Sports teaches discipline
Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club beat Dhaka Abahani Limited by a snap goal on Wednesday in the Bangladesh League in Dhaka. These two teams are still the most popular clubs in the country, but cannot draw crowds in the stadiums, contrarily soccer fans fought for tickets to watch their amazing dexterity till early nineties.
It is said that crowds inspire athletes of any discipline to display their skills. Sportsmen do not feel comfort in the empty or the near empty stadiums. That is why FIFA demands surety of crowds’ presence in the stadiums from the countries seeking to host the World Cup Football.
We have heard that tens of thousands of people flocked to the stadiums to enjoy soccer league matches of Mohammedan SC (MSC), East Bengal (EB) and Mohan Bagan (MB) in Calcutta during the British India. These three clubs are still the most popular teams in West Bengal. Many renowned footballers played for MSC, EB and MB. Just now I recall the name of Samad. Many critics used to attribute him as ‘football wizard Samad’. Brazilian footballer Garincha was of extraordinary talent. His foot and headwork, interception, ball receiving and controlling, passing, taking shot into the goal post and dodging abilities enchanted the crowds. He won the World Cup twice in 1958 and 1962 for his country.
There are no dearths of talented athletes in sports. We do not know all their names, nor do we try to learn. In badminton, the most talented player is Lin Dan of China. Critics attribute him as ‘Super Dan’. He is the greatest badminton player the world has ever produced like Gary Sobers in cricket, Garincha in soccer and Dhan Chand in hockey. Success in sports depend on discipline.
Abdullah Akber
Dhaka
