- As you are aware, any sporting action between the competitors is expected to be fierce, tough, adrenaline-pumping affair, aggressive, and extremely competitive with the sole intention of winning at any cost. The dual escalates to something out of the ordinary if the competitors are equally qualified giving not an inch whatsoever to beat the opposition. No wonder, such quality competition between the equally qualified entities results in nail-biting encounters worthy of watching. Yes, all sportsmen and teams wish to win the competition by showcasing true sportsman spirit, skills, talents, and the killer instinct to go the distance. We know that the sporting spectacle cannot get bigger than the fifteen-day extravaganza in the form of the Olympics lining up the top athletes from around the world.
PC: The Economics Times
- Who said sportsmen competing to win the ultimate recognition of medals in the Olympics would not uphold the true spirits of the game that the elite athletes participate in? Of course, the rivalry between the competitors is expected to not only enthrall the avid lovers of the sports but also foster long-lasting but healthy enthusiasm among the countries to build on the goodwill generated by the event. Mind you, rivalries between the competing nations are not new as the geopolitical and geostrategic situations panning out in the world play out on the sporting field too. History is replete with several such instances adding much-needed edge to the already competitive field ushering in more excitement. There are several instances of heartwarming camaraderie too.
- Take for instance how the rivalry between the two South Asian rivals viz. India and Pakistan played out in the recently concluded Javelin finals of the Paris Olympics. While champion Javelin thrower Neerja Chopra was defending the gold he had won in the Tokyo Olympics, the challenger in the form of Arshad Nadeem had been breathing down the neck of the Indian superstar for quite some time now. However, the friendship between the two champion athletes was known around the world even before the two became a well-known name in the sporting arena. The whole world is aware of how the strained relationship between India and Pakistan plays out in every sporting discipline, especially cricket and hockey. The intensity during such outings is unbearable.
PC: Olympics
- The expectation surrounding Neeraj Chopra retaining the gold was humongous despite the superstar athlete not in the pink of health leading up to the Olympics. On the other hand, Arshad Nadeem was always touted to pose a challenge of his own by aiming for the elusive gold. Arshad created history by winning the gold in the finals by throwing a massive 92-plus meters relegating Neeraj to a silver medal. What was heartwarming was the camaraderie exhibited by the two supreme athletes not only on the field but also outside of it. The mothers of both throwers joined in the camaraderie by congratulating and proclaiming them as their own sons. Yes, sports know no political boundaries or parochial considerations. Sport is a great leveller.
