Cancer-hit Yuvraj vows to return stronger
India's cancer-stricken World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh has vowed to
return “stronger than ever” to competitive cricket, saying he was
responding well to treatment in the United States.
The ace all-rounder, named man of the tournament after India's World
Cup win in April last year, is currently undergoing chemotherapy for a
rare condition, mediastinal seminoma, a malignant tumour located between
his lungs.
“I have immense faith in the doctors here and by the grace of God I
shall be back to my best soon,” Yuvraj said from his hospital in Boston
in remarks published in the Times of India newspaper on Wednesday.
“I am on medication and doctors have time and again told me that I am
responding well and that I would be back playing cricket.
I am a fighter and I will return stronger than ever.” A senior
Delhi-based oncologist who has been treating the 30-year-old Yuvraj,
Nitesh Rohatgi also said Monday the cricketer would be able to start
active training by May.
“Initially, I was angry and confused. I was even repentant and kept
thinking I could have done some things in life differently,” said
Yuvraj, an aggressive left-handed batsman and effective spinner.
“However, I have a counsellor here who has helped me get over the
initial shock of learning that I am suffering from cancer.
I have come to terms with it now.” Yuvraj said he drew inspiration
from American cyclist Lance Armstrong, who overcame testicular cancer to
win numerous Tour de France titles.
“I am currently reading Lance Armstrong's book 'It's Not About The
Bike'. I'm sure the book will motivate me and pull me through this
difficult time,” he said. Yuvraj had a dream run in the World Cup,
scoring 362 runs and grabbing 15 wickets in nine matches.
He has not played competitive cricket since taking part in two of
three home Tests against the West Indies in November.
Thousands of well-wishers, including team-mates, officials and
politicians, sent messages of support.
“It is the love of family, friends and fans that has kept me going,”
said Yuvraj, who has scored 8,051 runs in 274 one-dayers and 1,775 runs
in 37 Tests since making his international debut in 2000.
“Till a couple of days ago, I was responding to posts and tweets on
my accounts on social networking sites, but the sheer volume of comments
praying for my well-being would require people to be hired to ensure
everyone is responded to.”
Yuvraj also appealed for an end to media speculation about his
illness. AFP
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