It's Sudirman Cup 2009 that kept me sticking my butt on the sofa for long hours these few days, grand finale scheduled tomorrow will put an end to it...
it was, however, the match between lee chong wei and lin dan during the semi final today that caught most of my attention throughout the marathon of watching tv..
being ranked world no. 1 and 2, both of them, in my opinion are undoubtedly the best two badminton single players for now. Like everything else, people like to argue about who's the better one between the two. Being a Malaysian, I always favour lee chong wei more than lin dan.
But there's more to that than just supporting fellow Malaysians. I have to agree with some people that, in a certain extent, lin dan is indeed a stronger player. Obviously this can be proved by records of their matches and the world ranking they've had along the way. But that doesn't mean all. After all, lee chong wei, though wasn't able to attract my attention at the beginning, has proven himself an extremely talented badminton player. I'm not the only one who'd agree with the face that, when he's in a good form, lee chong wei possess what it needs to take down lin dan, even though lin dan is a stronger player overall. To me, each and every match between them is not only a competition of skills and stamina, but also about strategy, mental control of nervousness and a lot more, pretty much like a war...
I didn't actually hope lee chong wei would win the match as to me, lin dan can only be taken down by lee at occasions where lee is in a very good form....
Nonetheless, I expected a very good fight from lee. Well it ended up that lee did put up a good show, at least to me, despite some unforgivable mistakes he made. Lin dan had the victory, giving 1 of the points for team of China to proceed to the final match with Korea.
I had a quick glimpse in the internet on the articles about the match, and was so sad to realize the arrogance of some people out there of having the so-called "super dan". Some people just don't understand something as simple as the fact that there's no need to put the whole world at a lower position just to show that you're good. While the rumour of badminton being eliminated in the list of olympic games emerges, team of China shouted loudly they'll "die" for the champion of Sudirman Cup. While supporting the team or the players i like, i remind myself to not forget the spirit of sportsmanship, that all players on court are giving their very best. They put up good performances and celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship. While their skills might be the reason they're categorized, their spirit of sportsmanship should not be differentiated into classes and but should be respected. Something for some coaches and reporters to think about.
1 comment:
Great article. Like you I am promoting sportsmanship across the world - starting in Ireland (so far so good - the Olympic Council Of Ireland have invited me in to discuss my campaign/programme).
Can you or your readers please send me any stories that emerge relating to sportsmanship – no matter how small or big. As I’m looking to add sportsmanship stories onto my sportsmanship blog and eventually into the next edition of my book - a collection of short, true, stories about sportsmanship – honour & integrity, nobility & humility on the field of sport.
Whether local game or top professional competition, any sport, any level, anywhere, any time – please send me your stories. I am determined to get sportsmanship back on the agenda of kids, coaches & commentators (and eventually all sports people), through video, web site, the book and emerging education programmes.
Please send me your story, or even just comments about sportsmanship
to my blog www.GreatMomentsOfSportssmanship.com or to me directly paul@GreatMomentsOfSportsmanship.com . Many thanks and good luck.
Paul Smith
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