PRG's Thoughts

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I’d pick him. He is such a random choice simply because he has been around for so long. When I thought about this post I went through every Indian sportsperson who had achieved something this past year his name was impossible to ignore. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is an odd choice for Indian Sportsperson of the Year. His career is so storied and the bar he sets himself is so high that he would really have to do something spectacular to even be considered. For Sachin to ‘wow’ us at this stage in his career, or set new marks and personal bests is unlikely right? Think again. Most runs in test cricket in 2010: Sachin Tendulkar (1396 runs) Most centuries in test cricket in 2010: Sachin Tendulkar (6) Both these records are personal bests. He has scored five 50s and six 100s in 19 innings. When a sportsman who is already considered one of the greatest of all time has a personal best year, can anyone else have a shot at Sportsperson of the year? If ...

For those who don’t follow the great game of golf, the fact that Arjun Atwal achieved what no man has done on the PGA tour since 1986 should tell you that his win was something special. The story gets even better with the fact that through the week Atwal received encouraging text messages from a certain Tiger Woods. It hasn't been an easy ride for Atwal, though, after losing his PGA tour card earlier this year, recovering from a car accident in 2007 and dealing with injuries too. But his toughest test is yet to come: coping with the love and attention of the Indian media. Many promising talents who have faced this beast have seen their careers disappear into oblivion, while others have gone on to achieve much greater things. Mr. Atwal, welcome to the major leagues. There are two ways a successful Indian sportsman can go once the eyes of the Indian media are upon them: The Sania way or the Saina way. The Sania way means building up endorsements, fame and recognition even as your car...

Since this is the first year of my blog, I have never written a year end blog before. I figured why not join the rest of the world and make lists. So here are my awards for 2009... Politician of the Year- Rahul Gandhi I am still at odds on whether I like the man or not, but what can you say, he got it done this year. The Congress dominated the national elections and there is no doubt that Rahul Gandhi's tireless travels played a huge role in their clear cut win. Since the win he has not stopped being in the news either. His "hanging with the people" strategy is interesting and fresh. I still can't tell if it is genuine, political, strategic or actually something revolutionary in our country. Whatever it is, it caught my eye. Will be interesting to see if the current fall out in Andhra Pradesh hurts his party and more interesting to see if he continues to reach out to the people in 2010. Honorable Mention- Kapil Sibal (For the revolution he is starting in education. If...

Random thoughts with no real focus, the slapping member of Parliament, Saina, ODI's, Indian Boxers, World Series of Poker.  Don't know how many of you caught the news of the member of parliament Manda Jagannadham slapping a bank manager . Check out the video here and you will die laughing. The best part is our dear MP's statement. He said, if it is proved that he manhandled the bank manager then he will apologize. Err....proved?? He claims he was trying to put his hand on the bank managers shoulder and by mistake he touched the manager's cheek. I wish you could see me right now because I am holding my stomach in pain with laughter, if you saw the video you would know why. What an excuse, this guy is a legend.  A few other notes. Saina - A little late write up from my end but how about Saina Nehwal winning the Indonesian Open. This girl is going from strength to strength. Yet, Sania Mirza gets more coverage when she reaches the second round of tournaments. Sorry but I...