An increasingly fading quality of sportspeople is their 'sportsmanship'. It may seem self- explanatory, but many people don't acknowledge or appreciate it as much as they should. It's the quality which includes accepting losses like a gentleman, not challenging decisions made by referees or arbiters, keeping a sound temperament during a match, and above everything, being gracious while playing the sport/game. Quite often, there are players who exceed all in their prowess in their respective game, but whose wins aren't celebrated with as much enthusiasm because they're not "people's champions". They radiate a kind of negative energy to the crowd which dampens their excitement. It's not as if their play isn't magnificent. It's just that they're...kind of murky. An excellent of example of this is tennis star Novak Djokovic. He's currently seeded number 2 in the world, but he portrays a classic cold Serbian mentality. I myself have never seen him laugh. Players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are at the end of the spectrum. They're more like old friends rather than rivals and one doesn't seem to mind too much when the other wins. Just today, the former beat Nadal to clinch the Australian Open title. Federer gladly said he would share the trophy with Nadal if there were draws in tennis.
In cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lankan captain is an amiable and articulate fellow. Even after his team lost the 2011 cricket world cup final, he was seen with a wry smile while his teammates were dejected. Vishy Anand, Indian chess sensation and former world champion, has been universally liked for his quiet demeanour and non confrontational style. Kasparov, while much better than Anand, has been seen as more intimidating and gruff.
These are some examples of how your recognition in a sport and even in any kind of competitive situation are more than just your achievements. So be appreciative of the other player/players and show your acknowledgement of the fact that he/she was simply better than you on that day. Don't create fights and unpleasant situations unnecessarily. Play in the spirit of the game.
In cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lankan captain is an amiable and articulate fellow. Even after his team lost the 2011 cricket world cup final, he was seen with a wry smile while his teammates were dejected. Vishy Anand, Indian chess sensation and former world champion, has been universally liked for his quiet demeanour and non confrontational style. Kasparov, while much better than Anand, has been seen as more intimidating and gruff.
These are some examples of how your recognition in a sport and even in any kind of competitive situation are more than just your achievements. So be appreciative of the other player/players and show your acknowledgement of the fact that he/she was simply better than you on that day. Don't create fights and unpleasant situations unnecessarily. Play in the spirit of the game.
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