02 March,2010 09:21 AM IST | | Nuzhat Aziz
First an apology. I am a diehard cricket fan. I worship Sachin Tendulkar. And I am also a tennis fanatic. I go weak in the knees whenever I see Roger Federer hit an ace. So, are you wondering why this apology? Well, I had almost forgotten that hockey was our national sport till the entire issue of non-payment was raked up sometime in January -- when ahead of the World Cup, the Indian hockey team boycotted a training camp for non-payment of match fees. I did think about the game occasionally. However, the interest died down. This was after Sachin became immortal when he scored 200 against South Africa.
But surprisingly, I saw myself cheering on Sunday when India was playing against Pakistan and scored 4 goals against Pakistan's 1. A dramatic opening to the World Cup and was I proud? A small confession here. I chanced upon the Doordarshan channel only because I am a compulsive channel surfer. So, as I was sitting on my favourite beanbag, munching on some snacks and enjoying an extended weekend, I suddenly paused to watch the Indo-Pak hockey match.
And boy, was I glued after that. I agree I do not follow the sport as closely as I follow cricket or tennis. But after watching the match for some time, I found myself cheering loudly and blowing kisses to the television set when I saw Sandeep Singh score two penalty goals to help India record their first win against Pakistan. I still don't know the names of all the hockey players, but I am learning. I am keen to learn. I know now that Shivendra Singh and Prabjot Singh chipped in with a goal each to help the team win. I am getting hooked. I will be waiting till March 13. And I will cheer for my team.
I have realised, I don't need a film by SRK to tell me Chak De, India! It is time we feel strongly about our national sport, be proud that the team is working hard and playing for the nation. Meanwhile, since it is still acceptable to be excited about the forthcoming IPL, my conscience tells me I need to do my bit for Team India. I will follow the game, learn more about it and tell my friends on Twitter (that's the only way to grab their attention these days) to follow.
My prayers are with the Indian hockey team and we will surely win this World Cup. Let's change the 'national shame' back to national game. Let us all be a part of this
historic moment.
