Indian paper: "Let not defeat 'defeat' us"

[jabbar]

Sportsman spirit first: Let not defeat `defeat' us

In the World Cricket Cup, India lost the second match playing with Sri Lanka. The Lankans defeated us by 69 runs. Prior to this we had been given a drubbing by lowly Bangladesh. This defeat was shameful as Bangladesh team is new for the Cricket World. However, it was very important for India to win the match against the Lankans as we would have made our position among the last eight teams. With the defeat at the hands of Lankans we are almost out of the World Cup. Besides, the loss has resulted in great disappointment for the Indian cricket fans. Their hopes are shattered. The fans are on the streets burning effigies of players and shouting slogans which are being shown on the Idiot Box too. There are also reports of people undergoing health problems. No doubt it is only once in four years that a World Cup match takes place and the prestige of nations is at stake but the behaviour of the fans, taking out effigies of the players and later burning them, is equally deplorable. Mahendra Dhoni's house in Ranchi was attacked after India lost to Bangladesh. Such type of behaviour and attitude only highlights the frailty of human nature and that we have to be also spiritual even while living on the mother earth's cradle. It needs to be pointed out that resentment, bitterness, happiness are states of mind. We can leave poor impressions on the young minds. Two days later when Team India was victorious against Bermuda, with a batting record, the air was full of celebrations. It needs to be studied as to why there is so much imbalance in the minds of the people. It is for the Board of Control for Cricket officials to find out the shortcomings. Not only BCCI chief but also ex-cricketers are shocked over India's poor performance. Whether it is Pawar, or coach Chappel, chief of selection panel, Dilip Vengsarkar, all would have to think and know the real reasons behind the continuous dismal performance of the Indian team.

Source: http://www.centralchronicle.com/20070326/2603281.htm