WINNING TROPHIES, WINNING HEARTS

 



“Some things are better than winning.”

Claire Annette Noland

 

I enjoy watching important matches, including cricket. So, I did watch the last few overs of India Vs. England ODI-series decider. My 28-year-old son and 85-year-old father-in-law, who are greater cricket enthusiasts than I am, had watched almost the full match…

It was truly a tough match, well-played by both the sides. There was heavy suspense till the last ball. And, finally, as is the case in every well-played game, the team which manages to hold the nerves better, walks away with the trophy…

Indian boys did!

But, certainly, the England boys – particularly Sam Curran – deserved praise for their fighting spirit… They went down gloriously, like heroes!

I am not writing this Post to add my own expert-commentary to yesterday’s game. My knowledge, and update about all sports are very limited. But, I am, always, moved by some subtle things while watching sports… Some little gestures by the players, captains, coaches, referees and, even, the members of the spectators. Sprots is called sports exactly for that reason. While all of us know, that only one side can win, we, often, forget to notice the subtle moments that win our hearts, irrespective of who wins the trophy.,,

Yes, I am extremely moved of such moments… They last longer in my mind than the ‘Trophy Moment’…




Last night, my son said, pointing to the ‘Trophy Moment’: “Dad, watch who are in the front… Who hold the trophy aloft… Watch where Kohli (Captain) has placed himself in the photo-frame… This is a great gesture, first started by Dhoni and, now, Kohli continues to follow.”

Probably, to me, that was the highpoint of last night’s victory by our team… Let the freshers and the extras hold  the trophy aloft… Let them be in the photo-frame…

Well, one may simply brush it off saying, “What big deal?”

That’s why I said, such gestures are ‘subtle’… And, let me add this: they are tough acts to follow!

Zooming out… Let’s think of every other sphere where we may win trophies. The best Actors and Directors need their spot-boys, make-up guys, technicians and caterers on the sets. Ditto for the winners of Best Singer, Composer, Music Director  etc. But, we rarely hear a word of praise and gratitude for these folks… I think, it’s so everywhere - when trophy comes, when the cameras come…

Sportsmanship is a majestic term… In contains so many subtle things. But, the foremost being ‘Respect’…




Therefore, let me say this in conclusion: While winning trophies may need our aggression, winning hearts needs our gentleness.

 

GERALD D’CUNHA

 

Pic.: Outlook

 

Videos: 1. Roland Garros 2. Game of Cricket

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