Jugraj unfazed about having surgery again

Hockey ace Jugraj Singh, currently undergoing treatment at the Batra hospital and Research Centre in Delhi, and his father Harjinder are not worried about the news that former might have to undergo surgery again to correct his injured right elbow.

"Both Jugraj and I are not at all worried about the news that he may have to be operated upon again. I want my son to play hockey for India as early as possible. And he too is keen to get back into the team. So we are taking things in our stride," Harjinder told rediff.com on Monday.

Sports medicine expert Dr Anant Joshi, who examined Jugraj on Sunday, had told newsmen later that the star player might require further surgery on his injured right elbow.

"He is fine. His pelvis and lower limb injuries are uniting fine, but regarding his right elbow fracture, an expert opinion from a leading authority in United States could be taken," Dr Joshi said in a press statement.

When this correspondent visited Jugraj at his double deluxe room 534 in Batra hospital, the penalty-corner specialist, who was badly hurt in a road accident at Dakoha near Jalandhar last month, appeared in good spirits.

Asked how he was feeling, Jugraj replied: "I am fine."

Do you have any complaints?

"No, we have no complaints. The Government of India, Batra hospital authorities, Punjab government and the Indian Hockey Federation are taking good care of us. We are waiting for arrangements to be made for his treatment in United States," said Harjinder.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had directed the state administration to release Rs. 500,000 for Jugraj's treatment.

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs had announced it would pick the player's medical bill and the Batra hospital authorities had said it would not charge Jugraj for his treatment.

Jugraj, however, refused to discuss his plans about returning to the game or how badly he misses it.

"Paaji I hope you will understand that I have not spoken to anyone or given any interview. Whatever I speak to you would be printed and then the newsmen will be breathing down my neck for interviews. I am too exhausted to talk about the game or myself or even discuss the incident in which I got injured," he said politely.

Harjinder too pleaded: "Please excuse us for the time being. If we do decide to speak we will give you a call."