Baljit set to fight his way back into side

I always remained positive, says ace 'keeper

“I am feeling a lot better,” said Baljit after a training session at the Sports Authority of India, South Centre campus here on Tuesday. “There is no problem with the eye. The vision is still not 100 percent and there is no guarantee that I will get it back. It’s just 50 percent now but it’s good enough for me to play hockey.”

Two years ago, during a routine practice session at Pune’s Balewadi Sports Complex, Baljit’s career was dealt a severe blow when a golf ball hit his eye. The goalkeeper was diagnosed with corneoscloral perforation of the eye and underwent extensive surgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, where doctors worked over­night to save his vision. The Punjabi was then shifted to the United States to have his retina stitched up, paving the way for his return to the sport.

“When I started playing after injury, I faced a lot of problems. I just could not see the ball properly and I had lost my sense of anticipation,” said Baljit of the difficult rehabilitation days. “I used to get hit all over the body. At that moment, I almost felt like giving up -- the pain was just too much -- but the fire inside me always kept burning. I was totally frustrated as I had lost a chance to compete at three major events -- World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

“When I used to go back home completely bruised, my mom told me ‘Don’t give up’. My family members and my employers Indian Oil kept motivating me.

“My inner voice too kept egging me on. I continued to practice hard and now I have competed in several national-level tournaments. The confidence is back and I am hopeful of one day wearing the national colours again,” added the confident 30-year-old.
“Following my injury, many people said I would be never be able to play hockey again. While I was recuperating at home, I watched a TV programme where cricketer Saba Karim said it was impossible for Baljit to play at the top level again. But I always remained positive. I thought of (Mansoor Ali Khan) Nawab Pataudi who had lost vision in one eye at a very young age but went on to captain India. I thought about England football goalkeeper (Sir Gordon) Banks.

“My initial plan was to play for Indian Oil. Then, I wanted to represent my state Punjab. Last April, I played for Indian Oil in the KSHA Super Division at Madikere and won gold for Punjab in the National Games in Ranchi this February. I knew I cannot play for India directly. I set small goals and wanted to achieve them step by step. If I did well, people would appreciate me and the selectors would also notice me. Me getting picked for the national camp in itself is very encouraging.”

Despite making it the probables camp, Baljit knows he faces a stiff competition from the talented duo of Bharat Chetri and Adrian D’Souza. “I am aware that there is strong competiton from Chetri and Adrian.

“I am here to prove my worth and learn as much as possible. I will strive hard. If the selectors feel I am good enough for the national team, it’s great. If not, I will get back to training and improve myself.”