Baljit hits out at Punjab govt

Ex-Indian goalkeeper laments lack of support

Tribune News Service

Former first choice Indian hockey team goalkeeper Baljit Singh has hit out at the Punjab government for ignoring him ever since he has been trying to battle an eye injury in 2009.

Baljit, who lost his right eye to an injury during training with a golf ball, said he had spoken to various people within the State government, including the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, but to no avail.

Speaking to the media at a press conference, Baljit said, “I was assured that everything, including a job with the State government, will be looked after. But it has been so long, and all I have got is just hollow promises. I have met the Deputy Chief Minister on various occasions in Delhi and also in Chandigarh, but apart from another promises, I have not received much from him. While other sportspersons, who do not have the same level of performance behind them, have been rewarded with positions in the police department, my case has been consistently ignored.”

He also hit out at Hockey India for making a mockery of his playing career. He said that he had been called for trials, and despite putting in an above par performance, he was ruled out for selection. “I was made to undergo a trial, alongside other Indian national players. I put in a really good performance, but was ultimately told that I could not be selected and was told that I was handicapped. If they had already made up their minds, then why make me go through the grill at all? Why couldn’t they just tell me in the first place?”

He also said that he was recently awarded for his performance in a tournament in Jharkhand by the Union Sports Minister Ajay Maken. He also requested the Punjab government to understand his plight and support him during his time of need. “I do not see what criteria do I not fulfill. They can place so many other players as DSPs, but not me. My question is why? Why can’t the government realize that I sacrificed my eye, my career, playing for the nation. This is, maybe, the least I can expect from them!”