Sports
SINDHIS WANTING TO WIN EVERYTHING
Sports is a way of expression for humankind. The activity that began with foraging and hunting for food and slowly became a need for physical became a need for physical fitness. Sports gained recognition around 11th Century BC. The Kings and queens chose their gladiators in the arena and enjoyed the sport of warfare. From an abrasively violent approach to a spirited game, the journey of Sports has been long and dynamic.
Sports at Sindh began at the early civilization age. The Indus valley civilization saw the start of great sports like Malakhro and Kodi-Kodi. The province Sindh adapted the games like Thikadi and Iteedakkar in the original forms.
Sindh is notoriously famous for creating some of its hugely talented sportsmen. The game of Snooker and Billiards was unfamiliar to the lakhs of Indians before Pankaj Advani turned it into one of the most played games. SIndh has given birth to some of the most famous Sportsmen. The cricket legend Narendra Hirwani who bowled over all expectations and gave rise to a new wave of energy helped the expectations of Sindhis rise in the sports sector. He is a leg-spin bowler who played for India. He is mainly remembered for his success on his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh at the age of 16 when he took five wickets on his debut. He did much better in the following seasons and took 23 wickets in an under -19 test-series against Australia.
The journey towards triumph has obstacles in every sportsperson’s story. But as the saying goes that one genuinely becomes triumphant only when they conquer their inner demons and fears. India won the first-ever Test series against Australia due to a noteworthy contribution of a Sindhi legend, Ramchand Gulabrai Sipahimalani fondly known as GS Ramchand. He debuted in the test match Sindh played against Maharashtra in the year 1945. Shifting after the partition and crossing all hurdles life put in his way. Ramchand represented India in a total of 33 test matches.
It is not just the men of Sindh that outshine in the Sports sector, Isha Lakhani, a tennis legend is well known for her backhand shots. At the age when most women are taught how to cook, Isha picked her tennis racquet and learned how to throw smashes. Ritualistic and traditional some of the Sindhi families never allow their women to step out, be it for work or sport.
Sindhis are considered as the business-minded community and well versed with the trade of commerce. Sports aren’t viewed as a viable career option by the parents of Sindhi youngsters. Pankaj Advani explains how difficult it was for him to carve a place for himself and what he had to face while he was still struggling. ‘My elder brother inspired me and helped me. We were from a middle-class family, and sports have never been seen as a source of stable income in India. Still, my family encouraged me to g ahead, and now I am here’. He adds.
Sindhis are said to have high business acumen, but they have proven that when they enter the field of sports, they are no less. The history books declare that Sindhi’s connection with sports has been sturdy since time immemorial. From early civilizations like Mohenodaro and Indus Valley culture till the time before partition, the citizens of Sindh have always been inclined towards sports as a form of recreation. The age-old form of Wrestling Malakhro and the twisted form of checkers, Kodi-Kodi are a few examples of how the Sindhis take pleasure in sports. The children received education about these provincial sports at a very tender age. The famous game Malakhro is also a part of the Institue of Sindhology situated at The University of Sindh, Karachi.
The sports that originated in the province of Sindh were accepted and thrived all around the globe.
