NEW DELHI, March 23: His national comeback plans delayed by the postponement of the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, India forward Jeje Lalpekhlua is now training at his native Mizoram, where the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic is yet to make its presence felt.
The pandemic has led to either cancellation or postponement of all sporting events including the upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifiers. India�s home match against Qatar (earlier slated for March 26) and other games against Bangladesh and Afghanistan in June have also been postponed.
�I was really looking forward to the camp in Bhubaneswar. The postponement has come as a big setback. But there�s no room to complain and I fully stand by the decision taken,� Jeje said.
Jeje, who has been on a rehab since May 2019, informed that he is itching to get back to action.
�I had a knee injury last season and had a surgery in May. My rehab has been complete. I can realise that I�m reaching an optimum fitness level gradually,� he said.
�Initially I started my rehab in Chennai. Then I went abroad and the sessions were excellent. The doctor was really helpful and the physio did individual sessions every day. Sometimes, we had two sessions in a day which helped me recover faster,� he said.
�Since I am in Mizoram now I am continuing individual sessions in consultation with the doctor and physios. I am working hard on my fitness now.�
The footballer also conveyed �a big salute� to the medical staff and all others on the frontline in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus outbreak has infected more than three lakh people and claimed over 14000 lives across the world. � PTI
