By Disha Mashelkar
Sports reflect social values that can extend from
individual values like discipline, asceticism and self- control to collective
values like the belief in effort and productivity, the advantage of competition
and of following the logic of capitalism-the survival of the fittest.
They act as unifying forces and strong factors of
socialization, improving the social acceptance of athletes and their fans.
Sports can also support social and cultural identities and the construction of
national identities.
There was a time when people used to give examples
of carrying sportsmanship spirit in any sector of life, whenever one faces
competition. But looks like the trends are taking a gory turn! Indian
Television, Print and online media levies great importance to the coverage of
Cricket. Although Hockey, is India’s national sport we hardly switch to watch
it or buy match tickets to go and watch it live in the stadium; unless it’s an
arch-rival bid. That is India versus Pakistan!
This is a fact that cannot be denied.
It is true and very much evident that India’s
cricket team just like other sports team has faced sledging on and off field
which the electronic media has been ranting about day and night. This time a
similar kind of offensive act was seen in the field of Hockey on ‘Super
Saturday’ (Indian cricket team was playing Day 5 of the Adelaide, Oval test
match) 13 December 2014.
Indian hockey
team was playing against the arch-rival Pakistan (Hockey Champions Trophy 2014)
on their home soil (Bhubaneswar).
Three Pakistani hockey players, Muhammed Tauseek,
Amjad Ali and Shafqat Rasool took off their shirts and made obscene gestures
towards the spectators and the media of India, following the loss of India 3-4 in
a thrilling semi-final match at the Kalinga stadium, Buvbaneswar, India. After
the news spread like a wildfire and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) president
Narendra Bhatt demanded an apology , Shahnaz Shaikh the coach of Pakistan
Hockey Team wrote a written apology over the ‘uncouth behaviour’ of their
players to the tournament director Wiert Doyer.
Even in daily life when we hurt someone and if we
are aware of our sin, we do apologise later. But in this case the coach of the
opposition said it was a reaction of his players towards the victory they achieved
against India. A major thumb rule of any sport for that matter is the
observance of sportsmanship spirit in their approach irrespective of victory or
loss. Even it is observed in Tennis, that a legend like Roger Federer is known
for his humility on the court and even after losing a match, over the nets
players come forward and shake hands. This is sportsmanship spirit!
Historically, India does have sour relations with
Pakistan and now, with the rise in terrorism in the world, Pakistan has
attracted ignominy all over the world. The good times had rolled back between
the two nations with the help of Sports activities! Playing friendship matches
between India and Pakistan in the field of Cricket, Tennis, and Hockey games to
name a few. Sharing of Nobel Peace Prize between Pakistan’s Malala Yousufzai
and India’s Kailash Satyarthi mark the good will to come together to enhance
peace and harmony in the world as well as between these two nations.
Every Indian is equally enthusiastic to watch a
match against its historical arch-rival and promotes for the victory of home
team. But this doesn’t mean the demeanour to over-react and in such an uncouth
manner which will spoil the sporting spirit of any game. Political talks and
diplomatic relations at the international front seem to be futile. Sport’s, is
the only way left to solve the problem and enhance the bond of friendship
between India and Pakistan. If that is also ruined just because of the austere
temperament of a few players, the effort to nurture good will towards the
citizens of each other’s nation will be in vain.
The pictures are used for representation purpose only.
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