In sport, the first thing that you’re taught is not to take any match for granted. It is also said that there is always an element of unpredictability associated with sport. That’s what brings it close to the election scenario in India. Almost every exit poll had predicted a one-sided match. And each has been proved wrong. It is a simple life lesson. You need to respect your opponent, and do as sport teaches you – play fair, and then leave the result to itself.
It has been a fascinating election. And no mainstream pollster was able to predict the outcome. As a lay voter and a citizen of this country, what we want to see from our elected representatives is sportsman’s spirit. Please respect the result, and let there be a stable government at the centre. The toxicity ahead of this election was at an all-time low, and that was disappointing to see. If our leaders turn abusive, what lessons are they leaving for the common voter? In the post-election scenario, one would expect parliament to be like a sports field.
Yes, there will be differences. And that’s natural in a democracy. But let there be constructive opposition, and not toxic abuse. It is a great country, and its greatness needs to be celebrated. The world is keen on the India story and that’s where sport yet again teaches us lessons. The match is now over. It is time to go into each other’s dressing rooms and be civil. Plan what is best for the country, and make sure India moves ahead. The larger goal should not and can’t be sacrificed at the altar of party politics, and this mutual respect is what sport leaves us with. You play hard on the field, but off it, you have a meal together and celebrate the diversity of India.
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Two lessons stand out for me from this election. We now know why sportsmen and women don’t really read the papers ahead of a big game. They need to be in a zone and avoid unnecessary distractions. The exit polls were one such. A waste of money, they need to be stopped with immediate effect. You don’t really need to focus on outside factors and just look inward ahead of a big match, and that’s what this election was all about.
Second, sport always gives you a second chance. This election has given every political party in India an opportunity. You must perform, for if you don’t, the people of India will call you out five years from now. And that’s applicable to both the ruling party and the opposition. People need to see effort on the part of their elected representatives and not entitlement. Gone are the days when the masses, read fans, could be taken for granted. They too have a voice, and you need to respect that.
Finally, it seems that the dust will finally settle from tonight. And as it does, it is time to shift attention to the World Cup, which starts for India later today. There is political fatigue of sorts, and enough of slanging matches on prime-time television. It is time for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Sunil Chhetri to take centre stage, and give us a different narrative – one of India shining on the world stage, and of optimism and positivity. The electoral marathon is finally over, and the sports race is about to begin. In both, at the end of the day, the winner takes it all.
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