Gods of the Games!

We have grown up watching a lot of Hindi movies which were shot in the fascinating locations of the Switzerland in 1980s and 1990s. Impressive and eye-catching locales were a key ingredient for a movie to succeed then. Almost a decade after when I look around, nothing like that is considered necessary. However, there is still something that takes me to those wonderful locales. Still, I think of the place as one of most serene and calm destination. I take a pause here and tend to think why this charm is still afresh?

Because, all these years I have related to this place through one of most serene and humble champions of all time. A champion who breaches his own bar every time when he is in middle of the proceedings. A champion who is unruffled like a stone at the most crucial juncture of the game. A champion who goes on and on. Yes, this champion is popularly known as “The Fed Express”. Roger Federer is how he is better known as. He is probably greatest legend of modern era tennis. I remember conversations with one of my friend during Wimbledon 2001, when we used to chat a lot about the game of this person without knowing what future holds for this 20 year lad. That was the only time when Roger met with Pete Sampras inside the tennis court in an ATP tournament. And guess what? Pete, the previous generation’s best, was handed over a defeat by Roger, the current generation’s or perhaps all generation’s best. That was just the beginning of Roger Era. He has achieved them all during past 8-9 years. Career Grand Slam, Highest number of grand slam titles, No. 1 seed for record 237 consecutive weeks, 22 grand slam finals, 23 grand slam semi-finals appearances over last six years...

When he lost number one seed for the first time in 2008 to Nadal, many thought that Roger era is about to fade away. This era was supposed to be ending. However, the grit and greatness of Swiss Maestro was never ever faltering. He bounced back to win French Open (Career Grand Slam) in 2009 and he continues to maul his opponents. His greatness lies in his simplicity, humbleness and passion. The way, he controls his emotions, gestures and behavior is truly incredible. He is artist of the game and makes the game look so gracious and delicious. He is indeed “God of the Game”.

As Jimmy Connors said once: "In an era of specialists, you're either a clay court specialist, a grass court specialist, or a hard court specialist... or you're Roger Federer."

Having said that, what could be equally mesmerizing in the landscape of our own country which is so unlike those eye-catching locales? Well, there is a similar kind of champion here also, who makes me visit Alps every time he comes out to perform. A champion whose class, perfection and range is beyond imagination. A champion who is popularly known as “little master” or “master blaster”. He lives in heart of every Indian. He is a role model, an inspiration machine for millions of people or a run machine as Ravi Shastri always mentions. We call him Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Over 20 years of international cricket and more than 31,000 runs, 93 centuries, 147 half-centuries, record-holder for number of records. He has lived upto expectations of a cricket frenzy nation like nobody could do in any sphere of profession. For millions of fans, cricket still means Sachin. Amazingly, no occasion is big enough for him. No matter how big the occasion is, this champion makes it look tiny at the end.

Remember the stormy night during summer of 1998 at Sharjah, Remember nightmares handed over to Wasim & Co. in World Cup 2003, Remember match-winning 103 against England at Chennai or Remember empowering knock of 160 against New Zealand that helped create a history. These are just a few of superlative performaces by this great cricketer. With the kind of vintage form he is in at the moment and with the kind of passion he has for the game, I am sure that few more milestones await for him. Nothing better than a world cup win at Wankhede in 2011 could be a fitting tribute to the greatness of this Sensational and Radiant Talisman. Amen!

Take a bow to the legends! To the Gods of the Games!