CHANDIGARH: It’s just been four months when disaster struck India hockey goalkeeper Baljit Singh and sucked him into an abyss where his glittering
career hung in an absolute blackout. It looked almost certain that destiny had cut short a promising career after a ball hit his eye and impaired his vision.

But Baljit refused to accept defeat and fought on till the battle is won. “It’s been almost a week that I have started training here in Sector 42 sports complex. I have started with light weights and as the injury heals more, the training will get more intense. For now, it is restricted to one hour in the morning and one in the evening,” Baljit said.

Once again on the ground, doing warm-up exercises, he is convinced that all is not lost yet and it’s about time to get going. And what better place than where he began his journey upwards.

“There is no place like home where the smiles are familiar and gestures heartfelt. You can actually feel people sharing your pain and trying to alleviate it. It is quite a therapeutic experience.”

It is through such pep talks that the tragic ramifications of Baljit’s injury is relegated. “When I am here practising with my friends I forget about my injury and feel like one of them.”

The concern, in the form of constant enquiries, reminds Baljit that the next check up is due in three weeks and, if

the last and final surgery goes well, may be, he will be in the reckoning for the World Cup squad and Commonwealth Games next year.

“The vision in the affected eye has returned to 40-45 per cent. I can see objects close by but still can’t figure out objects at a distance clearly. It will take at least three-four months to get the clear picture.”

Till then, the brave Chandigarh lad’s future will dangle precariously between hope and despair.

Besides training and positive attitude there is hardly anything more Baljit can cling to. “Khiladi hai, khelte kuddte hi ache lagte hai, iske ke elawa aur kar kya sakte hai,” he says philosophically.

His childhood mates Rajpal and Deepak Thakur are there to egg him on for a comeback. “He is a brave and cheerful guy. If luck is with him he will be back,” teammate Deepak said