If one were to take a micro view of the performances of Indian sportspersons, what stands out is the GROWING SELF-BELIEF of those pursuing lesserfollowed sports in the country. Thanks to the increased financial support from the government, and from the corporate sector, performances are improving.
The year 2016 saw several performers and path-breakers. Some lived up to the expectations, a few others exceeded them. From popular sports like cricket to not-so followed gymnastics, there was something to cheer about. But this hasn’t happened too often in the past.
In team disciplines like cricket and hockey, there was plenty to feel excited about. India dominating the home Test series against New Zealand and England did not come as a surprise, but the number of performers contributing to the triumphs was more than just an encouraging sign.
The triumph in the junior men’s World Cup was obviously the high point of Indian hockey this year. India was not expected to prevail over teams like Australia and European rivals such as England and surprise-finalist Belgium. But the team picked itself up at the end of the league phase and showed character when the situation demanded.
Across the country’s sporting spectrum, cricketers like Virat Kohli, R. Ashwin, badminton player P. V. Sindhu, wrestler Sakshi Malik, cueist Pankaj Advani, chess Grandmasters P. Hari Krishna, D. Harika, golfer Aditi Ashok and gymnast Dipa Karmakar formed the galaxy of ‘shining stars’ this year.
KOHLI, WITH HIS CONSISTENCY in all three formats, caught the eye of the cricket pundits. Some even jumped the gun, calling him a ‘great’, while some others maintained that he was a legend in the making.
Backed by the results, his captaincy in Test cricket also attracted obvious praise. More importantly, Kohli appeared to have matured as a cricketer and as a leader, with captaincy mellowing him down to the necessary extent.
This story is from the January 14, 2017 edition of Sportstar.
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This story is from the January 14, 2017 edition of Sportstar.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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