Don’t believe Gill, Baljit tells players

HARPREET KAUR LAMBA

NEW DELHI

Sports minister M.S. Gill on Tuesday asked the protesting Indian hockey players to join the World Cup camp in Pune promising a “fair deal”, but Indian hockey goalkeeper Baljit Singh wants his teammates to take the minister’s words with a pinch of salt.

“I saw Mr Gill’s statement on TV today, where he has promised a fair deal to the India team if they resume training. I would like to ask where were these ministers when I was dying a slow death every day. What about his promises made to me?

What about Hockey India’s statements to the media saying they would take care of my expenses,” he asked.

“These are all blatant lies. I am glad the players have voiced their opinions, but no one will heed their demands once they are back on the field,” he claimed.

One of the most promising stars of Indian hockey of recent times, Baljit is now waging a lone battle.
The sports ministry has stopped his treatment, saying, “Puri zindagi tumhara khayal nahi rakh sakte (we cannot take care of you forever)”, he said, a comment highlighting the plight of hockey players in the country.

“It took me close to 50 calls to get an appointment with Mr Gill. I travelled thrice to meet him — on the date and place given by the minister’s officials — but was told he was busy. Finally I met him in New Delhi on January 6, where he told me that the ministry cannot spend any more money on me. I had tears in my eyes. Was this why I played hockey all my life?” he asked.

“It was even hinted that I was treated despite there being no chance of recovery. Now I am paying out of my own pocket.”

The 28-year old injured his right eye during a national camp in Pune last year, damaging the retina, cornea and lens.

The ministry and the Sports Authority of India sent Baljit for further treatment to the US, where he underwent two major surgeries. Much was promised on his return to India in October, but the custodian is now left to fend for himself.

On a day his teammates put up a show of solidarity against the administrators, Baljit said, “The move was much needed to save more careers from being ruined.”

Said Baljit, “Till two months ago I was Indian hockey’s No.1 goalkeeper.
I was in the limelight, donning the national jersey and preparing for the World Cup. Today, I am a nobody for Hockey India and the sports ministry.

“The ministry has stopped my treatment saying it is not worth it.
They cannot spend any more money on me. This is the fate of a hockey player in this country.

“If you ask me, I fail to believe that I am a national hockey player, because players don’t get such treatment.” Since his return to India, Baljit has knocked on every door for help, but to no avail.