As sports descends into a quagmire of politics, trans rights, flag burning and racial divides, it seems to me that we need to look to historic events to be reminded of what sport is really all about.
To represent your country or town, school or community is an honour. It is a moment that should be filled with pride. Not only for the players, but also the spectators who fill the stadiums and cheer for their favourite.
I watched a film last night called " 83" - about the Cricket World Cup victory by India. What a story of sportsmanship, unity, mateship and determination. How sad that we now seem to be following 1984 from George Orwell instead of the inspiration of Kapil Dev's 1983....
The 1983 Cricket World Cup was a watershed moment in the history of Indian cricket and a defining chapter in the annals of international cricket.
But this was more than a story about cricket: it was a story about true grit. Hanging in there when all seemed lost. When being a band of kindred souls with a united goal was a power that was so strong, it could turn losers into winners. And mightily so.
You don't have to love cricket to get the message. It is a message of hope, optimism, unity and courage. And we need more of this today than ever before.
The tournament, held from June 9 to June 25, 1983, in England, witnessed an extraordinary display of skill, passion, and determination as the underdog Indian team, led by the amazing Kapil Dev, overcame all odds to clinch the prestigious trophy. For cricket enthusiasts, this historic victory remains an unforgettable journey of resilience, belief, and a celebration of the sport's essence. For others, it is a story of the underdog.
It is the ultimate Underdog Story
India's campaign in the 1983 World Cup began with pretty ordinary expectations. The team of young and relatively inexperienced players was perceived as a mere participant among cricketing giants like the West Indies, Australia, and England. However, it was this underdog status that proved to be the catalyst for their remarkable rise to greatness.
Throughout the tournament, the Indian team demonstrated an incredible spirit, overcoming challenges with grace and tenacity. Their defining moment came during a group stage match against the reigning champions and the mighty West Indies. Facing a daunting target of 184 runs, India was reduced to a precarious 17 for 5. In a stunning display of counter-attacking cricket, captain Kapil Dev played a swashbuckling innings of 175 not out, guiding India to a sensational victory. This remarkable turnaround symbolised the team's fighting spirit and ignited hope among cricket enthusiasts that India could go all the way.
As the tournament progressed, India's young stars began to shine. The batting prowess of Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, and Kris Srikkanth, combined with the versatile all-round skills of Kapil Dev, Yashpal Sharma, and Roger Binny, ensured a formidable batting lineup that could take on any challenge. And we cannot forget the emergence of the fearless fast bowler Madan Lal, alongside the legendary spinner Mohinder Amarnath.
The semifinal clash against England saw another heroic performance by the Indian team. Restricting England to a lower than normal score, India chased down their opponent and set their sights on the final.
The final at Lord's on June 25, 1983, was an unforgettable encounter that captured the imagination of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. India faced the West Indies, a side renowned for its cricketing dominance. Opting to bat first, India put up a decent score of 183 runs, with Mohinder Amarnath once again displaying his all-round brilliance with the bat, scoring a vital 26 runs.
In reply, the West Indies appeared to be cruising to victory, reaching 57 for 2. However, the turning point came when Kapil Dev took a remarkable running catch to dismiss the dangerous Vivian Richards, shifting the momentum in India's favor. The Indian bowlers, led by Mohinder Amarnath, Madan Lal, and Balwinder Sandhu, displayed exceptional control and skill to dismantle the West Indian batting lineup.
The moment of glory arrived when Amarnath trapped Michael Holding lbw, sealing India's historic victory by 43 runs. Lord's erupted in joy as India celebrated its maiden World Cup triumph, and cricket enthusiasts witnessed a fairy-tale unfold before their eyes.
India's victory in the 1983 World Cup marked a turning point for Indian cricket. It ignited a cricketing revolution in the country, inspiring millions of youngsters to take up the sport and dream big. The win paved the way for the transformation of Indian cricket, culminating in India becoming a cricketing powerhouse in subsequent years.
The 1983 World Cup victory serves as a reminder that in cricket, as in life, with belief and determination, even the most challenging dreams can be realised.
The Indian team taught the world that cricket is not just a game; it is an emotion that unites nations, transcends boundaries, ( pun intended ) and creates heroes for generations to come. Victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup can undoubtedly be attributed, to some extent, to a deep sense of patriotism that infused the team and the nation during the tournament.
The Indian cricket team in 1983 was not as well-known or accomplished as some of the other cricketing powerhouses of that era. However, they carried the hopes and aspirations of a cricket-crazy nation on their shoulders. Playing in England, the birthplace of cricket, further fueled the sense of national pride, as it was an opportunity to prove India's mettle in a sport that was perceived as a legacy of the colonial era.
Cricket has always been a unifying force in India, overcoming barriers of language, religion, and culture. The 1983 World Cup provided a platform for the nation to rally together in support of the team, breaking down regional and social divides. It became a symbol of unity, and the players understood the responsibility they had in representing their diverse nation.
We must not forget Kapil Dev, a charismatic and fiercely patriotic captain. Kapil's leadership instilled a sense of belonging and brotherhood among the players, who were more like a close-knit family rather than just a team. The players genuinely cared for each other and played for the pride of the nation. The Indian team received overwhelming support from their fans back home. Millions of Indians followed the matches on television and radio, cheering for their team and praying for their success. The support from the nation created an emotional connection between the players and the people, adding to the sense of patriotism.
Maybe it is time to get back to grassroots in sports? When people play for the love of the game, a sense of mateship and money was not the motivating factor.
Stop burning flags, refusing to sing the national anthem and turning sports into a spectacle of hatred, anger and self indulgent postering.
Most importantly, let's restore some honour.
It seems to me that honour is sadly lacking in so many sports these days. The days of such greats as Donald Bradman ( cricket ), David Campese ( Rugby Union ), and others ( too many to mention ) are now like war heroes who deserve medals for their uncompromising commitment to fair play.
But, these days, it seems that money is the god and politics is the master.
In my opinion, it just " isn't cricket " as the saying goes. Bring back the spirit of 1983 because I am not a fan of 1984.
