Best goalkeeper dumped from national camp

They have ruled me out on medical grounds. They say that my peripheral vision isnt good enough. No rule book says that players with lack of peripheral vision cannot play hockey. Moreover,I won the best goalkeeper award at the Obaidullah Cup and was part of the gold-winning Punjab team at the National games. I was picked for the camp because of my performance and its shocking that I have been dropped, Dadhwal told The Sunday Express.

AB Subbaiah,the goalkeeping coach at the camp being held under newly appointed India coach,Michael Jack Nobbs,said,The medical report said that Baljit had a problem with his peripheral vision. We decided its better if he is told early enough. He is playing well at the domestic level but international competition is a different ball game.

Punjab captain Gurbaz Singh believes that Dadhwal got a raw deal. Performance should be the criterion when it comes to picking players. Former India captain MAK Pataudi couldnt see through one eye but played international cricket for 14 years. Dadhwal made brilliant saves against some of the top India strikers during the National Games and he played a big role in the final against Jharkhand. He should be given an opportunity to prove himself at the international level, Singh said.

Dadhwal was hit by a golf ball in the eye during a training session at the national camp in Pune two years ago. He was operated upon at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and also visited specialist in the USA for further treatment.