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Journalism of Courage
That Yuvraj Singh is a good fielder, powerful hitter and an obvious choice for the Indian one-day squad is known. He’s also the resident hunk of the Indian team — though that status is under threat from the brooding Irfan Pathan — but those who have an eye on him should heed his father’s words.
‘‘I want Yuvraj to marry a sportswoman. And not just any sportswoman, but someone of the calibre of Steffi Graf’’, says Yograj, the main inspiration behind Yuvraj’s career who played one Test.
Speaking to The Indian Express, he explained his thinking: ‘‘I have read some books on genetic preparations and I want to ensure that Yuvraj, whenever he decides to marry, ties the knot with a strong, athletic woman irrespective of where she comes from.’’
And before you laugh away his comments, he continues. ‘‘Look at Yuvraj. His grandparents from both sides possess healthy personalities. I was a cricketer, Shabnam (Yuvraj’s mother) a national basketball player. Similarly, I want good genes for the next generation.’’
Yograj points to the example of Andre Agassi. ‘‘Look how he’s planned his generations. He is already talking about careers for his children. It’s an approach everyone should have, only then India can boast to be a sporting powerhouse,’’ he says.
The ‘genetic preparation’ extends to younger son Zorawar as well. ‘‘He has just turned 15 and I will now start working with him on the gym. I want to make him a bodybuilder like Arnold Schwarznegger.’’
Yuvraj has been involved in acting of late — shooting for commercials — that has got him into a spot of controversy. Is he following in his father’s footsteps? ‘‘He was born to be a cricketer and he will be. After retirement, yes, he can think of anything else. But if a cricketer is free, no domestic matches are to be played, then I guess, doing commercials is okay. Cricket is utmost because that is why you (Yuvraj) are here.’’
The father signs off with news that he’s writing a book. ‘‘It will come out only after Yuvraj retires. It will basically be the Making of Yuvraj.’’
