Sachin Tendulkar was at the Guru Nanak Hospital and Research Centre in Bandra, northwest Mumbai, on Tuesday, to inaugurate a Diabetic Foot Clinic.
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"2004 was full of ups and downs," Tendulkar said. "There have been some big disappointments in the year. I never thought I would have such a terrible injury. The injury was such a big setback. However, it has made me a tougher person and helped me fight back and get back to where I am supposed to be."
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Last week, Indian team physio Andrew Leipus, who was in Mumbai, hinted that Tendulkar would need to rest his elbow before going into major games. As a result, he decided to opt out of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy against Delhi.
How much rest did he need? "Doctors have recommended a month's rest, so another three weeks to go now. The doctors have advised me not to play a single ball during this period and to rest the arm as much as possible. I am going by the doctor's advice and giving it complete rest."
The batsman said he felt deeply for the victims of the tsunami tragedy.
Tendulkar says it is important for every person to do his bit to help the victims' families and survivors.
Even though he will not play in the Asian XI versus World XI match to raise funds for the tsunami victims next Monday, he has been named in the Asia XI team, which will be captained by Sourav Ganguly.
"I am still going for the charity match," he said. "I feel I should be there and be a part of it. Even if I cannot play the match, its important to go there and be a part of the occasion. It is important to do as much as we can for the people affected by the tsunami. Not only cricketers and sportspersons, but all the people in the world should come forward and do their bit."
The batting maestro says he has no specific goals in mind for 2005.
"No goals for 2005," he said. "I am just going to go out there and play my game."
The Diabetic Foot Clinic, being opened for the first time in Mumbai, will provide guidelines for prevention and treatment of diabetic patients and will reduce the impact of diabetic foot disease.
