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India’s Jeje turns to badminton in football off-season
Indian football team regular Jeje Lalpekhlua plays badminton to maintain his fitness during the football off-season
With not much football to be played till November due to the domestic off-season, Indian football team regular Jeje Lalpekhlua is keeping up shape by taking to badminton.
A self-professed fan of Malaysian badminton legend Lee Chong Wei, Jeje says playing football helps him maintain fitness while also giving him the chance to hang out with friends.
“I grew up watching badminton and I just love to play it. I’m lucky that I have the opportunity to represent my country in football otherwise I would have (been) a badminton player for sure,” he told the-aiff.com.
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“During the off-season there is no football. But I do have to maintain my fitness. Hitting the gym is fine but badminton makes it more fun. Plus, I can hang out with my friends at the same time. The sport requires quick reflexes and perfect hand-eye coordination including your feet. You also have to good with your footwork. So your whole body is involved,” he added.
The Mizo forward also spoke about his admiration for Chong Wei.
“I have always been a huge fan of Lee Chong Wei. As a teenager I idolised him. His dominance is just so exciting. You know what, I’m the Lee Chong Wei of my gang,” he said.