Just under a year ago, West Indies faced the rock bottom by not qualifying for the 50 over Would Cup, everyone has written off the West Indies and when a broadcaster mocked to dissolve the West Indies board and grant associate status to each island, former cricketer Ian Bishop patiently reflected that “When your friend is going through a hard time, you support them not to mock them”.
Fast forward to today, now the same West Indies team triumphed over the Australian fortress, Gabba, thanks to young man, Shamar Joseph. I was thrilled to know that he was once a security guard a few years back before transitioning into a full time cricketer.
The second inspiring news is of Rohan Bopanna. He won the Australian Grand Slam at the age of 44. Patience, Perseverance and Hope are just a few words until we meet someone like Rohan who dreamt of this moment from the last 20-25 years!!
In the world of sports, where triumphs and defeats intertwine, the West Indies cricket team’s resurgence and Rohan Bopanna’s Grand Slam victory echo the essence of resilience and dedication. Shamar Joseph’s remarkable journey from a security guard to a cricket star exemplifies the power of perseverance, while Bopanna’s win at 44 stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of hope.
As these stories unfold, they remind us that sport, beyond the boundaries of wins and losses, inspires us to believe in the extraordinary possibilities that unfold when one remains steadfast in the face of adversity.
Vijay Bhandare 