For someone who hardly bats an eyelid when under the hockey goalpost, the last few months have been hard. India’s numero uno goalkeeper Baljit Singh first grievously injured his right eye and was sent to the US for treatment. After three rounds of surgery there, while waiting for a major operation, he was brought back to India with the assurance of further therapy here. But Baljit alleges that the authorities “ignored” him after bringing him back home, leading to a war of words with the sports ministry.
There are signs, however, that the player’s woes are being addressed, with Hockey India handing over Rs.2.5 lakh for his rehabilitation following a sports ministry promise that Baljit would be cared for despite his outburst against the authorities.
When Baljit was in the US, he had to fight off both mental and physical anguish.
Recollecting his endless hours spent on a hospital bed contemplating his future, Baljit says: “I used to shudder at the thought that I might not play for India again. I could not imagine that such a thought could cross my mind. I am not an emotional person. But there were moments when I could not hold myself back. My father’s presence eased my mind, and my friends always tried to cheer me up. Also, many of my teammates used to call me and cheer me up. Then, I would be happy, but only temporarily. ”
While in hospital, Baljit became addicted to European football.
“I love football but, back home, I never had enough time to watch matches. While in the US, I had enough time to watch all the top football leagues and didn’t miss too many English Premier League matches.
Also, using his laptop, Baljit watched some of his old matches and that really lifted his spirits. “And I followed the progress of the Indian hockey team,” he adds.
Baljit is hopeful of staging a comeback but everything depends on him regaining vision in his right eye.
“The doctors in the US were really good. Dr Robert Morris was really supportive and allayed my fears. My vision is getting better and I can now distinguish colours. I am able to see things from a distance of 2m. Before surgery, I wasn’t able to see anything with my right eye. “
“Now, at least I am able to see things, even if objects appear blurred. It will take some more time to know whether my vision will be 100 per cent again,” says Baljit, who will also undergo cosmetic surgery.
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