I am a sports enthusiast, and if given an opportunity, I want to be a sportsman, even today. I want to promote the sport that is indigenous to India. Kabaddi is a matter of national pride. Why can't cricket, hockey, football and kabaddi be given equal platforms and co-exist? I believe that can happen.
You're always under pressure, that's what life is about. That is what playing international cricket or being a professional sportsman is.
In England, it's a rare thing to see a player smoking but, all in all, I prefer that to an alcoholic. The relationship with alcohol is a real problem in English football and, in the short term, it's much more harmful to a sportsman. It weakens the body, which becomes more susceptible to injury.
Sportsmanship is definitely an important thing in all sports. In soccer, we all respect each other on such a high level, between Sweden and Brazil and Japan or whatever team it is.
I just loved going fast. I still enjoy go-karting. I was also good at rugby, and my dad wanted me to be a sportsman, but I never thought I could do sports professionally.
With me being a sportsman and being an icon who people know, if I can even send a little message across which will maybe help a lot of people, I'm going to do that.
'Harjeeta' is a film based on the inspiring story of a sportsman, grappling with life's struggles, and surviving against all odds and managing to end the nation's 15-year-old drought in the Junior Championship by lifting the coveted trophy.
Maybe it's the sportsman in me, but if it is going to be television, I want to be the best I can be.
Professionalism is not sportsmanship. If you don't succeed, you won't be in your profession for long. In our society, it's not about good or bad. It's about who's on top.
This is no ordinary nine to five day job and I have a 24/7 in terms of my boxing and my career as a professional sportsman.
