Yuvraj Singh’s life is an inspiration to everyone. Widely deemed as one of the greatest limited-overs cricketers to emerge from India, Yuvraj has done wonders for his country.
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The southpaw played an instrumental role in India’s two ICC event triumphs (T20 World Cup 2007 and ODI World Cup 2011). In fact, he was adjudged Player-of-the-Tournament in the 50-over World Cup victory. He had played in the showpiece event while suffering from an illness and vomiting blood. The illness was later diagnosed as cancer on his left lung.
Subsequently, Yuvraj took a sabbatical from the game for his treatment at the Cancer Research Institute in Boston, United States and eventually made a return to competitive cricket in September 2012.
As the world is currently struggling to adapt to the increasing threat of COVID-19 pandemic, cancer survivor Yuvraj has shared his views on how to stay positive and disciplined during this crisis.
“I think this has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s heartbreaking to see so many people dying all over the world. It is spreading so fast. People, rather than panicking, should visit the official health sites (WHO and Union Health Ministry) to really understand what the disease is. In my case of cancer, I was also very scared in the beginning but then I got the right information, went to the right doctor and hospital. Please understand that these government and official health sites will guide you accurately because there is rampant misinformation about the virus on social media. First of all, people need to stop reading (social media) and look for correct information,” Yuvraj told Sportstar.
He further added that the rural areas of the country need to be educated about this deadly virus.
“Kids and middle-aged people can pass it on to elderly persons. They should avoid hugging their parents (over 60 age) and grandparents. Don’t keep any physical contact. It is your responsibility not to spread the virus. My heart bleeds for the migrant workers because they are very susceptible to catch the virus. We have to guide and protect them. We have to educate people in rural areas and it is our responsibility to send them the right information – maintain social distancing and wash hands regularly.”
Asked if each individual matters in this fight, the 38-year-old replied: “Yes. People often remark 'How much will my one vote matter.' If everyone begins to have this attitude then what if five lakh people say how would an individual vote matter. In effect, it would mean five lakh people will miss sending the right information to others. We have to save lives.”
India is currently under a 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of Coronavirus. As of April 1, the country has reported more than 1500 COVID-19 cases and lost 49 lives. Globally, the pandemic has claimed over 42,000 lives while infecting close to 859,000.
“Everybody has to find a routine to follow. Can’t keep brooding. If you do that eventually you will get tied down. I begin with gym training (in the house). If you don’t have a gym, start doing exercises at home. Do a lot of reading. Increase your general knowledge. Obviously, you get to spend time with the family. You can do yoga, meditation rather than mourn about the situation. It’s (something) not in your control and this (lockdown) movement is for the betterment of everyone.”
Amidst all this, Yuvraj is happy to witness the fact that mother earth is healing with this global lockdown due to COVID-19.
“I have seen stars for the first time since I started living in Delhi. No air pollution and no noise pollution. A great thing for the earth. We must take a pledge now that when things improve, we won’t take our car out for a day, spend a day with the family, respect Mother Earth, plant trees and flowers. Cut down on creating pollution of any kind,” he said.
