Which is our National Sport?

Every one knows that Cricket brings out staunch national feelings to the fore in every patriotic citizen of India. Last year, it was public outrage at the cricket team bringing shame to the nation, before that there was the controversy embroiled Ganguly expulsion and then his reinstatement which was copiously followed. The whole thing, turning into a soap opera with the help of television channels. But now, after many misses, the team is finally, victorious and everyone is bringing out the national flags. Though I'm a huge cricket fan, but I feel sad when I see the Hockey players going for Hunger strike. Its pathetic! The govt. is doing nothing for them.

But, we seem to have forgotten about our National sport, Hockey. It is sad that the team has to ask for our love and support when it so deserves it. So, it is understandable that now, they are protesting to the attention being showered on the Cricket Twenty20 team by the government, media, general public and even Bollywood superheroes.

They feel like they have been left out, ignored especially because they brought India, it’s Asian cup recently and that should be far more up the charts of achievement and pride than the Twenty20 match victory by the Indian cricket team. We have failed to acknowledge their day in the sun.

‘Step motherly treatment meted out to the Indian Hockey team in the wake of their victory earlier this month’ is the news flash on the television screens across the nation. The Hockey players are going on hunger strike to show their displeasure.

Is it fair that the Indian Cricket team is being given sops instead of the pat on the back which the Indian Hockey team received after their more important victory in the Asian games?
It is absolutely unfair!

We can benignly blame it on the government’s failure to get the game the recognition it deserves or we can decide whether to support their outcry and help the game. Afterall, they have delivered more, even though they have been sidelined for far too long. One can argue that hockey has a long way to go before it can compete with the fanatical way cricket is followed in the country. Cricket is the one religion that truly binds all its people. They are united in their fury, frustration and their celebrations. That, in itself, is quite a yardstick of its popularity, for a nation that is divided on most of everything. Cricket players are treated like Gods. It is the game that puts India on the map. But, what about hockey? Shouldn’t this team get more respect and encouragement then just a headline on the sports page.

I think they are right to be sore if only for the reason that they were entitled to a grand reception which, again could never compare to the reception of a victorious cricket team because the media is only interested in things that drive their TRPs. Cricket it is.

The cricket match, on top of everything was a match between India and Pakistan which is always watched an unparalleled fervor in the country. To win this match would mean more than winning the entire series but to have your cake and eat it too… is not something we get to do often. So, obviously, the opportunity was going to be cashed in a big way with the public. No one is thinking how unfair it would be to the Indian Hockey team. Every body wants to be a part of this energy and show their support for the team and probably get the much desired publicity for themselves. Even SRK “Chak De’ himself! The star made a smash hit movie about their game but chucked it on the cricket field. Where was he when the Hockey team came home victorious? He could have given the game a much required boost by being more involved. They have complained forever of the lack of funds and attention been given to game when it is considered to be India’s National game. But who is listening?

I think, it’s sad that the hockey team has to resort to being a damp squib in Twenty20 team’s party. This could be their only chance. After all, the whole nation is watching!

Hockey as a game, needs nurturing before it can command the mass hysteria that cricket enjoys. Till then, we can at least give it its due.

But for now, hockey has lost its victory to cricket.