Hello Friends,
August was yet another action packed month for the sports lovers. Cricketing world was filled with some scintillating T20 cricket including West Indies' triumph over India in the 5 match series, completion of another exciting season of Lanka Premier League(LPL), beginning of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season to name a few. Love for cricket continued in the USA with the veterans locking horns in the US Masters T10 League. The Hundred, English cricket's new born baby completing its 3rd edition( Both men & women's league) and Ben stokes coming out of ODI retirement for the defence of their World cup title completes the top cricketing headlines for the month. It was a proud month for sports lovers in India with Neeraj Chopra winning gold medal in World Athletics Championship. Soccer world witnessed some breathtaking action with Spanish women emerging as the world champions. But the story that features in this edition of The sports talk of the month is the one that makes every Indian proud.
A genius is born
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| Image Credit: Frans Peeters, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons |
The story of chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa (Popularly known as Pragg) might seem like a fairy tale but his achievements are a testament to his hard work, dedication and commitment. This 18 years old genius who became a Grandmaster at the age of 12 has sort of achievements that are dream for many. His story is no different from all those talented kids who find their passion in sports at a very young age and then dedicate themselves to achieve their dreams. Son of a bank manager father & homemaker mother has always got the required support from his parents. During initial days he got inspired by his sister who is also a chess player. In a country like India where fulfilling child's dream of becoming a sportsperson is a daunting task his parents have done their best to achieve the same. His mother still travels with him during the tournaments.
His success is an inspiration for many such kids who find interest in a particular sport at a very young age. His parents are also a trendsetter who supported their kids to chase their dreams despite facing challenges in terms of financial assistance. Despite he losing in the final of FIDE chess world cup 2023 has garnered lot of applause from one and all. His journey from here on should be more rewarding. Big task for his parents and coaches to continue providing the required support to take him to the next level.
Success of Pragg again raises the same question of how our society can discover lot more young talents like him. What changes does it require in our education system? How sports can be emphasized more in school curriculums? At the same time the challenge of getting the financial support to pursue a career in sports remains intact. May the examples like this inspire many other parents to come forward and help their kids achieving their dreams.
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