A sporting nation?

A lot of books, magazines and other sources had created a belief in me that the Aussies were a bunch of sporting people; that the country itself was a sporting one - a belief that has been busted by recent events.

1. I was watching a wrestling match between India and Australia in the Commonwealth Games. When the Indian won the match and extended his hand to his opponent, the Aussie coldly ignored it and walked away. Sportsmanlike conduct? I think not. On the other hand, when an Indian defeated a Pakistani wrestler, the two opponents not only shook hands but also had a brief embrace! And people say that the two countries are at logger heads. Whatever it may be, my salute to the sporting athletes of Pakistan!

2. News reports came in that Aussie athletes created a huge ruckus and even dumped a heavy piece of machinery (a washing machine) from the eighth floor of a building. Destroying property of the host nation and recklessly endangering lives of innocent passer-byes did not exactly endear them to me.

3. Today's newpapers reported that an Aussie athlete who did not participate in the commonwealth games is now challenging the gold medal winner (Indian) to a match with a $20,000 prize stake. Why? Couldn't the athlete have participated in the CWG itself and legitimately vie for the medal? Did she have any problems coming to India?

All these cases have tarnished the reputation of Australia as a sporting nation in my eyes.

So Sad!