Yuvraj Singh was the Player of the Tournament for the 2011 ODI World Cup. (AFP Photo)
Yuvraj Singh: My life motto has been to never give up and get up every time life knocked me down
Former Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh joined forces with Vicks Cough Drops to introduce the vibrant #VicksKholIndiaBol Cheer Anthem. This anthem is a celebration of India’s unwavering passion for cricket and aims to give 1.42 billion voices the opportunity to wholeheartedly cheer on their favorite teams during the cricket season. We discuss his post-retirement life and other passions.
- You have always been admired for your infectious optimism and upbeat attitude, both on and off the field. How important is cheerfulness and positivity in your life, and how do you maintain this? An unforgettable moment in my life was during the 2011 cricket season. I vividly remember the tremendous support from our fans during that tournament. When I was on the pitch, especially during high-pressure matches, the roar of the crowd was like a shot of adrenaline. Their cheers, their prayers and their unwavering faith made us believe in the power of cheer. My association with Vicks Cough through the #VicksKholIndiaBol campaign is a celebration of our nation’s boundless enthusiasm for cricket, and the power of the collective voices of 142 crore Indians as they cheer during this cricket season.
- Tell us more about your association with Vicks and how you think VicksKholIndiaBol’s anthem will inspire Indians to cheer for team India? Our fans and avid followers of the sport share our excitement, our nervousness, our joy, our sadness. They cheered us on at those crucial moments with their cheers and this motivated me to join hands with Vicks Cough Drops for the #VicksKholIndiaBol Cheer Anthem. With the most crucial cricket series underway, the anthem #VicksKholIndiaBol couldn’t have come at a better time as it is a powerful reminder that when we unite our voices, there is nothing we cannot achieve. With this Anthem, we call upon cricket lovers and music lovers from all over the world to join us in cheering with a Khich Khich free voice. I am all excited and ready to cheer and I am sure the rest of the 142 crore Indians are too.
- From cricket to some other interests, you’ve made the transition. Can you tell us about your post-retirement experiences and how you can continue to be successful in many areas? It is a beautiful period for me with my family and after a hectic career I feel reborn to enjoy this phase. I’ve also missed a lot of time with my family, which I’m completely covering up. I am actively involved in many special initiatives, such as the work done by my cancer foundation YouWeCan and my partnership with Vicks and Signing Hands. It was a very special experience. Interacting with the community made me realize the many challenges the deaf community faces. I was so energized by the passion, energy and love for cricket and I also enjoyed learning and performing the Vicks song in sign language with them. This is a great effort by Vicks and India Signing Hands to make this anthem engaging and inclusive and to provide this opportunity to connect with this very special community of cricket fans. I hope that many more content creators will be inspired by this example to make their content inclusive so that it can be consumed by all.
- You are a role model for many people. What values or lessons do you follow every day to motivate others? Whatever stage of life we are in, we are bound to face challenges in one form or another. My life motto has been to never give up and get up every time life knocked me down. I hope to bring that same spirit to everyone I interact with, and with this hope to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
- It is important for everyone to maintain a healthy lifestyle. How do you ensure that you maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle?
In today’s fast-paced world, leading a healthy lifestyle can be challenging, but it is essential. Make time for regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and make sure you get enough sleep. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family or professionals if you are struggling with your health or well-being. Limit your screen time, especially before bed, to improve sleep quality.
I believe that small changes can lead to significant improvements in our overall health and well-being. It’s about finding a balance that works for you and making sustainable choices for the long term.
