Vasco SC football coach Micky Fernandes turns drummer during Lockdown in Goa

What keeps Micky Fernandes, former India international and current Vasco coach busy during the corona virus lockdown? Besides his regular home training schedule he is keeping himself occupies by playing the drums and learning new tunes.

“I like playing the drums it's one of my child hood hobbies. I learn new beats,” said the 37-year-old who played for different clubs I-league clubs in Goa, Mumbai and West Bengal.

“Pick up something easy and doable ...like a jump rope what we all did as young kids. Mountain climbers, burpees, jumping Jack's and the list goes on. Yoga meditation or dance to some peppy music,” he advises people during the lockdown, who won the I-league with Dempo SC and was part of the Goa’s Santosh trophy winning on two occasions.

Question: People have been advised to remain at home (in the fight against coronavirus). What are your thoughts?

Answer: It is a deadly life threatening virus that still doesn’t have an antidote or a cure. Currently being treated symptomatically.  My personal advice..." Precaution is better than cure" self quarantine stay safe stay home.

 Question: Why should everyone pay close attention to Indian government’s advisory on staying at home at a time like this?

Answer: India's population is large as compared to the ratio of the medical facilities with proper functioning ventilators and medical staff in the country.

Also with the poor sanitization and population under poverty line in case of a sudden outburst of the number of C19 persons will cause a dominoid effect among the population. We won’t be able to cope up with the rising number of this contagious disease.

Question:  Describe your day in self-isolation. What’s your daily routine, how are you spending this time at home to stay positive?

Answer: Begin my day with a home exercise plan generally involving some sort of a cardio activity and Pilates along with core strengthening and a full body mat exercise...static n dynamic stretches e.g foam rolling etc. A good well balanced meal...mostly vegetarian fruits grains and nuts as of now due to the bird flu and me self quarantine ... Away from the red meat and the formalin fish an extended lent that I normally don’t follow.  Binge watching videos on You Tube, Netflix and surfing the net and texting my friends

Question: What is your advice to Indian’s residents on maintaining their fitness at home?

Answer: Pick up something easy and doable ...like a jump rope what we all did as young kids. Mountain climbers, burpees, jumping Jack's and the list goes on.

Yoga meditation or dance to some peppy music.

Question:  What other activities are you engaged in at home that you would like to share with your fans?

Answer:  Workout need not be only in a gym with dumbbells or outdoors you can do a home work out in the comfort of your home

Mental health is also important listen to music you like and move a foot or two to your best beats.

I like playing the drums it's one of my child hood hobbies. I learn new beats. Read a book if u like paint, listen to a motivational podcast, engage in some craft, gardening, cards some board games  several online games  to keep u connected whilst away in your homes ..The list is endless.

Video calling your family work colleagues and friends or just call a friend who u normally don’t have the time to call or haven’t spoken to in a long while because of your busy schedule and reconnect with old friends. De-clutter your space and deep clean arrange your cupboard or your shoes.

Sit and chat with your parents and family over a cup of tea or coffee. Have your meals together Pray together or alone the choice is yours and the world is in need of prayers. Bird watch and admire the nature and beauty of things around you.

Question: Since athletes need international competition to stay in top form, what will you do to stay in good form without competition?

Answer: Good diet and workout, sound sleep... gratitude and prayer is a part of my new schedule

Question: Is the current period affecting athletes more or other people and how?

Answer: It is affecting everyone because sleep patterns have been altered .Some either eat more than otherwise binge watch movies or just laze in front of the TV and social media. It has made people lazy because of the lack of outdoor movement.

Question: Lots of big milestones await you this year in competitions. How do you evaluate the current situation amidst all the cancellations and postponement?

Answer: Well this came to us as a surprise totally unplanned. Fitness levels may drop because on field training and maintenance workouts at home for longer periods will do no good for professional athletes.

Question: And what is the effect on sports globally?

Answer: Everything currently had to be shut down with the fear of the C19. Our lives are at stake and keeping everyone indoors healthy and alive and not as a carrier is of utmost importance n the need of the hour now.

MICKY FERNANDES FACTBOX

Dob :20th august 1983

Clubs played: Sesa academy

Salgaocar SC

Sporting Clube de goa

Mohun Bagan AC

Dempo SC

Air India pvt ltd

Churchill bros

Vasco SC

*Achievements with clubs.

I-league champion..Dempo sc

*National league *..Salgaocar sc

Super cup champion..Dempo sc

Federation cup winners ...Churchill bro’s

Durand cup winner: Salgaocar sc & Air india

Runners up: Mohun Bagan AC  

IFA shield: Mohun bagan ac

Goa league 3 times in a row winners : Salgoacar sc

Individual achievement: Got best midfielder of Goa 2005/6

Represented Goa in age level

Goa under-21 champion

Santosh trophy champion

Represented national team

AFC Cup reached semi final with Dempo sc

AFC Cup quarter finals with Churchill bro’s

Captained Goa Santosh trophy team, Salgoacar sc, Sporting clube, Airindia and Vasco SC.

Coaching

1st division Penha de Franca promoted to Goa Professional league

Vasco SC  present