The World of Sports

Its been a topsy turvy sports month.. Beside being my main form of exercise and recreation, the realm of sports with its influence in my life should never be played down...

It started off earlier in the month with a mini cheer when my beloved Man Utd won 3-2 against my fave Italian team, AC Milan. That weekend was even better, a fight back from the Red Devils put them in control of their destiny in the league title. Naturally it became a great week for me..
How fast the world came falling down, when I witness Utd being totally outclassed days later at 4am. It didn't help that the working day to follow was a rush of milestones to be reached. All this while, my beloved Huston Rockets were attempting to get past the Utah Jazz.. Sigh, even with a 2-0 lead, somehow the Rockets lost in Game 7. The vital game that the Rockets had worked so hard all season to get home court advantage and blew it. Sigh a T-mac and YAO combination came to nought :(

The only relieve came only in the form of Utd finally securing the league title over the following weekend. That weekend also marked the start of the soccer church league. I was proud of the efforts by the guys that played, but its always a major disappointment to lose a match through 2 penalties.

I sat on the bench throughout. Trust me, I was so pre-occupied lifting the spirits of others that I was conscious not to show my disappointment. My natural poisitions would have me playing either as a 'keeper or a forward. To lose by a singular goal and with all the chances, I do feel a personal sense of disappointment not given a chance to win the game.

This week that is coming to an end... another closely-fought battle only resulted in a painful 2-1 defeat. I guess enough said.

As a striker, I want to get down the pitch and score, but I guess when I'm also paying the price for being able to play in both positions. I'm quite sure I'm one of the first into the team list but I end up being on the tail-end of the picking order. Does it suck to be sitting on the bench? Do I get frustrated being over-looked regularly?

Of course it does! Despite generally exhibiting a cool demeanour when I don't play, it doesn't mean I don't wish to enter the field or I play without passion. But I guess, with so many hot-headed players to calm down, I've gotten my hands full.

But why do I persist? Well, I won't deny that sports brings out a competitive nature in me. A passion to perform at my best. But taking part in a variety of sports has taught me tremendously lessons in life. Perseverance, belief, confidence, focus, being composed ... All these parts of my life would have been weaker without being involved in sports, training and competitions.

The World of Sports. It ain't that simple.