Only days remain for 2023 to slip into history. A time then for a quick look back on how things fared for India in the field of sports. It was a year in which sports lovers would vouch was significant for the most part, for the kind of performances witnessed. Performances are what matters, and 2023 had enough moments of that to give the feeling that Indian sportspersons were now ready for greater deeds in the seasons ahead. It used to be said, at least in the field of football, that it was time for the sleeping giant to wake up, particularly after seeing India’s domination in the sport in the earlier years disappearing in Asia. Though that ‘wake up’ has not strictly happened, flashes here and there always raise promise or hopes of better days ahead. However, in many other sporting arenas, perhaps, things have begun to look a touch inspiring.

None provided the spark more than this marvel of a six-footer from Haryana, Neeraj Chopra. In a matter of two or three years, this 25-year-old Javelin exponent from Haryana has transformed the outlook of an Indian sportsperson’s mental make-up in major sporting events in the world with his jaw-dropping performances. Inspiration is what he exuded through his confidence for the others to pick up it would seem. Consider this: Neeraj became the world champion in the year, the first Asian to achieve this feat, adding to his Olympic champion tag. In addition, he is an Asian Games champion after he retained the gold in the Asian Games, Hangzhou. Further, he is the Commonwealth Games champion…the list can go on and will get stretched........

© Mathrubhumi English