The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Putting the smile back on Pakistani hockey star’s face

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Putting the smile back on Pakistani hockey star’s face

Staff Reporter

— Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

Relief: Thomas Chandy with Pakistan Hockey player Syed Imran Ali Warsi in Bangalore on Friday.

BANGALORE: Smiles are back on Pakistan hockey star Syed Imran Ali Warsi. “I am relieved of the pain in my right hand and I can freely rotate it. The doctor has permitted me to play hockey. I have been given a new lease of life.”

Mr. Warsi, the Pakistani penalty corner specialist, did not have words to express his gratitude to the Hospital for Orthopaedics, Sports, Medicine, Arthritis and Accident Trauma (HOSMAT) doctors for relieving him of the pain he has experienced since last year. “I was really worried about the pain… I was not sure whether I could ever play again. You know how difficult it is for a player to be out of the game,” he said.

Mr. Warsi underwent a minimally invasive microscopic procedure called arthroscopy in HOSMAT on September 27, 2007. He was in the city on Friday to get a follow-up treatment. “I am here to ask my doctor’s permission to start playing hockey. I have done all exercises and physiotherapy treatment as suggested by the doctor,” he said.

Director and Chief of Orthopaedics at HOSMAT Thomas Chandy, who performed the procedure, said Mr. Warsi was suffering from impingement of the shoulder which results in immense pressure on the muscle inside the shoulder restricting its movement. “This is common among those playing sports involving racquets and swimmers. Those suffering from this condition find it difficult to lift their hands above their heads,” Dr. Chandy said.

The period of recovery from surgery depends on the individual.

“Generally it takes six months. But with exercises and physiotherapy recovery can be faster,” he said. Mr. Warsi has been able to recover within four and half months. Dr. Chandy said former Indian hockey goal keeper Ashish Ballal, who underwent a different operation, managed to recover in four months and play in the Olympics.

Mr. Warsi, who has not played since July 2007, has hopes of re-entering the Pakistan hockey team. “Yes, there is a great expectation on me as penalty corner expert Sohail Abbas has retired. With the grace of God I can take over from the legendary Abbas.”

Mr. Warsi said he will be returning to Pakistan on Saturday and will be participating in the National Championship Tournament starting February. “I hope to regain my form during the tournament and get back into the national side,” he said.

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