Sports taught me something that no teacher or friend could, that is sportsmanship.
When we play a game, we are bound to lose or win. Although, there are times when the game gets dirty, but some moments can make you respect the game or the player. Because, sometimes, just sometimes, winning isn’t everything. Like it is said, good players inspire themselves, great players inspire others.
Here are some gestures of respect in all the field of sports that will show you the meaning of sportsmanship.
1. Rahul Sharma came up with a refreshing exhibition of sportsmanship when he saluted Sangakkara after dismissing him.
The former Sri Lanka skipper tried to steer a straighter one from Rahul Sharma down to third man but instead got a healthy edge to the keeper. Like the gentleman he is, Sangakarra started walking without waiting for the umpire’s decision. Rahul Sharma stopped his celebration midway and gave a respectful send-off.
2. Â The greatest moment in cricket has to be the India-Pakistan Test match in Chennai in 1999.
Pakistan claimed the last 4 wickets for 4 runs and won by 12 runs. The crowd in Chennai stunned at first rose their feet and began to clap. The Pakistan team immediately took their cue and ran a victory lap around the ground.
3. Villarreal fielded 13-year-old cancer suffering fan in a friendly against Celtic FC.
The Spanish top-flight club named Gohan in their starting lineup, who sadly suffers from an aggressive form of cancer. The 13-year-old had informed his nurses of his dreams to play for his favorite club and Villarreal were more than happy to oblige.
4. The famous Ashes image of Andrew Flintoff consoling Brett Lee after an epic Test at Edgbaston.
The image most people take with them from England’s famous two-run win at Edgbaston is that of Flintoff (England) consoling Brett Lee (Australia) while chaotic scenes of celebration swirled around him.
5. Brendon McCullum in a heartwarming gesture asked Umpire Steve Davis in his final match to lead the players off.
6. Juventus players received a guard of honour from the Barcelona before going up to receive their runners-up medals after the 2015 Champions League final.
7. Jonathan Trott of England took his cap off before shaking hands with Rahul Dravid in his last ever ODI match.
This moment will stay with all cricket lovers for a long time.
8. Spanish athlete Iván Fernández Anaya intentionally lost, so that his opponent could win.
Abel Mutai slowed as he neared the finish line, believing he had won. Instead of exploiting Mutai’s mistake and claim an unlikely victory, Spanish athlete Iván Fernández Anaya stayed behind and guided the Kenyan to the line.
9. New Zealand’s Grant Elliot smashed a six to vanquish South Africa and then produced a moment of wonderful sportsmanship.
Humble in victory, humble in defeat.
10. Cricket is not only about money and controversies, it also creates brotherhood and bonding.
MS Dhoni turned physio for injured Faf du Plessis after he attempted a slog and fell over on his backside. Dhoni was the first one to volunteer and held the South African’s legs in the air and flexed his feet to stretch the muscle..
11. Sorry about today, Roger.
Federer couldn’t hold back his tears after losing to Rafael Nadal in 2009 Australian Open. But Nadal was kind enough to put an around him and console FedEx after defeating him an epic 5-set at Melbourne Park.
12. Dhoni withdrew the successful appeal against Ian Bell and recalled him after his controversial dismissal.
There was awe and there was shock. But sportsmanship prevailed at the end.
13. David Warner kissed the ground after reaching 63 not out on the pitch where his close friend Phillip Hughes was knocked down.
14. This is how Valencia FC paid tribute to the Nepal earthquake with the player names printed in Nepali letters.
Class.
15. This has to be the best running picture ever.
Simon Vroemen and Brimin Kipruto congratulating each other on qualifying for the finals in 2004 Olympics.
16. Corinthians players paid a touching tribute to Ayrton Senna considered the greatest ever to have driven on the F1 circuit on his 20th death anniversary.
17. This tops my list of gestures of respect for the game.
A father and son duo came to support AS Roma during a match against Bayern Munich but was tragically killed in an accident while going back. Roma paid a tribute to them by wearing a jersey of the father and son in their next match.
And this was the reaction of the mother.
Some of them may have lost the game, but what they won was much more significant. 🙂