Lot is being said, written and debated over the ‘sorry’ plight of Indian sports and why sportspersons from our country were not able to make a mark for themselves internationally. Considered the epitome of sporting success, if a player fails to achieve success globally, then his talent or achievement is considered as ‘not up to the mark’.
It is not that Indians have not reached the peak of international success in past. From ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh to hockey wizard Major Dhyanchand to ‘Payyoli Express’ PT Usha to chess master Vishwanathan Anand, all were able to carve a niche for themselves in the sporting arena. And who can forget our very own cricketers? From Kapil’s Devils to Dada’s Warriors to Dhoni’s Patriots, all were able to force the world to take cognizance of their talent and rule the Gentleman’s Game.
Even the recent form of new-look Kohli’s team India is exceptional in all the formats of the game. The three A’s --aggression, agility and audacity-- shown by this team is outstanding. These qualities can also be seen the current Indian hockey team that became Asian champions as also in PV Sindhu and Kidambi Shrikant, the shuttlers par excellence. Sindhu and Shrikant’s prowess on the court is same as being displayed by their Chinese, Korean, Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts. Sindhu in particular has achieved level of success which is unmatched. So much so that she has overpowered Saina Nehwal’s accomplishment.
Coming to our national game of hockey, the current Indian men’s and women’s teams have been displaying the stick work as never before. Both the teams seem to be playing the best hockey of their life and giving all they can in 70 minutes. The country is even tasting success in soccer, basketball, table tennis, shooting, archery et all.
And mind you, these athletes are not ruing about the ‘poor and not up to the mark’ infrastructure provided to them, but just concentrating on improving their skills and temperament. Even the sports administrators who had earlier formed a ‘parallel powerhouse’ and criticized every move of the ‘people in power’ seem to have swallowed the pill of silence.
The main purpose behind penning down these thoughts is to highlight the strength of Indian sports and give the world a point to ponder before writing or expressing any negative sentiments about the country’s sporting culture. The stupendous success is the result of sweat that our sportspersons are pouring on the court or the field. The aim is only to keep the Indian tricolor high and express pride in the national anthem played before commencement of any international game.
So world, watch the Blue Brigade and be ready for surprises!
