Tennis great Roger Federer recently publicly congratulated Rafael Nadal for his 20th Grand Slam title and 13th title at Roland Garros, no mean feat by any standard. On reflecting, one will realise there is much to learn from Federer’s gracious compliment.
He sportingly refers to Nadal as his greatest rival and yet, in the same breath displays his respect for him as a friend. Federer reminds us that opponents are not enemies, they can also be friends. Just because we compete with someone, and many times they may win, we need not harbour negativity towards them. It reminded me of the touching tribute Rajiv Bajaj wrote on the passing away of Brijmohan Lall Munjal, his fiercest rival in the marketplace, whom he called his Guru and for whom he had the highest regard and respect.
Federer believes he is a better player thanks to being pushed hard by Nadal. Our ability to see opportunity in adversity and finding the positive when we are faced with tough competition, makes us world champions. Not just our talent and hard work, our attitude is equally important. Learning form an opponent, is an opportunity well used.
And Federer did not forget to congratulate Nadal’s team. He reminds us that our success is not our’s alone. There are many behind the scene who work as hard to ensure our success. Acknowledging their contribution makes us humble in our success, lest our ego gets carried away.
His ability to display happiness in the success of his competitor displays his own security. When we are deeply centred within, the success of others adds to our own joy.
When in the game, we play hard to win. That is our highest duty, to give our best. And at the end of the day, when the game is over, we realise life is beyond winning and losing. It’s about being graceful in defeat, accepting victory with humility, and building enduring relationships. Federer reminds us that human values of love and respect need never be compromised even at the highest level of the game. Goodness should not be sacrificed at the altar of achieving greatness.
And our behavior off the field shows our real Sportsmanship.
This is a tall order, but is there any chance of putting a brief caption to your photos at the end of each article? They have been excellent photos over these months.
Mohan
Mohan the photos are all very personal to me, either a place I have visited, live in, or am associated with. Will try and add a caption as you suggest!
Lovely!