The India hockey team received a major setback after first-choice goalkeeper Baljit Singh suffered a career-threatening injury, hurting his right eye.
The India hockey team received a major setback after first-choice goalkeeper Baljit Singh suffered a career-threatening injury, hurting his right eye following a freak accident during a practice session, at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune on Friday.
Baljit was rushed to a local hospital where doctors confirmed that his eyeball and retina were badly damaged. The 28-year-old goalkeeper was shifted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Saturday morning after which he underwent an emergency operation.
It is learnt that that the chances of Baljit getting back his visibility are slim. AIIMS doctor Prof Sudershan Khokhar, who conducted the operation, said it will take at least six months for full recovery. “It is hard to say how much recovery will be possible. It will take a few weeks for us to ascertain the extent of damage. The full recovery will only be possible in five to six months,” he said. It is believed that he will remain in the hospital for the next one week at least.
The injury occurred on Friday evening during the goalkeepers’ practice session, which included two sessions, one with a tennis racket and ball and other with golf club and golf ball. The practice session was under the observation of goalkeeping coach Romeo James. Surprisingly, Indian coach Jose Brasa — who was coaching the team at the opposite goalpost — had no idea about the injury until the goalie was taken to the hospital.
“I have no clue how and when it happened. I only came to know about the incident after he (Baljit) was taken to the hospital. We will miss him during the Europe tour as he was our crucial custodian,” Brasa said.
Brasa, however, criticised the training method adopted that involved use of golf balls. “I have never seen this kind of training in any other country. It isn’t the right way. It isn’t anyone’s fault though,” he said.
Goalkeepers practice with a golf ball to improve their reflexes and agility. “It’s a very unfortunate incident and could have happened to anyone,” said striker Tushar Khandekar. “The goalkeepers have been practicing with golf balls for a few years now.
The golf ball travels quicker compared to the hockey ball and that might be the reason why Baljit didn’t get a chance to react. We will definitely miss him and we hope he recovers soon and joins us back.”
The Chandigarh goalkeeper Baljit will be replaced by Chennai based PR Sreejesh in the 22-member squad, which is scheduled to play four tests against England and three each against Belgium and Spain.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}