Sports in the Subcontinent

Here is a brief article I did for a friend on sports in the subcontinent.

In a region run full of corrupt politicians and dwindling hopes, the subcontinent people, look more and more towards athletes as their demigods and source of inspiration. Take any country in the subcontinent and you will see problems abound, Tamil Tigers, military coups, terrorism, natural disasters etc. yet despite all this, the people find calm, a sort of solace in watching their teams play. Sport has always headlined the national papers and politics seem to get involved every now and then. Ask a purist, and he will tell you that there is no place of politics in sports, but sadly that is not how that corner of the world functions. The juggernauts of the region, Pakistan and India have always enjoyed a rich rivalry in anything they do and no place is that more apparent than in the sports arena. Recently, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have also tried to make their mark.

It’s easy to understand why sport is so important in the day to day life of people over there. People do not see their nations as being able to rise to international stardom on the diplomatic front, mainly due to corrupt and dishonest politics and the playing field is the greatest equalizer for such smitten people. For over here, can they see their compatriots, rise to the top and represent them. That pride means a lot. More than one’s own honor so to say. The region is abounding of suicides when the favored team loses. Such is the passion; the intensity of the following.

This is clearly illustrated when Sri Lanka won the 1996 Cricket World Cup and united a nation amidst the civil turmoil. Legend has it that on that day the Tamil Tigers ceased attacks in support of their team. Such is the fervor. India was the first to have won the prestigious cricket award in 1983 and Pakistan took home the laurels in 1992. All three nations were considered underdogs going into the decider.

Although, cricket is the dominant game being played there; scars and remnants of the imperialist British rule of the early 20^th century, it is heartening to notice that other sports are gaining popularity, slowly but steadily. Squash at one point in Pakistan’s history was a major sport and the Pakistani duo of Jansher Khan and Jahangir Khan ruled the squash world during most of the 80’s and early 90’s.

Hockey is another popular sport albeit only amongst the giants of the region. Pakistan having dominated the international scene by winning four of the ten World Hockey Cups including the first ever Cup. India on the other hand have, clearly dominated the Olympic scene by winning eight gold medals. Recently, India launched its Premier Hockey League to increase awareness of the sport and its commercial appeal.

This article I feel can never do the region’s history of sports, one could produce volume after volume and still come up short for the subcontinent is rich and abundant of athletes who act as beacons of light for the masses and inspiration.

CL Update

Barcelona 2 - Arsenal 1
Campbell 17'
Eto'o 76'
Belletti 81'

This is what the final scorecard read at the Stade de France, where Barcelona finally exorcised their Champion's League demons. This was always going to be a fully charged affair with much excitement and drama to be expected, and as it should be in any high-profile encounter of this calibre. Early on in the first half the Catalonion club showed clear signs of open gaps as Thierry Henry, struck one at the goal from point-blank range, only for his shot to be stopped by the gladiator, Victor Valdes. Arsenal had the right idea as they attacked Barcelona from the get go and created a couple of chances but all this suddenly changed as Jens Lehmann pulled down a charging Eto'o just outside the safety box. Norwegian referee, Terje hauge, showed no hesitation in sending off the remorseful Lehmann. This was going to be a heavy price to pay it seemed, but this opinion was quickly put to rest as Campbell connected with a pinpoint accurate cross off an Henry set-piece that sent the ball screaming into the farpost. Just before the interval Eto'o came excruciatingly close to equalising as he faced off with Almunia from close range, but Almunia had other ideas and deflected the shot with his outstretched fingers apreading the magic. So far Arsenal one, and Barcelona nil and that is how the first half ended.

Despite having the man advantage, Barcelona were unable to show for their dominance, it was quite clear now, that Arsenal was more than willing to just sit back and defend. Barcelona was content on taking their time to score but this could have proved to be a risky ploy and their parience paid off when the Swedish international, Henrik Larsson, came off the bench and fed Eto'o with an amazing pass. This time Eto'o faced off once again with Almunia and having learnt from his previous attempt, Eto'o nailed this one home at the nearpost where Almunia left a gaping void! The heavens opened up for Barcelona as they showered blessings on the Spanish champs. Barcelona clearly revitalised after the equaliser showed to the world once again why they were deserving champs as for the next 5 minutes Barcelona barely allowed Arsenal a touch and again this time it was Larsson set up Belletti who sneaked one in beneath the legs of the troubled Almunia. The scoreline ended at 2-1 with a magnificent showcase of football although Barcelona clearly lacked the flair tonight that they are usually known for.

Ronaldinho failed to impress and deliver the goods tonight as so much was expected of him, it is a pity that the world did not get to see this genius at work. This was Arsenal's night, but it did not belong to them, as they played with all their heart and might but it just was not meant to be. Despite being a man down Arsenal showed the qualities that brought them here so far. Perhaps a more attacking frontline for the Londoners would do them good in the future. Having Henry bear all the burden of scoring seems a little unfair, afterall there is only so much one can do. Barcelona stamping their authority a second time on this competition were ecstatic as their internationl stars look forward to the upcoming World Cup in Germany.

CL Update

'Tis the morn of the Champion's League final. The world waits with abated breath in anitcipation of the next European superpower to take the mantle until the next season. This year Spanish giants and league champions, Barcelona, take on English babes, Arsenal who have qualified for next season's C League by a hair's margin; after an unfortunate bout that left Tottenham licking their wounds. Despite that the great leveller is today; the final. It does not matter who won their league or who qualified for next season, all that matters on this day is which team puts out better football. Arsenal go in with the underdog tag, but that does not mean they can't walk away as victors from this final. Both teams have faced tough competition on their way here and have shown why they are deserved victors.

Although I do not wish to take sides as both these teams have had a hand in ending Milan's and Tottenham's seasons on a rather dismal note, but my money is on Barcelona. Why you may ask. Well for one, I hate Arsenal, always have and so will not support them. I support no team from the Spanish league so my choice is easier here in picking sides. That being said, I do believe though that Barcelona are the far superior side. Barcelona boasts some high quality and experienced players of the calibre of Ronaldinho, Deco, Xavi, Puyol and Eto'o as opposed to the relatively inexperienced Gunners side. The zeal and zest of youth can however prevail over experience, we must not forget that. Arsenal do boast players like Thierry Henry, Pires, Ljunberg, and Campbell to name a few so, Arsenal are not that short on experience.

Whatever the odds, like I mentioned, whoever puts on a better show will go home the newly crowned champs of Europe.