The 
world has come to a standstill including sports for over a month now and we are all aware of the reason. As the world learns to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are sure sports person are better equipped to deal creatively in challenging circumstances.
We at India Rush SC bring you exclusives from some of our brightest athletes and staff, sharing how they have managed to stay on top during the lock down period through a series of articles. So sit down, relax, read and be inspired.
This week we are focusing on Injury management and today we speak to Tarun Ludhwani, an elite Player produced by India Rush Soccer Club. He has been part of our Elite Player Training program in Portugal since the last five years, and has played for the Portuguese FA club. We reached out to him to know what he is upto during the lock down period, here’s what he had to say.
How is your journey in football been so far.
It has been a great journey into the world of football guided by India Rush SC and I am thankful to Tim Schulz founder President of Rush and Elvis from IFAP Portugal for introducing me to Elite football. There is so much to learn beyond just learning the skills and playing for the Portuguese Club helped me to grow as a player.
[Read A Step for Tarun in Lisbon]
Injuries are like a bad dream for a player, can you share about your recent injury happened
I had suffered an ACL tear during a game in Lisbon and one month later I went for surgery in India in 2018, after eight and half long months of rehab I went back to Lisbon but unfortunately four months later I suffered recurrence of the injury in Dec’19. Thankfully this time it wouldn’t require surgery but such injury takes time for recovery.
How are you coping up with the injury?
It can be really tough mentally because after surgery you’re basically starting from zero and there are so many things to take care of, it can be a lot sometimes, from nutrition to training to mindset. It’s important to focus on your mental health during the injury, be responsible for the things under your control and set aggressive rehab goals but also be patient with the process. Take it one day at a time.
Is there a specific schedule you follow? Or doctor's given schedule/advise?
I personally look after my schedule and try to be as productive as possible because pursuing just football leaves you with a lot of time in your hands where nutrition and resting also is part of the job. Of course as a human being I do get side tracked once in a while with my schedule but then try to get back on track as soon as possible.
What does the Recovery processes involve?
My recovery process involves lot of mobility, single leg work strengthening, re-education of the injured leg. It is important take care of the good leg also and maintain the strength and flexibility. I also make sure I do 2-3 upper body workouts to maintain my strength levels.
How have you adapted yourself during the lock down?Due to the lock down, all leagues were cancelled, in that sense, I did not miss much of the season. But I have to bounce back strong for the next season. The only things that has had a small impact is shutting down of the gyms but I’m with my rehab trainer online and meeting my workout demands and adapting to the situation. Besides I am using this time for studying about nutrition and fitness and trying to help people with their nutrition goals which will help to be a strength and conditioning coach in the future.
On extending support to the community during this pandemic
It is very important that we give back something to the community. I am helping the community by dropping groceries at senior citizens houses because they advised not to go out of the house.
[Read Tarun Meet and Greet]
First thing you will do once this lock down ends
I will be able to go to the gym for training, beyond that It won’t change much for me. I have been accepted for my bachelors in strength and conditioning at university of central Lancashire so once lock down is finished I’ll be going for my bachelors and continuing my football journey in U.K.
Well that was Tarun Ludhwani, one of the finer players produced by India Rush Soccer club sharing how he is using the lock down period to achieve his goals and at the same time help the community. We are very proud of Tarun exemplifying the Rush core values and wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.
If you have used the lock down period creatively to stay on top of your game, you can share your story on [email protected] and we will publish it. Till then stay tuned for the next article.
Article by - Prasad Bhutkar
