Kolkata: Indian skipper Virat Kohli who had a good outing with the bat in the recently concluded tour of Sri Lanka said that he would, “play for another 10 years” if he is able to maintain his strict training regimen.
The 28-year old Kohli is regarded as one of the most fittest cricketers in world cricket at the moment and would turn a year older in November.
Speaking at a promotional event in New Delhi, the right-hander said that often athletes fail to realise their limitations when it comes to training.
“Lot of us don’t actually know how far we can push ourselves. May be at times, without knowing, we are only able to realise 70 percent of our potential. Therefore it is necessary to push yourself until you are done. For example, if I train as hard as I train now, I will possibly play for another 10 years,” said Kohli.
The talismanic right-hander has been in the form of his life as recently he equalled Aussie legend Ricky Ponting’s feat of 30 ODI centuries. Kohli now stands only behind the great Sachin Tendulkar, who had 49 tons to his name in the 50-over format.
His Virat Kohli Foundation (VKF) in association with the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group will give away scholarships to people who have adopted extraordinary means amidst all odds to take up promoting sports at the grassroots.
He also said that an amount of ₹2 crore would be put to use every year on the recipients of the scholarship.
The athletes or their initiatives, would be tracked throughout the year to detect their progress.
At the launch of the RP-SG Indian Sports Honours, Kohli said, “India has made rapid strides as a sporting nation. The days of being a one-sport country are behind us. The time is just right to introduce an institution that will recognise and reward our top sporting achievers and put the spotlight on those who are expected to do the country proud in the years to come.”
He also added, “Initially, we are investing Rs 2 crore but the amount can go up depending upon the performance of the athletes. I wouldn’t have been anything without cricket. It has made me what I am today and if I can touch people’s lives, it will be a great thing.”
Also present at the occasion was the chief coach of the Indian badminton team, Pullela Gopichand. Kohli recalled the Gopichand’s historic and inspiring victory at the All England Championship in 2001.
Said Virat, “I remember how I along with my friends watched Gopi sir’s All England victory. I had a friend who was a state level badminton player and we all watched the match together.”
“We are all proud of Gopi sir for what he has achieved. He has been producing world class badminton players (PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth),” he added.