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PHOTOS: Yuvraj returns to rousing reception
Indian cricket ace Yuvraj Singh, who underwent three cycles of chemotherapy in the United States for a rare germ cell cancer between his lungs, returned to Delhi on Monday to a rousing reception from adoring fans.
He was received by his mother Shabnam at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, after arriving in the morning on a British Airways flight from London, where he spent some days to recuperate from the after-effects of the chemotherapy.
His head, which went bald following the treatment, was covered by a red sports cap.
Wearing a red T-shirt teamed with khaki trousers, Yuvraj made his way through hordes of fans and waiting media personnel after coming out from the rear gate of the airport.
Flashing the victory sign and a smile, the 30-year-old walked patiently towards a white Audi SUV, which drove him to his Gurgaon home.
"It [the cancer] is completely out of his system and he is better now," a friend who was with him during the treatment said.
Fans happy to see Yuvi back
The Man of the Tournament in last year's World Cup, which India won after 28 years, had gone to the United States for treatment in January.
"finally the day has come ! i am going home tomorrow ! cant wait , excited to see my friends and family ..see you
india!! mera bharat mahan!" Yuvraj had tweeted on Sunday.
It was an emotional homecoming for the cricketer, with fans and media crowding the airport exit.
Some fans came all the way from Punjab to welcome the aggressive batsman.
Future plans
In a 19-second video on Twitter, cycling legend Lance Armstrong had urged Yuvraj to keep moving forward optimistically.
'Hi Yuvi, I am Lance Armstrong and welcome home. Man you have got one big following, I have heard about you every hour of every day since you have been diagnosed. We are pulling for you, so glad you are healthy now. Have a great life, don't look back, live strong buddy,' the 40-year-old American had said.
The left-handed batsman, who was met by fellow-cricketers such Anil Kumble and Sachin Tendulkar during the course of his treatment, is expected to be out of action for a few more months.
He will announce his future plans and details about treatment that he underwent at a press conference on Wednesday.
'Feels like India has won the World Cup again'
After reaching his home in Gurgaon, his mother Shabnam spoke briefly to waiting reporters but the man of the moment restricted himself to just waving at fans from the balcony.
"I am very very happy that he is back. It was an innings that he fought alone but with the blessings of the country. He is absolutely fine. It feels like India has won the World Cup again," a beaming Shabnam Singh told reporters.
"I think that the entire nation has been so good and he is so grateful that everyone is there. He does not have to see any doctor before another three months. For now, he will just rest," she said.
"I will cook him some aaloo parathas and he will be taking rest for another 10-15 days before scheduling anything. He is very positive about the whole thing," she added.