The Magician and his Magic Stick

Many of you must have seen a magic show. Commanded by a bloke in black coat
along with a hat( probably as deep as Mariana Trench) on his head.
Of course, this hat has to be that much deep, otherwise how can he pull out a world of things from it and we call it magic.
Some of you might believe it and some of you might not. But there is another magician who never had a hat but performed all the magic with his stick. His name is Major Dhyan chand, the hockey wizard.
Same Major Dhayan chand, on whose name stands the venue of 2010 FIH World Cup. Major Dhyandchand was not just a player, he was a force in himself. A force which when on field, could never be penetrated by the opposition. Who can forget his Invincibles' XI which dominated the world of hockey?
When India was still under the rule of the Britishers, one of the only few things to cheer about was on the trot hockey gold Medals in '28 , '32 and '36 olympics. But today, Indian Hockey is marred by controversies.
Debates ranging from over foreign coach to the captain of the team to monetary benefits not being given to the players, the signs have not been very optimistic over last few years.

The position in which today Hockey India finds itself is not very appreciative.
I always felt that,what West Indies did to their cricket, is what India has done to its hockey.

In this whirlpool, one good thing that has hapened to India is, Hockey World Cup coming to our country.
Its a great time, when the love for the game is re-incarnated among fellow Indians and players get united forgetting all the grudges and leaving the past behind.

It is the time for revival of our hockey, which was nurtured by our great grand fathers and grand fathers.
And after watching India begin their campaign in style with a 4-1 victory over arch rivals, we can see it as a silver lining.
Consistent dominance for 70 mins was displayed by Indians. And as they say, luck favours the brave, two out of three penalty corners directed at India's den by one of the greatest drag flicker ,Sohail Abbas,ricocheted off the cross bar.
Though, its still a long way to go, but we all hope that ,it will be this time. Whatever may be the result of this tournament , a positive frame of mind can ensure a smile on that wizard, wherever he may be in this world.

Let stick prevail...Chak Dey!

DOUBLE WHAMMY

5th January ,1971 can be celebrated as Birthday of One Day Cricket. After first three days of 3rd Test of the Ashes series were washed out, officials decided to abandon the test match. Instead, a one day game of 40 overs each side ( 8 ball over) was played between the two historic rivals.Australia won that match comfortably with 5 wickets still safe in pavilion. Since then One Day cricket has seen a lot of transition, from white kits to colored jerseys , from 8 ball over to six ball over and many more.

But today's date i.e. 24th Feb ,2010 will be written in golden letters.
After 39 years of its emergence ,One Day Cricket witnessed its first ever double hundred, & who better than SACHIN TENDULKAR will be privileged to do so.In the meanwhile records of Saeed Anwar and Charles Coventry were also broken.
It is a phenomenal performance from a person who has devoted his life to this beautiful game.
As some one beautifully described the moment of truth saying that even sun will go down only after watching the GOD of CRICKET achieve this miracle, we could only thank Almighty of giving us a chance to be born in SACHIN's era.
Its a blessing that we have been a witness to so many of his amazing knocks.
The sound of ball hitting the middle of SACHIN's timber has always been euphonious.

He has broken virtually every record and but its his humility which has carried him so far and for so long.

There are 12 months left for the KUMBH of Cricket which is the only trophy left in SACHIN's cabinet. Till then we can keep praying for him, and feel jubilant that we never had to bowl to him (though my heart says, even being thrashed by his bat would have been an honor.)

A Tribute

We call him GOD, He has got the power
Ohh! SACHIN, Ohh! SACHIN... Thnx for the runs u shower

U started ur career with a series of records
With ur splendid shots, u make bowlers feel short

First series in Pakistan, u thrashed the ball
Every1 accepted , u r above all.

U went to England, showed exquisite timing
Can't think of anything else rhyming

Then first century came, u saved the test
V all say, that it was one of the best.

Ur era was growing, and I was growing too
Was excited abt wat I wil be a witness to.

U lived upto expectations, did more than the rest
World never had any doubt, that u r better then the best.

U gave me reasons to smile, U gave me tears of Joy
U made CRICKET my PASSION, when I was just a boy.

My heart beat goes up, with each ball u face
Each of ur shot is full of elegance n grace.

U terrorise the bowlers, U hit them with flair
Warney sees u in dreams, accepts u r a nightmare.

V just name it, U wil brake that record
Brett Lee no more has his 6 strings, U have broken his chord.

CADDICK opened his mouth, U slapped him hard
Even Shoaib fears to bowl, when u take gaurd.

SIr Don Bradman admired u, Only u belong to his class
V all r sure, each record u will surpass.

Injuries took toll, many said u r down n out
U came back with a bang,Though I never had any doubt.

I wish to meet u someday, It wil b a dream come true
V wil talk CRICKET, And will hav a cup of Bru.

I end this now ,with a prayer to GOD
May he bless u with a great life, and an UNBEATABLE RECORD.

Parikshit Kapila