DIFFERENT sporting activities have always had a special place in the history of mankind. From time immemorial man has indulged in a number of physical activities to keep himself fit. Besides being entertaining, such things also help develop a personality. Each game requires a peculiar skill and special kind of attention.
Today when I think about the games that I played over a period of time I can certainly say with confidence that each game left an indelible mark on my personality, not to mention the scars on my skin. An added advantage of all such things is that as one switches from one sport to another, one gets to know a little more about one’s own character traits.
I wonder why in Pakistan, whenever young people start taking part in sporting activities, they begin with cricket. Even in modern times the observation holds true. Here I would like to mention that I am a born left-hander. So when I first started playing cricket, it did not prove a pleasant experience. While batting I used to play right-handed and was never a successful batsman. Those days playing left-handed was not considered the ‘in’ thing. Today when I look back at certain things I realize that probably I was not fit to play the game. But as far as bowling was concerned, I think I was more suited to that department of the game. Cricket is a game that requires immense concentration, patience and quick decision-making; and even today I fall short of all these qualities. I was not meant to play cricket.
Next I flirted with horse riding, but quickly discerned that I was not cut out to do that too. Nevertheless, the fact that I participated in the horse and cattle show at Lahore at the age of 14 still makes me nostalgic.
Then came along boxing. I think my instincts did not allow me to accept defeat at any cost. But it dawned on me that my lanky body could not bear powerful punches. I may have been good at dodging some blows, I was quite unable to land really forceful punches on my opponent. Still, I was pretty good at it. For the first time in my life I realized that left-handers had an edge over their opponents in boxing. My opponents never knew where my punches came from. I could deceive them with my agility. In the years to come I was able to master the art and became a stylish boxer. My rapid pace made up for my lack of real power. But I knew that I must develop my arms if I were to be a really good boxer.
To invigorate my body I took to swimming. Fortunately my trainer was a former Olympian. Therefore, from the very beginning I was taught about all the game’s finer points like breath control, rolling and leg movement. When I now look back, I find that swimming is an art unto its own. Probably it is the one game over which human beings acquire mastery quite easily.
While swimming a coordinated movement of all parts of the body is experienced. Stamina improves by leaps and bounds. The very sport teaches you never to give in. It’s a virtue that one must possess if one’s to succeed in this world full of opportunities and disappointments. After watching “100 years of Olympic glory” on TV my belief in the fact that one must not forget one’s goals has further strengthened.
Now coming back to my flirting with sports. To further explore the advantages (or disadvantages) of being left-handed, I decided to play squash. I had by now gathered a fair amount of patience, plenty of stamina, style and coordination. Squash was the game I could excel in. Being left-handed gave me the advantage of outwitting my opponents when it came to the direction of shots. The nimbleness I had developed while boxing helped me to remain in the centre court — and quick wrist movement guaranteed some fancy shots. No wonder I played squash for many years.
The personality traits that I discovered while taking part in these games helped me to decide which profession to go for. I did not have to grope in the uncertain dark. So I chose to join the armed forces.
Subsequently, to remain fit, I tried my hand at playing basketball. Again being left-handed gave me quite an edge over some other players.
Throughout my life I took part in different sports and proved reasonably good at them. If I had concentrated on one of them, I might have achieved many a coveted goal. But perhaps that was not my intention. I mostly sought enjoyment rather than fame. And I’m also aware of the fact that great sportsmen are loved and respected all over the world. Playing games is one activity where one really challenges one’s abilities and pushes the boundaries.
