Media attention can make or break a sportsman's career, the latter happens on most of the occasions. So how does a "star" manage to hog the limelight and still focus on the game.
Having played sport at a competitive level definitely provide insights into a sportsman's thought process. The only uncertainty is the reaction that follows at an individual level. I have seen some promising sportsmen, especially from the college cricket team and peers from my basketball playing days suddenly disappear from the sporting radar. Some have turned professionals, but can barely see the hunger that existed a few years ago.
So what makes people like Saina Nehwal and Somdev Devvarman so special? The only answer I can think of, is to be flamboyant in the right place at the right time. Very rarely will one come across non sports related newspaper articles and television news on these individuals. Yes, there are several others who can be included in the list, but the three stand out.
The wonder girl of Indian Tennis, Sania Mirza.... who remembers her for sporting accolades? Its the media and the attention that caused her downfall, and the same can be said about several talented sportsmen in our country.
All I wish and pray, is that people who I really admire as professional sports person continue their quest for glory in the same manner as earlier. The true stars of Indian sports, continue their good run without being bogged down by the pressure of media and expectations of a hundred million people.
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