Show or Spirit?

Being a mallu and being a sports buff means that I follow all the actions of a Malayali sports person. I even google and read about Chitra Soman, Ranjith Maheshwary etc. So it's but natural that I follow the rise of S Sreesanth in international cricket...

I used to follow him from the time he became the first cricketer to take a hattrick for Kerala in Ranji trophy. I used to check the score board whenever there used to be a match for Kerala and was very glad to see that he used to take atleast 2 wickets in everymatch. And I wished that somehow he gets to play at least one international match for India.

But my wish was more than fulfilled when I see him get a man of the match award in South Africa. And I was very glad. I liked him for his bowling, but did not like his other antics in the field. May be I am a meek person who likes to get on with the job in his hand. But here was a guy who had an eye for camera, who was trying to show off or glorify things. And the hero hungry media also helped by pouring oil into fire...

But other than that, I like the enthusiasm with which he approaches the bowling crease, the energy that he has on field etc...

I like to think of it as a trait common to Mallus. They love their sport. And I have seen more enthusiasm in a Mallu for sports than anyother person in India. They may have passion for one particular sport, but loving all the games and sports alike, that can be seen only in a Mallu, I think. I know I am making a tall claim, but I believe so...

And this reflects in the enthusiasm that is displayed in School sports. Kerala's school athletic meets keep churning in potential champions every year. In which other state can you see people so much interested in Athletics. That is a healthy sign to prove the tall claim that I made previously...

But most of these stars seem to fade out as time passes. I guess this is because of the inherent mindset of Indians that there is no future in sports. If you want to lead a good life, leave sports and go for a normal job. I am not criticizing this attitude, as I for one, also is one with same mentality. Although I was not great at any sports, I always had this passion for sports... But I was never ever confident enough to follow my dreams. Instead I went for safety first...

And I salute all the big stars of Indian sports who came out of their comfort zone and did something that they liked. And this is one good reason to respect Sreesanth more than dislike him for his eye for limelight... Bravo Sree, keep it going...

Reach for the stars and inspire a generation!!!