Baljit’s allegations baseless, says Ministry

NEW DELHI: Hockey goalkeeper Baljit Singh, whose right eye got badly damaged after a golf ball hit him after crashing through his helmet during practice, has requested the sports minister and Hockey India to fund his treatment as he needs further surgery. Baljit alleged that he was taken to the US but had to return before a major surgery was to be conducted on his damaged eye.

“The officials called me back. They said that you can get treated in India. I want to play and I want help. I hope that I will get my dues. But for me, the priority is to treat my eye,” he said.

The sports ministry reacted strongly to these allegations and said that Baljit was unnecessarily creating a controversy. Praveer Krishn, special officer, Commonwealth Games, told TOI: “We have treated him like a member of the family. After he was hurt badly, he was airlifted to Delhi from Pune and treated by a panel of best doctors at the AIIMS. They advised surgery for him in the US and sports minister created a special cell to monitor his treatment there.

“Baljit underwent three surgeries in the three months he stayed in America. The Indian embassy in Washington coordinated with the doctors in Baltimore all through. He was called back when doctors in India, after consultations with doctors in US, decided he did not need any more surgery immediately. The doctors at the AIIMS examined him and have advised rest.

“Dr Supriyo Ghosh, head of eye department in AIIMS said that Baljit now needs cosmetic surgery but doctors say it should be done after six to eight months after the eye has settled down. He wants to play hockey but has been advised against it as he suffers from lack in depth perception. If he plays he will get injured. Surely, Baljit can wait for the cosmetic surgery. We have spent Rs 35 lakh on his treatment. He can’t say ministry has done nothing for him.”