Mixing Cricket and Political Terror?
-By Swetha AmitIt is said that the true essence of anything is snatched away when diluted with some other flavour. While it is seen in the case of perishable goods, one cannot ignore this aspect with regard to current affairs as well, especially when it comes to areas like Sports, Politics or Art.
It is no mystery to millions that Pakistan has been subjected to dire straits on a constant basis. What with the terror activities resurging at an alarming rate, this neighbour of India no doubt has received a lot of flak. To an extent where hatred has developed in the minds of many and quite a few have shown their disdain towards Pakistan with respect to Cricket. The beginning of the T 20 World cup exhibited several individuals writing off Pakistan, be it as an underdog team or one which didn’t deserve to win.
Yesterday’s victory after 17 years undoubtedly has brought in a cheer for a country which has been in the news for all the wrong reasons possible. Not to mention their own civilians who are lurking in the jaws of death, continuous bombings and are on the brink of barbarism. With such catastrophe, one would cease to look for a silver lining amidst the dark cloud which Younis Khan and the men of green have invariable done with immense grit and determination. It was a pleasant feeling to receive some good news about Pak for a change. Not many have let that incident about Sri Lankan players being attacked slip their minds. Therefore it enhanced a feel good spirit to see both the teams in the finals play the sport with fervour despite the runners up losing a few wickets in the earlier part of the game.
While some have graciously accepted this victory, there are quite a few who unfortunately have exhibited their displeasure. This denotes a case where the sporting factor is enticed away. Why mix Cricket and Political terror? Why displace one’s anger towards a group of extremists and fundamentalists on the 11 players who are in no way involved in such atrocities or for that matter against a whole nation? Inhabitants in that country face the same feeling of fear and terror and linger in a hope of seeing a peaceful nation. Terror, racism exists all over the world. Why shoot all the arrows of animosity in one direction alone?
One can sense that displeasure would have surpassed the normal levels had India lost to Pakistan in the finals. While it is understandable to feel disappointed on seeing their favourite team lose, one should learn to take the game in a sporting manner. True sports lovers are the ones who take winning with pride and losing in their stride instead of bashing a team for the wrong reasons. It’s all about the game eventually, which calls for an appreciative applause for a good innings. The phrase ‘You win some you lose some’ isn’t coined without a purpose. Meanwhile, it’s time to relish the real flavour of Cricket and smile as we see a country celebrate its winning streak.
Written for www.msn.co.in
It is no mystery to millions that Pakistan has been subjected to dire straits on a constant basis. What with the terror activities resurging at an alarming rate, this neighbour of India no doubt has received a lot of flak. To an extent where hatred has developed in the minds of many and quite a few have shown their disdain towards Pakistan with respect to Cricket. The beginning of the T 20 World cup exhibited several individuals writing off Pakistan, be it as an underdog team or one which didn’t deserve to win.
Yesterday’s victory after 17 years undoubtedly has brought in a cheer for a country which has been in the news for all the wrong reasons possible. Not to mention their own civilians who are lurking in the jaws of death, continuous bombings and are on the brink of barbarism. With such catastrophe, one would cease to look for a silver lining amidst the dark cloud which Younis Khan and the men of green have invariable done with immense grit and determination. It was a pleasant feeling to receive some good news about Pak for a change. Not many have let that incident about Sri Lankan players being attacked slip their minds. Therefore it enhanced a feel good spirit to see both the teams in the finals play the sport with fervour despite the runners up losing a few wickets in the earlier part of the game.
While some have graciously accepted this victory, there are quite a few who unfortunately have exhibited their displeasure. This denotes a case where the sporting factor is enticed away. Why mix Cricket and Political terror? Why displace one’s anger towards a group of extremists and fundamentalists on the 11 players who are in no way involved in such atrocities or for that matter against a whole nation? Inhabitants in that country face the same feeling of fear and terror and linger in a hope of seeing a peaceful nation. Terror, racism exists all over the world. Why shoot all the arrows of animosity in one direction alone?
One can sense that displeasure would have surpassed the normal levels had India lost to Pakistan in the finals. While it is understandable to feel disappointed on seeing their favourite team lose, one should learn to take the game in a sporting manner. True sports lovers are the ones who take winning with pride and losing in their stride instead of bashing a team for the wrong reasons. It’s all about the game eventually, which calls for an appreciative applause for a good innings. The phrase ‘You win some you lose some’ isn’t coined without a purpose. Meanwhile, it’s time to relish the real flavour of Cricket and smile as we see a country celebrate its winning streak.
Written for www.msn.co.in
Comments
Venkat - Dar on 6/22/2009 3:05:22 PM
Dear Swetha, A really good one. A googly from you on cricket.
This is a sensible write-up showing maturity of mind and a compassionate heart.
It is true that India and Pakistan are not best friends, but it is also true that they are as human as we are.
Best wishes, and thanks :)
It was really sad that we lost but our players were exhausted, it seems.
JAI HIND!
Yes our team faced fatigue due to continuous games of Cricket in the past few months. Hope they recover in the West Indies series today.