When I was in school, we really didn't have much to cheer for in sports... hockey had gone past its prime already, and Dhyan Chand was history. Cricket was fun, but bearing those losses to Pakistan every time was too painful to endure, whether Pakistan won because we capitulated in front of Akram or the umpires!
This week saw Force India take podium in Belgium. The next day, India lifted the Nehru Cup in football. Yes, we are far from the Brasils of the world, but it was a good win anyway!
In cricket, we've put the ghost of the Pakis far behind us, and even the Aussies have conceded defeat.
And now, we have new heroes. Leander and Bhupathi, and Sania. Vish Anand in chess. Saini in badminton. Jeev Milkha Singh. Vijendar in boxing.
Still a long way to go, but winning the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune last year is perhaps a good indication that the country is finding its rightful place in the world of sports too!
2 comments:
We are doing good in sports as a country. And I'm looking forward to a lot more. I think that sports activities can be encouraged more in schools - not just one PT period a week. I would also like to see some sports scholarships.
Although I do believe that the education system is changing and for good too. Did you know that the 10th standard board exams are being scrapped. The decision is to evaluate students throughtout the year - much better approach. So I'm sure there'll be changes when it comes to sports too. In fact I know that some schools like Bhojwanis and Marys are big time into sports..
Pankaj Advani just became #1 in world billiards!
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