No pass, rues 'forgotten' Baljit

Baljit’s career came to a sudden halt when a golf ball went through the visor of his helmet and damaged the right eye during a national camp at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune last year.

“Till last year I was India’s number one goalkeeper. I would have been in the team if I was well. Even though I am not playing, I still want to be in the stadium near my team-mates but I don’t have any pass,” Baljit said.

“I couldn’t reach Hockey India officials but I asked the coaches about the passes and they said that I have to buy the tickets. They (coaches) said they themselves have no passes for their family,” Baljit lamented.

“It’s not good at all. If a coach gets this sort of treatment what more can you expect? I was a member of the team. If I have to buy tickets to cheer for my team-mates then I prefer to watch it sitting at home. I am feeling very hurt,” he added.

Considering the treatment, Baljit felt HI officials have proved that he is a forgotten chapter of Indian hockey.

“A player, who almost lost his eyesight for country’s cause deserves to get an invitation from the federation. I would have felt I am a part of the team. You feel good when you are treated well but it hurts a lot to see people forget you,” he said.

Earlier, some former Olympians also had complained of non-availability.