Recent World games: Football-tennis and athletics 2018 – Capt. Narinder Singh IAS (Retd)

Recent World games

It was a big treat to watch Wimbledon tennis grand slam in England which also ended on 14th july 18. Recent world games has been Full of excitement and surprises . Current ranked number 1 Rafal Nadal the most favourite player could not qualify for semi finals. So was the fate of legendary Federer. Novak Djokovic of Serbia lifted the coveted single trophy for the 4th time becoming the winner of 13 grand slam titles.

Angelique (a left hander) of Germany seeded 11th rank in the championship overawed Serena Williams powerhouse of energy and talent having 23 grand slams to her credit. Thus A Kerber of Germany becoming the ist player after 20 years to win grand slam won by Steffi Graff in 1998. None of our players to my knowledge has won any single grand slam title.

Under 20 world athletics took place in Tempere city(Finland) when to our joy our young woman athlete Hima Das earned gold medal in 400 Metres clocking 51.32 seconds. The young athlete earlier had dreamt of becoming a footballer than switched over to sprints ultimately inspired in oct 17 to run 400 Metres.

Recent World games continues:

The whole world enjoyed the jugglery, dribbling, speed and passes in the championship and had focussed on Messi, Ronaldo, Surez and Naymber who were the cynosure of all eyes(Recent World games). However their teams were swayed by the strong willed teams who had practised cohesion. Croatia separated from Yugoslavia hardly having a population of 45 lakhs moved the world by their grit, speed, passes and forceful shots in the citadel of opponents. In final France lifted the coveted cup leaving the saucer ( runners up cup) to Croatia beating them by 4-2 goals. It was a treat to watch the finals.Mario Mandzukic who while heading a free kick inadvertantly made an own score. Did not loose heart. Determined Mario brillantly scored a goal against France in d last 20 minutes which pacified him. On their return to France a mammoth crowd welcomed their football heroes in France. The sea of humanity danced to the tune of heroic victory which they tasted after 20 years. Brazil winner of 5 cups, Germany and Italy both having won the cup 4 times each could not make a resounding come back in the championship.

Sports enthusiastic are in a quandary how to win medals at international level. A question arises why India with a population of more than 125 crores is not able to make a grade where tiny countries like Iceland and Crotia made it within 32 countries. Some sportsmen like milkha singh, abhinav bindra, mohinder singh gill, p t usha, kartar singh pehlwan and few more have earned laurels in olympics and common wealth games. But that is not enough to boast. Interestingly in the 1948 olympics our football team played bare footed against France and had lost by 2-1 goals. Today France is ranked 7th whereas we are positioned at 97.

Much hue and cry is oftenly raised that we lack infrastructure. Agreed. But that is not the sole reason. The above indian sports persons made their name by sheer hard work, determination and strenous training. The nation has to develop an atmosphere of sports culture-strengthen its youth. Our governments and sports lovers primarily bat for cricket and bollywood. Quite discouraging that the world hockey legend Dhyan Chand name after excessive clamour does not figure for Bharat Ratna and the rules were flexed to accommodate a cricketeer. Balbir Singh senior winner of 3 olympics is also in the queue.where are the play fields in cities and town.Do we have reasonable national and State sports policy. Government may formulate a scheme to provide jogging shoes to needy school and college going students. There is a necessity to ensure hassle and pollution free parks and play grounds for better health management.A prospective child picked up for sports has to be nurtured and groomed at early stage and offering heavy prizes after attaining position simply enhances financial status and hardly valuable for improving performance. I would worship the family whose sports budget on their sibblings is more costlier than the amount spent on their mobiles and laptops, ignoring golf kit. Simple victory of an individual sportsman is not a source of happiness. Let us think at the national level. Just see the patriotic spirit of flamboyant Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic, President of Croatia who dashed to Russia buying economy ticket from her pocket and mingled with the public cheering her team. She embraced her team-patted them in their dressing room strengthening their morale. She emerged as epitome of international leader and in no time became the most admired personality on the sports field followed by Russian and France Presidents. Could any reader quote a similar instance of our leader.

Perturbed by our performance in Rio olympics 2016 i had written a proposal to our worthy prime minister who kindly replied on 3rd sept 2016.

Check out the details of FIFA World Cup 2022 HERE

Capt Narinder Singh IAS ( retd). The author is a keen sportsman and has represented State in few events. Has written articles on sports which have been published in various leading newspapers and magazines.( now advocate Punjab &Haryana High Court)