Two years ago, we overheard another group saying that we have no trophy to boast of. I didn’t mind it. But some did and took it as a challenge. Yes, we’re all amateur shuttlers. We practiced hard and made the best possible pairings. It took only one tournament when we harvested plenty of trophies. With boosted confidence, tournaments became a normal fixture in our schedules. We’ve been winning here and there, or at least, had a pair to cheer on for the finals.
Victory is sweet. But victory has its toll.
Envy, pride, jealousy and the feeling of uselessness - these are just some of those felt by a few of the guys. One even cried why most cheered on the other pair (still coming from our group) when they faced each other in the finals. There was one who whined about being paired with a player which he felt was below his level. One ranted why he can’t get enough quality plays when the others are practicing for the next tourney. Dumping and being dumped. Some felt insulted when given instructions during play. Others can’t take the heat of the competition. The competitiveness took away the enjoyment of some. There was one who resigned saying he’s better off in his art than in the game.
And I stood in the middle of it all. I want to complain but I can’t. I can only rationalize. Is winning our only goal here?
9 comments:
thanks ralpht! I'd be the balances of the forces here.
hmm dahil siguro sa sunod sunod na victory naging complacent na kaya iba iba na ang ibinibigay na dedication sa team, kaya nagkakasilip na. baka pwede nyo pa pag-usapan sayang team nyo mukhang magagaling ;)
true... victory has its toll... i guess to be able not to acquire all those negative attitudess (envy, jelousy,...) we must check our hearts every now and then... 'cause if you don't magugulat ka na lang ganun ka na pala... :D
You are right Paul, we must continually check our attitudes. I hate losing. But there is always next time to look forward to. Iskoo, pag-usapan namin sa grupo to.
I guess many of us always rationalize that life is all about winning. It's a personal conviction though and it has something to do with ones priority. I for one want to be a winner in life...but looking in hindsight, the proverbial 'praise of man' is just but a hollow echo which will fade as time flies by.
Made me think there's really something between whining and winning.
Just a thing about your nick that reminds me of a quote:
"On lazaruz pit i'd rise and I will deliver you hell on earth".
-- Ra's Al Ghul
shouldn't winning be just a bonus?
Winning isn't all there is to a game. Playing well develops character. It teaches a person how to deal with other people, how to control one's emotions, how to handle pressure, how to accept defeat and how to learn from mistakes. Above all, sports should be fun. Di ba?
Thank you all for your comments! Indeed, this is a test of one's character. In victory or in defeat, sports should be fun. And friendship should not be sacrificed too.
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