The venue at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, became a hub of dynamic conversation when cricket legend and Member of the Indian Parliament Gautam Gambhir, took the mic to interact with curious students who were eagerly waiting for their turn to ask questions.
He addressed each question happily, citing his experience as a cricketer.
Gautam Gambhir in Abu Dhabi
When one of the students asked him about coaching the Indian Cricket Team and helping them win the World Cup with his experience, Gambhir responded laughing, “I have not answered this question, although lot of people have asked me. But I have to answer you now. I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and those across the globe as well.”
He believes India wining the World Cup is a collective effort of every Indian, both on and off the field.
“It is 140 crore Indians who will help India win the World Cup. If everyone starts praying for us and we start playing and representing them, India will win the World Cup. The most important thing is to be fearless.”
The ace cricketer, who was on a personal tour to the UAE, paid a visit to the sports medicine department at the Medeor Hospital, a leading multi-specialty family hospital in Abu Dhabi under Burjeel Holdings, and interacted with experts to learn more about the latest advancements.
Meeting with young cricket enthusiasts
During the visit, he connected with young cricket enthusiasts from different academies in Abu Dhabi, and shared insights on his inspiring journey, and recent achievements.
Gambhir, who was a key member of the Indian team that won the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, was praised for his recent success with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after returning to the IPL franchise as their mentor.
Reflecting on his recent success, Gambhir said that ensuring security among team members is important in achieving success.
“A secure dressing room is a happy dressing room, and happy dressing room ends up in a winning dressing room. The only thing I did in the KKR was following this mantra. With God’s grace it actually worked.”
Gambhir also offered valuable advice on sportsmanship to the aspiring cricketers. He emphasized the importance of hard work, discipline, and passion.
“Sportsmanship is very important as it teaches you discipline and being fair to everyone. There is no junior senior or international domestic difference. Cricket is a team sport and you cannot win a game single-handedly. Treat your team as family,” he said.
Gambhir’s interaction was part of a special event organized to inspire young athletes and showcase the comprehensive sports medicine services at Medeor Hospital, specializing in orthopedics, rheumatology, sports medicine, and rehabilitation. Safeer Ahamed, Group COO of Burjeel Holdings, and senior officials accompanied Gambhir during the visit and briefed him about the integrated services and initiatives the group has undertaken to promote sports and well-being.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
