Jugraj Singh knows a thing or two about making a comeback after a career-threatening injury. And according to him, India goalkeeper Baljit Singh Dadhwal’s mental strength will be tested the most when his rehabilitation gets underway. Dadhwal is currently at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after a golf ball hit his eye during a training session in Pune.

Jugraj, who trained extensively with Dadhwal during their younger days, had seen his own blossoming career all but finished in a road accident six years ago. The drag-flick specialist had to have steel rods implanted in his legs, but still managed to make a comeback, the highpoint of which was being named the best player in the Nehru Cup in 2006.

Singh had returned to competitive hockey after a break of more than two years when he played in the 2006 Premier Hockey League, and showed glimpses of his talent before he was sidelined again. “The biggest thing after an injury is not to lose your mental strength,” Jugraj told The Indian Express. “We all know the importance of vision in case of a goalkeeper and we are hoping for the best. Baljit has to wait and watch, but I am sure he will be able to make it again.”

Golf ball history

One of Baljit’s Asia Cup winning team mates, Jaswinder Singh, says Dadhwal used to train with golf balls earlier as well. “Even back in 2005, he would train with golf balls. He would say his role model Guus Vogels practised with golf balls to make his reflexes stronger,” Jaswinder said.

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