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As Sourav Ganguly turns 51, it was interesting to hear what another Indian sporting legend, Pullela Gopichand, had to say about the icon. And may I say, Gopi’s tribute to Sourav was startling.
Boria: What does Sourav mean to you?
Gopichand: Sourav is an icon who is hailed all across India, and worldwide. As captain, he transformed Indian cricket, which inspired many like us. So I must say, for me too, he is someone who I have learnt a lot from and will continue to look up to.
Boria: Interestingly, you won the All England in 2001 and Sourav won the NatWest Series in 2002, when the shirt-opening incident happened. It was more like both of you were storming the bastion.
Gopichand: In fact, we were. When I went to the All England, I have to say I felt there was an undercurrent of racism. Umpires, organisers, administrators – you could just sense it. Calls would go against you, and not much could be done about it. It was something that was par for the course. As a result, I was always extra-motivated to beat the British and do well in the All England. I used to tell myself that I couldn’t lose against them. You can call it childish now, but that was the case then. A kind of nationalism that I was wearing on my sleeve. For Sourav, and with Sourav, I could see the same. What was the shirt opening all about for me? It was Sourav giving it back. Telling them something that we all wanted to say. He was the representative of modern India doing something to address an issue that was going on for ages. I have to tell you I felt very good seeing him do so. It was always a kind of iconic moment.
Boria: Interesting you say that, for Sourav is kind of embarrassed each time we bring it up.
Gopichand: As I said, you can call it childish now, but then it was important to me and, I am sure, to him as well. These are emotions that define us. You can hide them. I did not during the All England. He did not during the Natwest [Series]. Now things are different, but then it was a very different story.
Boria: There is another similarity – he was an administrator not too long ago, and so are you. You are the Vice President of the Badminton Association of India (BAI). Legends turning to administration is good for the sport.
Gopichand: Absolutely true that I have followed him as an administrator, and tried to learn from him. It is important that we keep making the sport robust, and the way to do so is to improve governance. That’s what I am trying to do, and that’s where he remains important. I will always try and follow good examples before me.
Boria: Finally, your wish for him on his birthday?
Gopichand: All I will say is wish him all the health and happiness, and success in everything that he does. He has already done a lot for sport, but I am sure he will continue to do a lot more in the years ahead. As he turns 51, it is time for all of us to celebrate him, and look back and appreciate what he has achieved. So I wish him a very happy birthday, and pray that he grows stronger and stronger in the days ahead. Look forward to meeting him in the not-too-distant future.
Also Read: Sourav Ganguly – 12 Scenes from a Friendship to Cherish