I write this blog with a Caveat that though I play almost all outdoor sports impressively well, Cricket flows in my blood. A win or a loss against Pakistan always mattered to me and a world cup win or a defeat would be an occasion for bigger celebration or sulking, based on the outcome, but the recent reaction of my countrymen after the pathetic loss suffered against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup qualifier forces me to think, has India now matured with Sports? Does India now not attach its pride to just one sport?
The answer to the questions in my head is probably yes. Many may question my 'Yes' here. I base this assessment on the reaction to the mammoth defeat at the hands of Pakistan on the 24th of October. The erstwhile fans from this side of the border would cry, may often create ruckus inside the stadium, may certainly come out on streets in different parts of the country, burn effigies and some may often protest outside cricketers' homes. Well, except for some mild disappointments expressed on largely the social media none of the above were to be seen.
The reason I believe is the huge impact other sports have had. Indians now have reasons to celebrate and cherish other games like Hockey, Boxing, Shooting, Javelin Throw, Archery, Badminton, Tennis and etc. The rise of hard-earned stardom by Olympic medalists like Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, Bajrang Punia, Vijendra Singh in Past, Performances of Rani Rampal and her team, and others have given us the same sense of pride and joy that just cricket offered for decades earlier. The private sporting events of Soccer, Kabbadi, and other games have also invited our love and affection for those games.
Much of it, in my opinion, also is an outcome of the great time and energy devoted by the former Sports Minister and now the Law Minister of the country, Mr. Kiren Rijiju. If we were to carefully revisit his tenure as the Sports Minister, we will note that he worked days and nights in promoting all the Sports involved primarily with the Olympics, encouraged sportsmen with his various policies, supported them with their concerns, and provided them with world-class sports infrastructure support which eventually led to exemplary performances in the Olympics.
In the end, I summarise stating that India as a more mature sports-loving country and not just a Cricket loving nation, with more restraint and compassion is most definitely set for brighter sporting future and not just with Cricket.
(Ashish Kumar Singh is an Associate Editor with ABP News)
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