Birendra Lakra's Sporting Gesture Vs Pakistan In Asian Champions Hockey Final Draws Praise From All Corners

Sportsmanship is all about doing what's right. Birendra Lakra of the Indian hockey team did just that against Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy final.

PTI

In a match that was pretty much a tense contest, considering the recent cross-border skirmishes between the two countries, Lakra proved that sportsman spirit could rise above all this.

In the final quarter India were leading 3-2, when the ball touched Lakra's leg prompting the Pakistanis to appeal for a penalty corner. The referee was not sure, meaning that Pakistan had to go for the final referral.

Then Lakra did something incredible. He walked up to the referee and indicated that the ball had indeed touched his leg and requested him not to let Pakistan use up their last referral. The referee was amazed with his honesty and immediately instructed the reviewer to halt the checking process.

AFP

The Pakistani players hailed Lakra for his honesty and patted him on the back. They failed to score and India held on to the lead to clinch the title after 5 years.

This particular incident also highlighted how sport can be used as a catalyst for re-intergration between two teams, who have a similar sporting history. It also shows that humanity and speaking the truth is far ahead of one single victory or even being termed the best.

AFP

Pakistan coach K M Junaid personally went and hugged Lakra, thanking him for the gesture. Each and every player of the Pakistan squad congratulated him for holding true to the most important virtue that sport teaches you, honesty.

India were the champions that day. But the real winner was the game itself as Lakra's gesture demonstrated that to be a good player, you need to be a good human being first.