Thank God for Sports

I enjoy watching sporting events, and often the highlight reel for me, the one that makes me wait all night is the moment the match ends. An obvious reason is that is when the final result unfolds. But other than that, the reason why I usually get all excited and eager towards the end of the show is the unscripted drama that follows. The winners and their unlucky opponents who lose are the main actors.

So as the drama unfolds, I watch with great empathy as both sets of players are engulfed in emotions – albeit different, opposite ones. The winners raise their hands up to the sky in triumph while at the other end players sit dejectedly, eyes fixed to the ground. My favourite part is when both shake hands and exchange some quick chat, perhaps some congratulatory words are offered in exchange for comforting ones. I have always tried to guess what exactly they were saying to each other, and whether they are all real or merely acts in front of the camera and crowds.

The reason I bring this up is because I was touched by the drama that surrounded the prize giving ceremony of the Australian Open, men’s singles event involving the winner Rafael Nadal and his arch rival Roger Federer. I felt for Federer, I thought his frustration was real. I was sure everyone in the stadium could sense his weight of emotions, how badly he wanted the title. You see, sportsmen these days are so often associated with ego and ridiculous demands while lacking the passion for the game. I am sure no one will disagree with me that in Federer we have a true sportsman, someone that defies the aforementioned stereotypes of his fellow men.

Incredibly he was not the only true sportsman the world had watched last Sunday night in Melbourne. Nadal, for his friendly gestures and his sincere apology to his rival has won the hearts of millions. How many times have you seen a winner this humble? More often than not they did not even care to give you a credit for the game well fought, much less apologize for the dejection caused.

'Tis the reason I love sports. With icons like Nadal and Federer around, I fail to see why I would stop.