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Manpriya Singh
He rattled off six sixes and hit the highest spots in cricket stadiums, while off the pitch hit the lowest ever when diagnosed with cancer. Between the two, cricketer Yuvraj Singh battled rather batted it all with his characteristic nonchalant stride, be it rumours, speculations, failed relationships. It's only understandable when he says, "I think marriage was the only thing left to happen in my life and with Hazel that happened too," shares the cricketer for a store launch of his at leisure label YWC (short for You We Can) in his hometown, albeit a few miles away at VR Punjab Mall.
The label, an off set of his foundation by the same name, promises a feel good factor that goes beyond just new clothes with a part of the sale proceeds that go to fund cancer awareness. "All I can say is it's a very high percentage," he shares refusing to disclose the numbers but all set for a volley of questions to do with life after the life-threatening disease, his taking things 'slow and steady' (uses the term thrice in different contexts) and the cause very close to his heart.
The malice of cancer
Thrown in the conversation is his deep concern and statistics enough to ring the alarm bell. "There are 17 to 18 people dying every day due to cancer. It's something I went through and that's when I realised how many people are going through it. Punjab is called the cancer capital and it's not a good nickname to have." He adds, "Cancer treatment is very expensive and each month we receive as many as 300 applications for funding of cancer treatment. We are funding 50 kids education who have recovered from cancer." Although he is not taking any specific names who have really supported his cause beyond appearances or speeches, there is no denying the support he has had from celebrity friends. "All my friends from Bollywood or my teammates and the entire cricket fraternity were there when we announced the brand. Everyone has been really supportive."
Talk of issues concerning the state of Punjab, after the unfortunate C, it's the unfortunate D (drugs) raking its ugly head up. "That is more to do with upbringing. How clued in parents are when it comes to their children. It's very important to make sure that children have a focus in life and at the end of the day those battling addiction have to take the first step themselves. Be it a rehab or seek help."
Chandigarh and childhood
Question him on memories to do with childhood and what comes rushing instantly are the several cricket grounds he spent his childhood practising the game. "Cricket ground Sector 16, cricket ground DAV school, cricket ground…" while we get a fair picture outside of classrooms, within the class he was always to be found, in the last row. 'I was a back bencher. I used to sit right at the back."
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