Miles away in Moscow, Pakistan drag-flicker Imran Warsi, after several attempts, connects with India goalkeeper Baljit Singh, who is recovering from a serious eye injury in Delhi
Miles away in Moscow, Pakistan drag-flicker Imran Warsi, after several attempts, connects with India goalkeeper Baljit Singh, who is recovering from a serious eye injury in Delhi
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Politics may have divided the two countries, but a lot of Indian and Pakistani sportsmen have no animosity between them.
Pakistan drag-flicker Imran Warsi proved this recently when he tried desperately to get in touch with his hockey pals in the Indian team to inquire about the well-being of goalkeeper Baljit Singh, who is recuperating from a serious eye injury.
India 'keeper Baljit critically damaged his right eye when a golf ball went through his helmet visor during a training session in Pune last week.
Baljit was injured on Friday, but Imran learnt about the mishap only two days ago while playing club hockey in the Russian capital of Moscow. "I didn't know about Baljit's injury till I saw a report on the internet on Wednesday," said Imran, who played alongside Baljit for Maratha Warriors during the 2005 Premier Hockey League.
Frantic efforts
Thereafter, the ace drag-flicker tried in vain to call some of his friends in the Indian hockey team, who were training in Pune for the upcoming European tour for which they left last night. "Probably, due to the time difference, the Indian players were unable to take my calls. Besides, I was calling from an international number so they may have not considered returning my call," said Imran.
The Olympian then thought of contacting this writer, who he had met a few times during tournaments.
He was grateful on receiving the number. So, what did he tell his friend when he got through to him in Delhi? "I asked him how he was. He said he was fine, despite all those operations. He told me that the doctors have told him that they will be able to give him accurate information on his condition after a week," he said.
"I assured him that he would definitely get better and that I would pray for him," Imran added.
Interestingly, it was an injury, which caused the friendship to blossom. "When I had a shoulder injury and was looking for a good doctor, it was Baljit who advised me to consult Dr Thomas Chandy from Hosmat Hospital in Bangalore.
"Dr Chandy operated on my shoulder in September 2007 and I was able to get back to competitive hockey in January 2008. So, in a way, I owe my treatment to Baljit," Imran said.
Bigger battle ahead
The bigger battle now for Baljit is to come out mentally stronger than what he was last Friday. Imran has no doubts on that score. "Baljit's a lion-hearted guy and a tough goalkeeper to beat. I'm sure this injury won't get through his defences," he signed off.
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