A whole new ball game?

ver the next few months the attention of sports-crazy Australians will shift to cricket. And suddenly, interest in sport will be rekindled among Indian Australians - as the future of Brett Lee is discussed, whether “pup” Michael Clarke can now be moved to take over the ‘top dog’ mantle, whether Sachin should call it quits, or if Ishaan Sharma is the best quick in the world.

It’s as if cricket is the only discipline in sport. Indian Australians need to go beyond this and learn to embrace other forms of sport. In India, cricket is king and top cricketers enter the pantheon of gods. Fighting for space with the gods and goddesses from Bollywood, the Tendulkars, the Dhonis and the Dravids of the cricketing world enjoy privileges offered to no other sportspersons in India. Hockey used to rule the roost but sadly, has fallen away. Soccer seems to have a limited following. Other sports such as tennis, golf, athletics, swimming, chess and A1 GP have their heroes but none of them seem to touch the strathoscopic levels attained by the cricketers.

So, when Indians migrate to

By PAWAN LUTHRA

Australia, they have encyclopaedic knowledge of all things cricket, and little of any other sports. There is a sporting vacuum for Indian Australians when for a number of months local Australians switch off from cricket and join their tribes in barracking for their favourite code of football.

True, they are distracted by occasional sporting events such as the Olympics when other forms of sport tend to hold their attention. But the focus then shifts back to local clubs and codes. Most Indian Australians are lost for these six months as they try to come to grips with Australian football, rugby league and rugby union. These disciplines are alien to them, not having grown up with them in India. Besides, India does not play these sports and so, there is no international team to follow.

And therein lies the big divide. Australians love their sportspeople, if the tabloid society pages or front page exposes of the behaviour of some players are to be believed. For Indians migrating to a new country to either live or study, it is important that they take time out to understand and learn about these different codes and teams.

After all, all ball games are a fight over a piece of leather skin – it’s just the shape that differs. To see top athletes competing, whatever the sport may be, is always a thrill.

Perhaps it is time we got more involved in mainstream sports. Get local Australian friends to teach you about these ‘new’ game. Adopt a team, be it Collingwood or St Kilda, St George Dragons or Parramatta Eels, the Waratahs or the Brumbies, and go along for the ride.

Join your mates for a game at the local grounds, invite yourself to the Grand Final weekend BBQ at a friend’s house, and become a part of the local cheer crowd.

You might find that being a part of the local sports will make settling into your new home easier, and allow for better integration with the local community.

As an overseas student, you deserve to know the right way to plan your future in Australia. At VisAinfo, we are fully equipped to guide you all the way. We believe in the power of knowledge and information. When you know better, you choose better. Whether you are a new student, mid-course or looking for further education, let us at VisAinfo help you achieve your objective of becoming an Australian resident. The right way.

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