India’s World Cup Cricket victory in 1983 ignited Sachin Tendulkar’s passion
for the game but how does one go about chasing a dream?
In a video produced by Audemars Piguet, one of Tendulkar’s sponsors, the
master batsman speaks about his journey, his dream and the defining moment.
“I remember in 1983 we won the World Cup. It was a fantastic moment for the
entire nation. I remember I didn’t understand much but just because my friends
were jumping around and dancing, I joined the party. From there on, that dream
of playing for India started and then obviously having that beautiful trophy in
my hand,” said Tendulkar.
The journey becomes a lot easier if you have the right guide. And the guide
for Tendulkar was his father.
“My father was a writer — he was a poet. He said whatever you want to be in
life — I don’t expect you to be a poet, your passion is cricket. So in cricket,
make sure, that you give your best,” said Tendulkar.
“My father told me not to look for shortcuts. ‘There will be tough moments
in your career but it doesn’t matter if you fail following the right path. As
long as your heart tells you that today you have tried your best — that is what
I expect from you.’ That is what he said,” he further added.
And then the moment, it all came together.
“2011 was a magnificent journey. For 5 times and 22 years I had tried it and
it hadn’t worked. And the sixth time, in India, on my home ground, it worked. I
don’t think it can get bigger than that. You have the entire stadium cheering
for you. It made a huge difference,” he said.
“Right from the age of 10 I dreamt of playing for India. And then after
playing for India, the next thing was to win the World Cup. The lap of honor
was awesome. All I kept telling my team-mates was that you better not drop me.
Hold me tightly. It was emotional, we all cried happy tears. It was truly
emotional. I started dreaming ages ago and I chased my dream. I think when you
want to achieve something, it’s about not taking shortcuts.”
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