Doubts over Baljit’s vision persist

Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences are still concerned on the chances of injured Indian goalkeeper Baljit Singh retaining vision in his right eye, reports HT Correspondent.

Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are still concerned on the chances of injured Indian goalkeeper Baljit Singh retaining vision in his right eye.

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Although, Dr Supriyo Ghosh, head of the ophthalmology department is satisfied with the cornea surgery performed on Saturday, he said the eye reconstruction process will take considerable time. “We will try our utmost to restore his vision”, he said.

According to a Hockey India release, Dr Ghosh has said that the treatment was on the right lines and the Indian goalie will be kept under observation in the hospital's eye casualty for at least one week.

While Baljit is fighting for his vision, agency reports quoted an unknown Indian team player voicing the need for insurance cover for all players — at national and club level.

“There is no insurance cover for us when we are in a national camp or playing in an international tournament. After Baljit’s incident, I strongly feel all the players should be insured,” the player is

quoted as saying. The idea of providing an insurance cover to players also got support from a national coach, who pointed out that the team was only insured during international assignments, provided the visa rule of the host nation demands so.

Hockey India secretary Mohammad Aslam said he has not heard of any such demand. “We are taking care of the entire expenses and Baljit's family has not paid a single paisa till now. We are ready to do everything that is necessary for his treatment. I haven't got any demand,” he said.

Though Mohd Aslam said Hockey India would consider such a demand if made through proper channels, the federation and government has taken care of injured players like Jugraj Singh and Sandeep Singh.