Last year we saw the Cricket World Cup *(Australia thrashing India to win the crown) *, the Rugby World Cup *(England are the new world champions) *, the Asia Cup *(Hockey…India won 4-2 against Pakistan in the finals) * and the Asean Cup *(East Bengal became the first Indian Football club to win a football tournament on foreign soil) * along with the usual dose of Tennis grand slams, various international Cricket tournaments & Formula one races. Sports was busy in 2003.
However there were few sports personalities who have always caught my attention with their glittering performance on and off the playing field. So here are my gleanings from a year packed with action all over the world(Psst. Some of these sports personalities may not be the best in their field….But what the heck! I like them anyway)
!) Rahul Dravid *(India—Cricket): Armed with an enormous reputation and an awesome record against the best teams in the world, Dravid can devastate any bowling attack in a matter of time. He has never been just another catch for the bowlers. Dravid has always been the prized scalp, keeping a heavy tag on his wicket(No wonder they call his “The great wall of India”). His 145 against Sri Lanka during the 1999 World cup & 233 against Australia in Adelaide will always remain the highlight of his career.
Other contenders for this spot were: Michael Bevan, Jacques Kallis & Michael Vaughan.
@) Mathew Hayden *(Australia—Cricket): Mathew Hayden is the Vivek Oberoi of Cricket, a new face who did not take long to hit big time. Blessed with a powerful built, this Australian opening batsman exudes proscribed threat. Hayden has scattered bowling attacks world over- at home, in India, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka and shredded record books with ease(Yup! He’s the same guy who broke Brain Lara’s world record of 375 runs in an inning this year).
Other contenders for this spot were: Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya & Herschelle Gibbs
#) Michael Owen *(England—Football): Watching Michael Owen speed out in the field and wield his not-so-heavy handsome body against the best defense in the world, one could easily forgive the average soccer fan for thinking he is watching some Hollywood movie of late 90s. Owen is a living art gallery of amazing skills replete with natural talent for dribbling, dissecting the defense, passing & scoring goals. He appears to possess the instinct exclusive to eminent goal-scorers, which allows him to know where to position himself & to turn half chances into goals.
Other contenders for this spot were: Raul, Adrian Mutu, Dennis Bergkamp and Alan Shearer.
$) Michael Schumacher *(Germany—F1 racing): The spirit of Mrs. Schumacher would be happy to learn that her son Michael Schumacher is still the fastest man on Earth. Michael showed elegance and temperament to win the San Marino’s grand prix, hours after his mothers’ untimely death. No wonder he is universally regarded as the most talented driver of this generation. Last year he won his 5th drivers championship, broke numerous records and created history every time he sat behind that Ferrari wheel. So my only wish for the new year is: One more championship glory for the great Schumacher.….
Other contenders for this spot were: Kimi Raikanon, Montoya & Ralf Schumacher
%)Alessandro Del Piero *(Italy—Football): An emblem of precision, aggression and persistence. That’s Alessandro Del Piero. Del Piero, self-possessed and Hollywood star like, is perhaps one of the most exciting striker of this era. The Italian striker can penetrate through any defense with his cunning twists and touches, and score goals without any difficulty. With an action that is a classicist delight and rhythm matchless. Dep Piero has made rapid progress with fiery performance for Juventus and Italy in a very short span of time.
Other contenders for this spot were: Ronaldo, Rudd Van Nistelroy, Christian Vieri and Thierry Henry.
^) Zinedine Zidane *(France—Football): There is nothing more evocative then the sight of the groovy Zinedine Zidane plying his art in the middle. From dribbling to passing, he combines complete armory of rattlesnake precision & accuracy. He is so amazing in front of the woodwork that he only have to flick his leg across the ball & it floats away from the surprised goalkeepers into the nets. Such is his accuracy. He is perhaps the only player who has the right mix of flair and persistence, which needs fair amount of technique to tackle. The best thing about Zidane is his ability to raise his game in critical situations something which even players like Figo or David Beckham have failed to do since their arrival.
Other contenders for this spot were: Luis Figo, David Beckham, Marc Overmars, Paul Scholes, Harry Kewell and Robert Pires
&) Lance Armstrong *(USA— Cycling): Lance Armstrong has been to the peaks and down to the troughs. But Lance has proved time and again that he is one of the greatest athlete of all time. To win an event like “Tour de France”, which is considered to be world’s most grueling sports events for 5th consecutive time, that too, after fighting a disease like Cancer really needs a heart of a champion. Lance in my opinion is the best athlete that has ever walked on this planet(With due respect to Mohd Ali & Sir Donald Bradman).
Other contenders for this spot were: Frankly speaking, there was no competition for Lance Armstrong.
) Bhaichung Bhutia *(India –Football): Matches the best footballers from around the world in spectacular performance. Bhaichung Bhutia can set the field on fire with mind-boggling passing skills, spectacular bicycle kicks, great dribbling capacity & powerful long distance shots. Bhutia was, is and will remain the best Indian footballer of our generation.
Other contenders for this spot were: I M.Vijiyan
+) Johnny Wilkinson *(England—Rugby): When you first see Johnny Wilkinson, don’t be surprised if your jaw drops. Then closes again and your mouth forms a grin. Johnny is known to have that effect on people. This amazing superstar, is powered by a 500horsepower V-12 engine at 7500 rpm & can deliver a top speed of 320kmph(Ask the Aussies if you don’t believe me). Yes! I’m talking about England’s rugby union flyhalf Johnny Wilkinson and not a Lamborghini.
Other contenders for this spot were: Lomu
And
) All remaining Indian sports personalities