From Dharamsala to Delhi

For those of you who actually read this blog, you will know that one of my favorite non-football trips to make is to the Nisarga ashram in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.  I typically make the overnight train journey to this little piece of heaven two times a year and fully unwind with the support of guided meditations, enlightening discourse, nature walks, organic food and beautiful people from all over the world. 

                                     




So last week I was at the ashram fully immersed in Himalayan bliss when I find out that I am meant to present to the AFC Medical Committee at the Indian Football Federation House the day before I was scheduled to return to Delhi. Although my immediate thought was to humbly request one of my colleagues to deliver the presentation on my behalf, I quickly dismissed that thought when I realized how great of an opportunity it is for me to interact with some of the top football doctors in Asia.

So on my last day in Dharamsala, I soaked up as much nature, silence and tasty organic food I could handle and hopped on the evening Jammu Mail train heading to Delhi.  I arrived at Old Delhi railway station after a few hours of delivering my presentation to the cute Aunty who was sharing my train cabin with me.  My driver picked me up, took me to my house to change and the next thing I know I’m all suited up standing in front of 12 AFC appointed Doctors, in the same room where I started my Indian football journey now 7 years ago, an delivering a presenting on how football can help reduce malnutrition and obesity rates in India.

I must say that working as a football professional in India while simultaneously “finding myself” through spiritual journeying is an adventure I hope never ends…

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