Shooter Samaresh Jung shares advice after Covid-19 recovery
The seven-time Commonwealth Games champion and his family fought off the COVID-19 virus by practicing self-isolation
Having beaten the COVID-19 infection, Indian Olympic shooter Samaresh Jung is on a mission.
The seven-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, along with five of his family members, tested positive for coronavirus and underwent self-isolation till concerned authorities certified them safe on June 22.
The COVID-19 survivor is now eager to help out anyone who needs to know first-hand experience of battling the pandemic.
“Some dos and don’ts about whatever I know about the disease, and to whoever I know, I pass on my message,” Samaresh Jung told the Press Trust of India.
Samaresh Jung, a former Asian Games bronze medallist and a participant at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, is no stranger to facing tough challenges.
‘Don’t panic but exercise caution’
But the coronavirus, the 50-year-old shooter admits, was a different hurdle.
“I would say don’t panic to those diagnosed with COVID but, at the same time, we can’t take it lightly,” said Jung, who tested positive on June 5.
The 2002 Arjuna Awardee, however, added that everyone needs to exercise caution and the feeling that ‘we will not get the infection’ should never cross anyone’s minds.
Maintaining a positive mindset
Revered for his positive attitude during his shooting days, the same trait helped Samaresh Jung tackle the virus.
“I decided to stay away from all these (negativity on) WhatsApp messages and television. Though there were some tough days, I was determined to be positive all along,” said the Indian shooter, who earned the moniker ‘Goldfinger’ following his exploits at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Four of the Jung family who tested positive, quarantined themselves at home while two others checked in a specialized facility during the course of the infection.
Having a spacious house helped in self-quarantine.
“We had quite a few rooms and toilets that we could use individually,” said Jung, who is currently a high performance pistol coach with the Indian team.
Support system
Samaresh Jung was also appreciative of the support he received from friends and family and government agencies during these testing times.
“It wasn’t easy, but we had a few friends living nearby who would deliver us the medicines and groceries,” the shooter said.
Jung and his family also received attention from CISF doctors and a couple of family physicians.