I was turning down the pages of a renowned year book and to my utter disappointment I could not find a glimpse of the word archery in sports section. The world has entirely set to the grandiose sports like cricket, lawn tennis, formula one, chess, etc. Such games have grabbed the attention of sports enthusiasts and have been hyped by the media which turns archery and swimming into a wide goose chase institution. Since hockey is India’s national game and football is getting popular these days with the increase in the influence of English Premier League (EPL), many among us have taken initiatives to raise our voice for such sports.
Archery has its footprints from the heydays of the kings and rulers in India. Arjuna and Karna are the most significant archers in Hindu mythology. Historically this sport has been of great significance. But now it needs to be given proper attention at national level. This game which won World Championships in 2007 gets “step motherly treatment” as said by Vijay Kumar Malhotra, president of Archery Association of India, who raised his voice against the government and media, which have ignored other sports in order to promote cricket.
Archery, a game that involves bow and arrow, is the national game of the kingdom of Bhutan and can also be called as indigenous game of Meghalaya, as the festivals of the state are incomplete without practicing archery. This very game dates back to the late Paleolithic or early Mesolithic age. Many archers have been deities or heroes in various mythologies that include Greek God Apollo, Roman Cupid, Babylonian Marduk and Indian Arjuna.
‘Antalya’- the archery grand slam is coming to its closure. How many of us know about it? On the sideways of IPL, World Championship was taking place as well, but most of us bothered to focus on IPL as it helps in filling the coffers out of commercialization.
Once again the eyes are set on to see Australia and Pakistan together in their Test series. Hardly a week is left for the first Test which is to be held at Lord’s. It will be a good opportunity for Pakistan to show its skills for test conditions after carrying the day at T20 against Australia. In the T20 match Pakistan was welcomed with the overwhelming crowd’s support. Now is the time to enthuse Pakistan team back with same support of the crowd.
Australia
Though Australia has warmed up themselves for the forthcoming test series, playing against Derbyshire, it has been estimated that due to recent losses kangaroos will be seen with low confidence level. Australia was at loss in ODI while playing against England and in T20 series, against Pakistan. Australia in its full swing and with an input of positive attitude will pave its feet on Lord’s in the first Test. The Test series will be a good practice for the Team for The Ashes at hand.
Michael Hussey and Rickey Ponting were back to their form while playing against Derbyshire. Their stroke of centuries says it all about their preparation.
Michael Hussey was seen back in his form once again after giving continuous strokes of sixes with much ease. Hussey also proves his good batting in order to reply to the spinners. This will be adding on practice for Australian batsman against the Pakistan spinners. Hussey has spent years in making a come back in Australia’s test team.
Australian team lacks bowlers in number. In recent last matches the bowlers’ performances were not up to the mark. Thus the weaker aspect highlights toward Australian bowlers. Dirk Nannes and Shawn Tait were unable to prevent the rising scores of Pakistan but their bowling efforts were appreciated. Both Nannes and Tait are not among the squad this time. Expectations are high with debutants Peter George, Usman Khawaja, Tim Paine and Steven Smith.
