Gilchrist says he pursued education along with cricket

NEW DELHI: Former Australian wicketkeeper-skipper Adam Gilchrist visited Delhi University’s Conference Centre on Monday to foster better educational ties and bilateral engagements between the two nations.

Gilchrist, who is Australia’s education ambassador to India, spoke to students about his own experiences as a sportsperson, and about finding a balance between education and sports.

The talk, titled “Life of a Sportsman”, coordinated by the Australia India Institute and Kirori Mal College of Delhi University, emphasised on the importance of blending education with sports as that is necessary for holistic development. Gilchrist spoke of his father, who had been a teacher, and how he had motivated him to pursue his education throughout his life.

“My parents made me complete my education through correspondence as I went to the UK for six months to play cricket at the young age of 17. Now that I am retired, I understand the value of that decision as I see my life as far more balanced due to education,” he said.

He shared his life’s story, interesting anecdotes and his philosophy about how the right attitude in life can transform an individual, much to the joy of many in the audience. “I learnt so much from the talk and was able to correlate as a passionate cricketer,” said Radhika Yadav a student at Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies.

Gilchrist also took questions from the students on women in sports and staying motivated despite losses and defeats.