Emotional week of sporting action
There were two legends who retired from contemporary sports this week after a long and marvelous career and one Indian redeemed himself with a great victory defying age and history
The first and foremost was Martina Navratilova who won her 59th career grand slam at the US open when she is one month short of 50 years defying all sporting theories. How can a woman run around a grand slam tournament at the age of 50 with such agility, remarkable speed and an aggressive frame of mind hitting winners from both flanks. I think this a classic example of mind prevailing over body and the single minded perseverance and will to win simply took over the ageing body and physical dis comfort. Hats of to a true champion who retires in style after 30 glorious years of tennis and probably along with Billie Jean King would rate as one of the all time greats ever in Women's tennis
The other hero was the German racing ace Schumacher who won a Grand prix race in Italy for the 90th time and just 2 points separate him from the current leader for a record 8th championship title. In his press conference to announce the retirement he beautifully summed up the art of retirement for sportsmen as to why they should quit when they are at the peak of glory and fame and to go out in style. It will take while for the Ferrari team to fill up the void left by Schumacher and remains to be seen whether his replacement Rakionnen can rise up the team's expectations. Where's our own Karthik Narain by the way after all his penultimate/last place finishes in the last year's championship ? Still struggling for a sponsor as is the case with most of the Indian sport professionals in individual sports events.
The Indian I was referring to in the first para is none other than our 'Lee' or Leander Peas. After almost 3 years of multiple physical injuries, health problems including a major brain cancer scare, virtual retirement from singles except Davis cup he rose like a phoenix from the ashes to win the US Open doubles title with Martin Damm and the great sportsman he is gave all the credit to Martin for the title. This was Lee's 7th career doubles grand slam title at the age of 33 and coming as it does after all the hurdles is a phenomenal achievement. I don't think there is any other sportsmen in Indian history who has given so much at the National level (exclude team games like Hockey and cricket) and his adrenalin flow and pumped up fists during some remarkable Davis cup victories over opponents much above his ranking clearly goes to show the guy's commitment and patriotism towards his country. Hope this year at least he would be considered for the highest sports award of the country.
The first and foremost was Martina Navratilova who won her 59th career grand slam at the US open when she is one month short of 50 years defying all sporting theories. How can a woman run around a grand slam tournament at the age of 50 with such agility, remarkable speed and an aggressive frame of mind hitting winners from both flanks. I think this a classic example of mind prevailing over body and the single minded perseverance and will to win simply took over the ageing body and physical dis comfort. Hats of to a true champion who retires in style after 30 glorious years of tennis and probably along with Billie Jean King would rate as one of the all time greats ever in Women's tennis
The other hero was the German racing ace Schumacher who won a Grand prix race in Italy for the 90th time and just 2 points separate him from the current leader for a record 8th championship title. In his press conference to announce the retirement he beautifully summed up the art of retirement for sportsmen as to why they should quit when they are at the peak of glory and fame and to go out in style. It will take while for the Ferrari team to fill up the void left by Schumacher and remains to be seen whether his replacement Rakionnen can rise up the team's expectations. Where's our own Karthik Narain by the way after all his penultimate/last place finishes in the last year's championship ? Still struggling for a sponsor as is the case with most of the Indian sport professionals in individual sports events.
The Indian I was referring to in the first para is none other than our 'Lee' or Leander Peas. After almost 3 years of multiple physical injuries, health problems including a major brain cancer scare, virtual retirement from singles except Davis cup he rose like a phoenix from the ashes to win the US Open doubles title with Martin Damm and the great sportsman he is gave all the credit to Martin for the title. This was Lee's 7th career doubles grand slam title at the age of 33 and coming as it does after all the hurdles is a phenomenal achievement. I don't think there is any other sportsmen in Indian history who has given so much at the National level (exclude team games like Hockey and cricket) and his adrenalin flow and pumped up fists during some remarkable Davis cup victories over opponents much above his ranking clearly goes to show the guy's commitment and patriotism towards his country. Hope this year at least he would be considered for the highest sports award of the country.
RK
posted by RK at 2:17 PM
1 Comments:
Martina never ceases to amaze me. What grit and perseverance !
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