When one confronts anger with anger, the anger dissipates, and challenges ensued to the extent that they became manageable.
The verses of Ghalib echo the experiences of an athlete. If a player has the passion to compete, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter, they will persevere and participate. Amidst the challenges, they find joy in the game, aligning themselves with legendary figures like Dhyan Chand and enduring in their field, much like the lasting impact of great players such as Sachin Tendulkar.
Sports serve as a profound teacher, imparting lessons from both victories and defeats. The positive ambiance in sports is evident when players face each other, exchanging sentiments and praising one another.
During training days, camaraderie prevailed among players, symbolized by the shared water bucket, irrespective of backgrounds. Achieving a medal is a significant accomplishment, accompanied by numerous sacrifices.
As a hockey player, I understand the immense effort required, even for silver and bronze medals. Despite dedicating six to eight hours daily, players endure criticism for not clinching gold. In such moments, only fellow players comprehend the shared pain.
Recalling a practice session at Nehru Stadium in Delhi, former cricketer Late Bishan Singh Bedi acknowledged the intensity of effort in hockey, remarking that cricket players sweat, but hockey players shed their blood. Across various sports, athletes support and inspire each other.
In the past, facilities were limited, with no provision for a psychologist.
Winning the hockey gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics meant living in basic barracks, enduring three daily practice sessions in scorching July heat without proper cooling facilities. Today, conditions have vastly improved, with increased focus on the mental health of players. To the current generation, I encourage thoughtful action and unwavering courage.