In Mourning

A minute's silence to mourn India's defeat against Pakistan in Champions Trophy

So Pakistan beat India by a record 180 runs in the match that mattered most and lifted the Champions Trophy in London yesterday.
That India exacted sweet revenge by thrashing Pakistan 7-1 in the Hockey World League Semifinal (also in London), was of no consolation – least of all meriting a party today, as earlier planned.
Not even shuttler Kidambi Srikanth’s victory in the Indonesian Open Super Series final in Jakarta yesterday could lift the pall of gloom that had settled in the Garden since early morning.
We were all numbed, unable to recover from the shock defeat in cricket. Vijay Bhai, the ‘face of Indian cricket in the Garden’ was clueless and strangely directionless, walking in the reverse direction on the walking track today. “How could we lose so badly?”

Vijay Bhai

Siba Prasad Maitra

he asked everyone and anyone who cared to listen, a look of tired resignation writ large on his face.
We observed a minute’s silence after the exercises to mourn the irreparable loss. Siba Prasad Maitra, who was holding his emotions in check till then, suddenly burst out crying. He was inconsolable. Seeing him break down, Bijoy Gupta also started bawling, beating his chest in grief the way female mourners do. “How could this happen to us… losing to Pakistan… in cricket?”
If only anybody had an answer. But soon conspiracy

Bijoy Gupta

theories began to emerge, initially in whispers: “It was a rigged match.” “Word had already got around in bookie circles two days back that India would lose.” “From the body language of the Indian players it was clear they had no intention to win.” “The players had plotted against their coach… all dressing room politics.” “There should be a court of inquiry instituted!”
Nobody, except for Arun Patil said the better team had won. “Look at those boys!” he exclaimed. “Young chaps with hardly any experience, no international exposure, nobody wants to play them in their country… They have to go to Sharjah or some other place to play. They were the typical underdogs in the tournament. But they had FIRE in their belly. And that made all the difference yesterday. They deserved to win!”
Geeta Latte:
Very funny, Ha Ha Ha Ha...😂😂😂😂👆
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
It is very strange how all of us felt so morose on the loss of a cricket match. The better team won. Despite all the rumors from bookies, our team lost to Pakistan. However, Srikanth won the match despite many hurdles. Similarly, our hockey team won against Pakistan. Both these winnings have gone unnoticed. We should have been cheerful and felt happy. After all, our aim in Big Laaf is to be happy and cheerful. Do not be sorrowful.