important player in the team, being capable of doing duty in both defence and midfield.