Dear Editor,
The scenes from India’s triumph in the World Cup final were a spectacle to behold. I was initially left stricken by Sri Lanka’s demise after viewing one of the most gracious centuries in a World Cup final by Mahela Jawaredeen. By then I was confident that Sri Lanka was on course for a double in the sub-continent. To make my predictions even more conclusive was the early exit of the dangerous pair of Virender Sewag and Sachin Tendulkar by the versatile Lasith Malinga, and to be honest I had already begun the celebrations as a Sri Lankan fan. But like my hasty prediction about the West Indies which I had boasted were going to reach the semi-finals (they were shocking!), I was yet again wrong.
India’s World Cup glory was indeed a fitting tribute to an incomparable champion who may have played his last World Cup match; finally his dream came true. (I wanted the same glory for Brian Lara upon his exit from the international arena.) The diminutive and dynamic Sachin Tendulkar’s ecstasy at the end caught my attention throughout most of the wild celebrations thereafter. My recognition of Tendulkar though, is not for his record, since a year may not be enough to compile his immaculate resumé.
But his joy and excitement could not be contained, as his boyish traits and rookie antics overcame his superhuman status in the company of his loyal and equally uncontrollable team mates. The smooth grace with which he did it was simply special, and there and then I thought that not all super-heroes are hawkish and selfish. Instead Tendulkar relished every moment of the occasion as if he was an ordinary cricketer. The world still has some invaluable treasures that can inspire others how to live and celebrate together.
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
