|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Thursday, 20 May 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Editorial | |
| News Business Features Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
| Please forward your comments to the Editor, Daily News. Email : [email protected] Snail mail : Daily News, 35, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Telephone : 94 11 2429429 / 94 11 2421181 Fax : 94 11 2429210 Murali, the role model In one of the highest moments in his cricketing career, Sri Lanka's ace spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan will be today accorded a Hero's Welcome by his motherland. By rolling out the Red Carpet for this cricketing great, Sri Lanka could be said to be honouring one of its greatest sons in the field of sports. "Our heartiest congratulations, Murali, and may you go on to achieve more and more magnificent feats, now that you have reached and exceeded the record for bowling in Test cricket". As we all know, Murali's path to cricketing fame was not paved with Roses. Many were the bramble bushes into which he stumbled on account of hostile acts by those who envied his meteoric rise in the cricketing firmament. These hostile interests prevailed almost until the end but Murali's indomitable courage, honesty and sincerity have enabled him to overcome these obstacles and clinch for himself a treasured place in the annals of world cricket. The Hero's Welcome he receives today is a just and ample reward for his years of honest toil.. The latest barb to be directed at Murali related to his "Doosra" delivery. It was hoped, perhaps, that this would derail Murali's triumphant march to fame. But it was not to be because, Murali accepted the relevant ruling with typical humility but went on doggedly to achieve his landmark. In other words, he persisted in his honesty and proved the absolute correctness of the old adage - "honesty is the best policy". Murali should, therefore, prove an inspiration to most Lankans. At a time when we are badly in need of shining examples of honesty and hard work, Murali is at hand to enthuse his cricketing colleagues and the wider public with his zeal and courage. To his cricketing peers and fellow sportsmen, Murali carries the message that it is not whether you win or lose but how you play the game that matters. When one "plays" by the rules in all situations in life one is bound to reap bountiful rewards, both spiritual and material. The role model aspect of Murali comes out clearly when one considers the fact that for a considerable number of his countrymen, the end is seen as justifying the means. Comfortable living is a just aim in life but for many, anything is permissible as long as this end is achieved. But Murali's prolonged travails to the top and his dogged determination remind us that the best things in life do not come easy. There is no substitute for application, skill and knowledge. National honours do not come one's way by a sleight of hand and conmanship. It is the result of dedication and honest labour. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
