It’s surreal when you are the witness
of a coronation
of a petty moment becoming the monarch
and smiling at you-
you are watching how the captain,
a year older than you
is lifting the Prudential Cup-
this was India’s first cricket World Cup victory
against the formidable two-time defending champions
West Indies-
June 25, 1983 becomes a red letter day-
and you are standing on that turning point
where you look at India
as a force to be reckoned with
in the cricketing world-
what do you do?
What else but becoming a part
of the wave of cricket frenzy
along with others-
we cherish these moments in our heart
and let go of
passing of Dynasties and War’s annals-*
*the closing line echoes Thomas Hardy’s words in the poem “In Time of the Breaking of Nations”
Posted for Susan’s prompt “An Historical Moment” at What’s Going On?
[It’s impossible for others, where cricket is not played to understand what the game of cricket means in India]
sumanar/lekha 
“. . . of a petty moment becoming the monarch / and smiling at you”
A moment to cherish indeed! Even the way we can get lost in a mass feeling the same way, a joy, a victory! I enjoy your use of royalty here.
What a wonderful moment to be a part of and to remember forever and cherish! It is nice to have reasons to be proud of one’s country’s achievements. Sports is good for that!
What a moment that must have been! The whole country must have been overjoyed. A lovely moment to be remembered, Sumana.
That must have been so exciting, Sumana! I’ve attended a fair few cricket matches, but nothing as amazing as that.
Sumana, what a wonderful memory to recall. It’s great to recall an experience that brings national fervour. I love that India has such a love for cricket, Irrespective of where. Images of little children, having such fun, playing the game with such passion…a lovely event to recall..
A lovely personalised take on the prompt – great memory – Jae
Great memory and so heart felt. Cricket is one of those rare sports that is so misunderstood. A lot of history there.
I like the way to describe being caught up in a national frenzy about a sporting event. We do that over here in Australia too. Not being a sporty type I find it all quite mystifying but as you say, there is really no place to go except to join in with the fervour.
Oh how absolutely delightFULL… I love how you catch us up in the “what else to do”but get caught up… Lovely!
When I was young I was a hit miss and giggle tennis player….I always thought you had to hit the ball to the other person so that they could return it ….never occurred to me you were supposed to to do the opposite….the extent of my sporting ability…yes yes I know… It is remarkable that I have survived in the world as I long as I have:) . If you are not interested in sport Down Under best to keep it a secret . I am pleased you took such pleasure in India’s world victory…Nice poem.
Above is from Rall.
Through your eyes, Sumana, I feel how pivotal that moment was not just for the sport but for the country as a whole, felt too the pride of those who gain a victory against all odds! I was born in India, grew up in the U.S., but love both my homelands equally. And I always, but always cheer for the underdogs. Underdogs?! But every dog will have his day! 🙂
As an American, cricket isn’t on my radar, so I learned something today. However, I do know how sport can unite and lift people sometimes, how it can be a source of pride and triumph whether one is on the field of play or not. (Love the Hardy at the end!)