We Indians are still basking under the glory of the historic World Cup 2011 win.YES!! the team did it, the prayers were answered,the ranting of "Come on Indiaaaaaa" managed to create a buzz that is still echoing in our hearts.But the question is, did we overdo it??? Do we really love cricket for the sport it is, or do we love being Indians first and seeing our nation's flag furl high up in the air?
I,was travelling in the train when our team was busy re-writing the 28 year old chapter of historic win. (okay,now please don't make me feel bad about mising the same!! )The moment the news came in that we had won,the passengers went berserk! They screamed and howled like maniacs,so much so that they were almost going to pull the chain down and halt the train so that they could go out and celebrate.
Next morning, I could see what fervour this win had managed to create.There were rallies being held, holidays being declared, crackers being burst, and the Hindi news channels flooded with news only related to the match and how it manged to stir a new wave of nationalism within us. I often wonder,how would we have responded if we wouldn't have been able to win this coveted trophy. Most of us know the answers- Burn down the effigies of the cricketers, pelt stones at their homes, chant slogans against them and most obviously mourn as if the loss has cost them a precious life. The fact that the team managed to be in the finals fighting all odds wouldn't even be a reason to extract a drop of sympathy from the junta. Many people I know, put up status's regarding the win,but didn't know anything about the tactics of the game! A single win made them hardcore cricket fans! Yes that's true, I was super excited that the cup is ours after 28 long years of wait and believe me I follow the game as well. Its not an overnight grown affinity towards the game.
All I want is that the same enthusiasm should be saved for when we win other sports as well!! When asked which is our national sport,one of the most prominent answer after Hockey( yes the national pride which never got its due) is KABBADI!!!!!(* ignorance exemplified*) Let is not be ignorant and bias Indians, but those zealots who respect a sport for its existence and do not discriminate a game on the basis of nationality!!
Let the Game begin!! :)
I,was travelling in the train when our team was busy re-writing the 28 year old chapter of historic win. (okay,now please don't make me feel bad about mising the same!! )The moment the news came in that we had won,the passengers went berserk! They screamed and howled like maniacs,so much so that they were almost going to pull the chain down and halt the train so that they could go out and celebrate.
Next morning, I could see what fervour this win had managed to create.There were rallies being held, holidays being declared, crackers being burst, and the Hindi news channels flooded with news only related to the match and how it manged to stir a new wave of nationalism within us. I often wonder,how would we have responded if we wouldn't have been able to win this coveted trophy. Most of us know the answers- Burn down the effigies of the cricketers, pelt stones at their homes, chant slogans against them and most obviously mourn as if the loss has cost them a precious life. The fact that the team managed to be in the finals fighting all odds wouldn't even be a reason to extract a drop of sympathy from the junta. Many people I know, put up status's regarding the win,but didn't know anything about the tactics of the game! A single win made them hardcore cricket fans! Yes that's true, I was super excited that the cup is ours after 28 long years of wait and believe me I follow the game as well. Its not an overnight grown affinity towards the game.
All I want is that the same enthusiasm should be saved for when we win other sports as well!! When asked which is our national sport,one of the most prominent answer after Hockey( yes the national pride which never got its due) is KABBADI!!!!!(* ignorance exemplified*) Let is not be ignorant and bias Indians, but those zealots who respect a sport for its existence and do not discriminate a game on the basis of nationality!!
Let the Game begin!! :)
