The rape allegation against defender Varun Kumar is a distraction for the men’s hockey team and his absence from the FIH Pro League will be treated as an injury setback, India chief coach Craig Fulton said on Friday. Varun, an Arjuna award recipient, withdrew himself from the tournament after being accused of rape. He is exploring legal options to tackle the allegation, which he described as a “calculated attempt to extort money” from him.

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