"Sports serve society by providing vivid examples of excellence." George F. Will
Another weekend, when I was out with my friend. But this time there was something very special; we were running to watch LIVE BOXING Match - Commonwealth Boxing Championship!
It was our first time, we were part of such big event and that too my favorite sports. Needless to say, it was a wonderful day with India winning most of the bouts. But, there was something that disturbed my friend and was notified to me later; was the bygone behavior of We Indians. Being sportsman himself, he wasn't comfortable about it. After we came back to home, he had just one question. Do we always behave like this? "Yes" was the only Answer. I shared with him some instances, which I had noticed. That's was all, he just prayed out "Hope we change, one day".
Till now you might be confused which character or behavior of us I am talking about. These apparently are quite noticeable, every time big sports events take place in India. It seems most of us Indians (Audiences) don't have much affinity towards good sports or game; we fill up the stadium to watch Indians playing and to cheer for them. I am not against it; it always feels great shouting out for Indian contenders, or dancing around for them. But, what became more noticeable that day was that whenever boxer from other country came for fight, they were welcomed by big silence. We could even hear the footsteps of the boxer, if we concentrated bit more. It was followed by little cheers from their own countrymen (colleagues).
It was bit tougher for those who fought against India, whenever they were supported by few of their colleagues, we Indians didn't spare them too.
Being a sportsman myself, it always felt great when someone clapped or shouted out my name, whenever I entered the field. It's always nice to have someone believing and admiring you. But some peoples are too adamant to see own team winning then it feels like "Support your team, but please don't abuse us". This is popular culture of sports fan everywhere, but I noticed much of it in India, being an Indian.
I think many of us may have watched the cricket matches played in England. All might have noticed that every time anyone hits a boundary, may be Sachin or flintoff, the sound of applause is throughout the stadium. I still remember, once Sachin had scored good run against England and was out, as he walked out of the field, everyone in the stands stood up and clapped for his brilliant inning, that's spirit of game. They were there for a good game, not only for their team. But, we are exactly opposite of it. We clap and shout only when Indians hit boundary, or gets a wicket. For every boundary or wicket by the opponent, it is appreciated with deep sigh, as if we were mourning.
Commonwealth games is scheduled in Delhi this year, I hope at least games starts at scheduled time. There was a big question in my mind, since India won the bid to host the Event. It was "how much of the seats would be filled up?" But, when I saw response of people towards recently concluded hockey world cup. It was just amazing. I expect that, there is same kind of turnout for commonwealth games, too.
It's patriotic to cheer for own countrymen, but it's in spirit of a game to applaud for good game, that's sportsmanship. So, next time you see any match, clap for every player. As, these people deserves our appreciation, nor we would be at their place.
Keeping healthy competition is a sign of a true sportsperson.
