Ankle-injury-plagued Indian hockey striker Gurwinder Chandi to visit England for advanced treatment

Injuries are part and parcel of a sportsman’s life, but things can get really frustrating when an injury takes much longer to heal than initially expected.

Indian men’s hockey team striker Gurwinder Singh Chandi is experiencing the same after being out of competitive action for more than eight months, following an ankle injury during the inaugural Hero Hockey India League (HIL) in January-February this year.

The 20-year-old forward has been undergoing rehab treatment in at New Delhi’s Ganga Ram hospital, but hasn’t fully recovered from the ankle injury and is taking a trip to England for advanced treatment. “I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to sit out of action for eight months. It’s difficult to describe what I’m going through. I have been going through my rehab routine in New Delhi, but will now be proceeding to England for advanced treatment,” he told Sportskeeda in an informat chat.

The nippy striker is expected to leave for England later this month. “I will be leaving for England in the third week of October once my visa formalities are done,” he informs.

The ONGC employee hopes to have a successful rehab session in England. “My uncle stays in England and he is facilitating my appointment with the said doctor, who said to be an ankle specialist for sports,especially football. According to the doctor, the injury I’m battling down is a rarity for a hockey player. I really hope the session in England will sort out my injury woes sooner than later,” he harbours hope.

Chandi is sanguine about an early return from England. ‘Look, if I’m advised to go for a rehab, it will be for around twenty-five days. But if a surgery is required I will be out of action for three months,” he apprises.

Chandi, who turned out in the famous green jersey for the Sardar Singh-led Delhi Waveriders during the HIL, where his team subsequently finished runners-up, has been sorely missed in the Indian forward line in recent times.

Indian team took part in four tournaments – the Hockey World League Round 2 event in New Delhi last February, the 22nd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh last March and the Hockey World League Round 2 event in Rotterdam last June and the 9th Asia Cup sans the services of Gurwinder Singh Chandi.

The way things are going, the ace striker, who has played more than hundred internationals for India, will surely miss India’s next international assignment – 3rd Asian Champions Trophy beginning in Japan from November 1.

To put things realistically, Chandi can only hope to be in action in the second Hero Hockey India League beginning January 23. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Everything depends on whether a rehab would be enough for my recovery or whether a surgery will be needed. I’m in touch with Delhi Waveriders and they have been really supportive,” he signs off.

Indian hockey fans will hope that Chandi gets on the pitch and starts rattling the opposition cage with aplomb.