Some for the Masses, Some for the Gods

It is difficult to imagine world without sports and sportspersons. Nothing can be more entertaining than watching a closely competed game between Federer and Nadal in tennis, or Manchester United and Chelsea in soccer, or Australia and South Africa in cricket. These are few teams/individuals that play their respective sport at a level higher than their peers. It is clearly evident that the standards set by the Australian team in cricket are so high that it takes a really good, dedicated and relentless effort by other teams to come anywhere close to them in the immediate future. Their hunger for success is such that, they don't just stop at winning alone. How they win is equally important. Ruthless, aggressive with a never-say-die attitude. Not just push the opposition onto the mat but nail them there.

For some grace and elegance come naturally. For others, they are always mysteries. You can notice that elegance in a Federer backhand. The same elegance is seen in those mouth-watering flicks by Azharuddin or Mark Waugh. These individuals carry the same elegance off the sporting fields. These individuals play for Gods. You can watch them play day in and day out and never get bored.
Then there are others who are crowd-entertainers. They toil hard for success. In cricket you have people like Dhoni or Afridi, who like to butcher opposition bowlers. For them, elegance is not an option as long as they belt the bowlers hard and long. In tennis, you have Nadal. Of course, he's got a stylish forehand. But apart from that, his overall game looks a bit crude. No doubt he is effective in his own way. These individuals play for the masses. They attract crowds in huge numbers.
The world of sport needs both these kinds of players. Gods love players like Federer, Azhar and Waugh. After all they are their creations. People love players like Nadal, Dhoni and Afridi. After all their shots make their day. Some for the masses, some for the gods - nice mix :-)