Mamta Kharab accuses Hockey India of showing apathy
NEW DELHI: Recovering from a knee surgery that rules her out of action for the next five months, ace forward Mamta Kharab on Wednesday alleged that Hockey India has dumped her in hour of crisis, not even bothering to inquire about her health after the operation.
Mamta, who suffered a knee injury at a training camp in Bhopal and underwent a major surgery in Mumbai last week, is almost certain to miss the World Cup in Argentina and the Delhi Commonwealth Games later this year.
More than the surgery, Mamta said, it was Hockey India’s apathy which pained her more.
“I got injured during an evening practice session and a MRI on left knee confirmed damage to the cartilage. I had gone through the surgery under the supervision of Dr Anant Joshi, who has advised me complete bed rest. I would not be able to play for next five months,” Mamta said from Mumbai.
Asked whether Hockey India was taking care of her, Mamta said sarcastically, “I have serious doubts whether they are bothered to know about it. Forget about bearing the expenses, the officials didn’t even call to ask about my well being.
“I am deeply hurt by the apathy shown by Hockey India. Despite playing international hockey for almost 10 years, I have been treated like this. They will say that they were busy with the World Cup but now the tournament is over and I still did not receive a single call,” she said.
“I am staying at my relative’s place here and managing on my own, while the expense of my surgery has been given by Madhya Pradesh government,” she added.
Mamta was not happy with the attitude of her teammates and national coach MK Kaushik, who are now on tour of Japan and China play four-Test series.
“My chief coach (Kaushik) too ignored me in this critical time. Not a single official, except physio Vikas Dhawan, has talked to me in the last 10 days,” said Mamta, who was instrumental in India’s gold medal finish in 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.
“People make tall claims to promote Indian hockey but the reality is very gloomy. We have to go on strike to get our dues and inspite of achieving laurels for the country, it’s a pity that nobody takes care of us,” she added.
Mamta, however, vowed to make a comeback before the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games.
“My surgery was successful and I will be able to start practice after five months. World Cup is out of question but I will try hard to play in Commonwealth Games although it’s not an easy task,” she said.
“We as a team have been practising hard to do well in the Delhi event. India will be among top contenders and it will be a dream-come-true to win in front of our own people. I will try my level best to be fit by that time,” she added.