Baljit Singh back in India camp

By Tushar Dutt | Place: Pune | Agency: DNA

After hard work of almost 14 months, goalkeeper Baljit Singh has made his way back to the Indian hockey team. He has been included in the Indian camp after two years.

Baljit confirmed to DNA about his selection the camp. “Today, I got a call from my team manager (Indian Oil) and he told me that I have been selected for the camp. I have got a letter from Hockey India and I am happy that my hard work has been recognised,” said Baljit.

Two years back, India’s No 1 goalkeeper Baljit was preparing for the championships in Europe and the FIH World Cup in a camp in Pune. He was practising ’keeping with a golf ball when it hit his right eye and he almost lost his vision in that accident.
After the accident, Baljit had to keep away from the field for over 10 months. He was sent toUS for treatment and after a series of surgeries, vision of his right eye improved.

“I hit the field in April last year and since then, I have been playing in domestic tournaments. As far as my vision is concerned, I can say that I can play hockey and do my job well.

After the injury, it has been my dream to make my place in the camp and now it has come true. I will try to secure a berth in the team,” he said.

“The selectors have included him in the list of probables for the Indian team. In all, there are 91 players, who have been shortlisted for the camp and I think there are eight to 10 goalkeepers among them,” said Hockey India media advisor Anupam Ghulati. “The camp will start on July 1 in Bangalore,” he added.

When asked if Baljit will be included in the team if he performs well, Ghulati said it will be the selectors who will take a call on that.

“I think any player, who has been included in the camp, stands a chance to be in the team. But it will be the selectors, who will take a call on that. They will take any decision on the selection. I feel if he does well, the selectors are there to take care of that,” said Ghulati.