Hockey legend says a little precaution can help prevent serious injuries like the one suffered by Baljit Singh during a training session in the city
Hockey legend says a little precaution can help prevent serious injuries like the one suffered by Baljit Singh during a training session in the city
It was one of the most unfortunate things to have happened on a hockey ground. In a freak accident, India's goalkeeper Baljit Singh suffered a serious injury to his right eye during a training session in the city on Friday.
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Lessons to be learnt:Dhanraj Pillay says Baljit Singh's injury is a big loss for Indian hockey. FILE PIC |
The 28-year-old goalkeeper was not wearing a helmet and may even lose his eyesight due to the injuruy.
Better to be safeHockey legend Dhanraj Pillay has suggested that helmets should be made compulsory for all goalkeepers. "I was told that Baljit was not wearing a helmet during the training session at Balewadi Stadium. A little precaution could have averted such an unfortunate incident," Pillay told MiD DAY. He added, "I am in constant touch with Baljit's physician. I pray that he gets well soon."
Pillay, the only player to have played in four Olympic Games, however, does not subscribe to the view that golf balls should not be used during training sessions. "Nothing happened during the practice matches that were played over the past few months. The injury to Baljit was not because of golf balls. They, in fact, improve the eye-ball coordination. The carelessness in not wearing a helmet resulted in the injury," explained Pillay.
Huge lossThe former India captain said, "Baljit's injury is a big loss to Indian hockey. He is a very fine player. The first big loss was Jugraj Singh, who was hurt in a road accident in 2003. Sandeep Singh's injury was also a big blow.
But, thankfully, he has recovered."
Out of sightBaljit was airlifted to New Delhi on Saturday. He is being treated at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences for corneoscleral perforation of the right eye by a team of surgeons led by cornea specialist Dr Sudershan Khokar.
Baljit has been ruled out of India's upcoming four-nation tour of Europe that starts on July 24. India is scheduled to play 12 Test matches against England, Belgium, Spain and Holland.
