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Every year on August 29, India comes together to observe National Sports Day, a tribute that began in 2012 to honor the birth anniversary of the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, fondly known as the ‘Wizard of Hockey.’ This sports day celebration not only commemorates the life of one of India’s greatest field hockey players but also serves as a reminder of the importance of sports and fitness in our lives.
National Sports Day: Major Dhyan Chand’s 120th birthday
Ironically, while a day is dedicated in his name, the country is still waiting for Major Dhyan Chand to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, a recognition that feels long overdue. The Dhyan Chand Award, named after this hockey legend, is one of the highest sporting honours in India, recognizing lifetime achievement in sports development.
National Sports Day is not just about remembering Dhyan Chand’s brilliance on the field, but also about reflecting on how sports have shaped India’s collective identity. While field hockey may hold the official status of India’s national sport, it’s cricket that has stolen the spotlight in recent decades. A game played on a 22-yard strip and bounded by 90-metre limits has somehow managed to stretch across the hearts of 1.4 billion people, binding them together in joy, heartbreak, and endless debate.
But what truly keeps India hooked to cricket isn’t merely the trophies or the numbers on the scoreboard. It’s the stories of grit, courage, and fair play, moments that remind us why sport is bigger than just winning or losing. Some of these instances didn’t just capture Indian hearts but won global admiration, too, embodying the spirit of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance that sports instill in individuals.
5 iconic moments of courage in Indian men’s cricket
So, as we mark this National Sports Day, let’s step off the podium of pure results and revisit five iconic moments of courage in Indian men’s cricket, times when the spirit of sportsmanship outshone the scoreboard. These moments not only showcase the physical fitness required in sports but also highlight the mental strength and healthy lifestyle that athletes maintain.
5. Anil Kumble’s broken jaw in Antigua (2002)
One of the gutsiest acts in cricket history came in 2002 during a Test match against the West Indies. Anil Kumble, struck on the jaw by a Mervyn Dillon bouncer, spat out blood but continued batting for 20 more minutes before retiring hurt. Scans revealed a broken jaw, and surgery was needed.
However, Kumble, with his jaw wired shut and heavily bandaged, returned to the field to bowl. In a spell of 14 continuous overs, he not only showed immense physical and mental strength but also took the crucial wicket of Brian Lara. His wife, Chetna, later revealed that she thought he was ‘joking’ when he told her he was going back to bowl. This selfless act of putting the team before personal suffering remains a timeless lesson in commitment and perseverance in sports.
4. MS Dhoni’s spirit of cricket moment with Ian Bell (2011)
During India‘s tour of England in 2011, a controversial moment unfolded when Ian Bell was run out just before tea. Bell, assuming the ball had gone for a boundary, had casually walked off the crease. Although the dismissal was legal, it was clear he had made an honest mistake. As the crowd booed and the umpire’s decision stood, MS Dhoni and the Indian team had a team discussion during the tea break.
Demonstrating why he is admired worldwide, Dhoni withdrew the appeal, calling Bell back to resume his innings. This gesture was a powerful statement that cricket is not only about winning but also about fairness and respect, earning Dhoni the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award. It showcased the importance of sportsmanship and ethical conduct in sports events.
3. Virat Kohli Defends Steve Smith from Crowd Booing (2019 World Cup)
In the high-stakes 2019 World Cup clash between India and Australia at The Oval, Steve Smith, who was making his return after the ball-tampering ban, was met with relentless booing from a section of the Indian crowd. In a moment that transcended rivalry, Virat Kohli, then India’s captain, turned to the stands and urged the fans to stop jeering Smith. He gestured for them to clap for the Australian instead. This act of empathy, for which Kohli later apologized to Smith on behalf of the crowd, showcased his maturity and earned him the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award. It was a powerful display of humanity, proving that sportsmanship is bigger than any rivalry or past mistake, and highlighting the importance of respect in sports.
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2. Yuvraj Singh’s World Cup triumph while battling cancer (2011)
The 2011 ICC World Cup victory was a momentous occasion for India, but the story of Yuvraj Singh makes it even more extraordinary. Throughout the tournament, Yuvraj silently endured a persistent cough, vomiting, and breathing difficulties on the field, symptoms that were later diagnosed as a rare form of lung cancer.
Despite his deteriorating health, he emerged as India’s hero, scoring 362 runs and taking 15 wickets, and was named the Player of the Tournament. His fight symbolized an unimaginable level of courage, as he carried the hopes of a nation while battling a life-threatening disease in secret. Yuvraj’s perseverance and dedication to the sport, even in the face of such adversity, is a testament to the power of sports in building character and mental strength.
1. VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid’s gritty stand in Kolkata (2001)
The 2001 Eden Gardens Test against Australia is remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in Test history. Following on and with their backs against the wall, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid produced a batting masterclass. Laxman, battling severe back pain, scored a majestic 281, while Dravid, weakened by a viral fever, stood tall for a gritty 180.
Their record-breaking 376-run partnership not only saved India from a certain defeat but also set up an astonishing victory. It was not a display of individual brilliance but a test of collective resilience and human spirit, proving that guts and determination can truly rewrite history against all odds. This partnership exemplified the teamwork and mental toughness that sports foster, inspiring generations of cricket enthusiasts and aspiring athletes.
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