Nothing much changed, he gives coaching to athletes online

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, April 19

City-based athletics coach Sarabjit Singh ‘Happy’ feels that though the lockdown may be boring for a few and may have physical and mental impact on players, it can prove to be a good break for many. He says nothing much has changed for him except for the fact that the webcam has become a special part in his life over sports field.

Sarabjit said, “I wake up at 4:30 am and do some exercise and yoga. After having breakfast, I give some physical training to my family members. I stay connected with my athletic players through the online platform. Besides, I have been brushing off my cooking and reading skills.”

“I live in a joint family and we are 10 members, including kids. After giving online training to my players, I engage my family members in a workout session, which I have never done before. I read motivation books and prepare diet food for my parents to keep them fit and healthy,” he added.

Sarabjit, a former national coach, says he keeps finding motivational sports movies and documentaries to watch. Thereafter, he shares these with his players to keep their spirits high for the postponed tournaments. “Goals have merely shifted for the time being, but not changed,” he said, adding that it is important for the athletes to take care of their fitness and body.

He said as everyone had ample amount of time these days, some were doing over exercises which might weaken their immune system. “It is important for sport players and fitness lovers to understand that they should not over exhaust themselves. They should stick to a limited workout plan with short breaks in between,” he said.

Sarabjit, who has been associated with the Punjab Sports Department as an athletics coach at Khalsa College for the past two decades, said the lockdown was all about mental strength. “All sports players have to look at themselves physically, mentally and see whatever things they can do, which can make them better when they get back on the field,” he added.

Quoting an example of a movie, “Junoon-Ek Soch”, which was made and produced by him three years ago, he said the movie was specially made to promote sports in the state. The movie depicts the struggle of an athlete from his childhood days to becoming an international icon.

“Similarly, the lockdown has come as a testing period in our lives. It is a struggle to save our lives so we will definitely have to win this battle,” he said.