Before 2024 was about to be over, there were Indian sports stalwarts calling it a day. Some from the international arena, some forever. These disciplines will be poorer in their absence. Talent, dedication, perseverance, intelligence — they ticked many boxes. Here are the top four.
Ravichandran Ashwin: The manner of retiring from the international scene was perhaps the most unpredictable delivery from this one-of-his-kind. He quit when he was the most successful off-spinner in Test history after Muthiah Muralitharan, although Nathan Lyon should overtake the Indian’s tally of 537 wickets unless he, too, bowls a doosra.
The IT engineer from Chennai redefined this craft when off-spinners around the world were getting banned for bowling that variety. He probed the angles and the depth of the bowling crease to create illusions for the batter. The carrom ball is a famous example. He had more. He could bat a bit too and think a lot.
Vinesh Phogat: Kudos to her for being able to handle a situation which turned a fairytale into a nightmare of a lifetime because of 100 grams! An Olympic gold medal favourite, who turned in overweight by that margin, this wrestler from Haryana will be remembered for that stroke of misfortune.
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A two-time world championship bronze medallist, she overcame injuries and the trauma of being at the forefront in the protests against the former national federation chief, to put up a standout show in Paris. Shiny Wilson (Abraham) getting disqualified for lane violation at the 1986 Asian Games 800m race after finishing first was a major heartbreak. The Vinesh anticlimax was bigger considering the scale of the events.
Sunil Chhetri: It’s rare for a footballer to play at his highest level for nearly 20 years. This striker isn’t done yet. He has retired from the international game, but continues to perform for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League.
He is India’s all-time highest scorer with 94 goals from 151 matches. This makes him the fourth-highest in history after Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Messi and Ali Daei of Iran. He took off where Bhaichung Bhutia ended and bettered the model of excellence in Indian football by setting new fitness standards. At 40, he is fourth on the scoring charts in the ongoing season of ISL. Sadly, there’s no successor in sight.
PR Sreejesh: The crazy one who used to speak to the goalpost and possibly the only hockey player of eminence from Kerala where they breathe football. It was inspiring to see him lead from the back in efforts that culminated in two Olympic bronze medals, after more than 40 years off the podium.
It’s special for him because he was also around when the team was exploring the lows. To play the saviour who leads by example for 18 years and over 336 appearances and then saying goodbye at the moment of glory when he could have carried on was incredible. Coach of the national junior team, he has got off to a quick and good start in his new role.
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