Yuvraj eyes comeback by September, Punjab govt honours him

Chandigarh: Middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh, who has been forced out of action for the past few months following a rare germ cell cancer between his lungs, today said he is eyeing a comeback by September this year.

"Hopefully, I should be back (in action) very soon. May be by next 3-4 months," said Yuvraj. The cricketer was honoured by the Punjab government here this evening for his outstanding contribution to the Indian team's win in the Wold Cup last year. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Member of Parliament Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa honoured the 30-year-old with a cash prize of Rs 1 crore. Legendary hockey player and Badal's school-mate Balbir Singh Sr, Punjab Cricket Association Secretary, M P Pandove and Punjab Government's Secretary Sports, P S Aujla were among others present on the occasion. When asked if he would make a comeback within one year, a surprised-looking Yuvraj said, "One year is too late. I am hoping to make an early comeback, may be by next 3-4 months." Yuvraj, accompanied by mother Shabnam Singh, said that he has taken up yoga for complete and speedy recovery. Speaking after being honoured, Yuvraj said, "It gives me a great pleasure to be honoured by the Chief Minister. As a Punjabi, I feel proud that I have been able to bring glory to the state as an international cricketer. Winning the World Cup was our dream which we realised after 28 years." He said now that he has battled a serious ailment in his life, he would advise others to treat their bodies like a temple. "That's life (having to deal with the illness). As a sportperson, I guess, we take our bodies for granted. When we feel pain, we apply a bit of ice or paste a band-aid. We should realise that our body is like a temple and we should take good care of it," he said. Yuvraj, who had grown bald during the treatment in United States, was today seen with a patch of hair on his back and wearing a light beard. He thanked his well wishers and fans for supporting him and said it was because of their prayers that he recovered and fought the disease. Badal said that it was a humble effort on the part of the state government to recognise Yuvraj's outstanding contribution at the national and international level. On the occasion, the chief minister also honoured Shabnam Singh with a momento and a shawl. PTI