Sports Ministry to pick Jugraj's medical bills

Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Vijay Goel has announced that the Sports Ministry will take care of the medical expenses of hockey player Jugraj Singh, who is undergoing treatment at the Dayanand Medical Hospital, in Ludhiana, following a car accident on Tuesday night.

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Speaking to rediff.com, Goel said, "Jugraj is a fine hockey player who was the star of the Indian team during the recent Champions Trophy. We are not going to let our hockey players down and have decided to pick his medical bills.

"We hope he has a fast recovery so that the team does not suffer because of his long absence."

Jugraj, who suffered multiple fractures on his right elbow, right hand and foot in the accident at Dakoha, near Jalandhar, is expected to be out of action for at least three months.

Coach Rajinder Singh, who rushed to Jalandhar to be beside his star player, said the injury is a big blow to the team ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup, to be held in Kuala Lumpur from September 21 to 28.

"Jugraj's absence will be a big blow to the team. We will badly miss him during the Asia Cup," he said, adding he has not yet given thought to who could replace the penalty-corner ace for the tournament.