Ever since India's fiasco at the hustings this World Cup, many heads have rolled, and much water has flown under the bridge.

But the question remains... Do our sportsmen really merit all the attention they get? or is it that the media is blowing the whole thing out of proportion by magnifying the whole hype and hoopla...

i thought of giving it a 'thought' - mulled over it.. and hence am keying out here...

Not because my Grandfather was an army officer, but because common sense demands it... and we've ample reason to vindicate it...

Soldiers of a country are expected to stand ready to defend their country's territorial integrity.

They consider it an honor and their revered duty to preserve, protect and defend their beloved country.

One of the manuals that I came across recently, prescribed the duties of a soldier thus:

"Every soldier has certain duties, responsibilities, and most have some level of authority. You should know what these are and how they apply to you. One of your obligations as a soldier is to carry out your duties to standard and the best of your ability. Bear your responsibilities knowing that you are part of a great team that only works well when each of its members do their best. If you are in a leadership position, exert authority to build the team and develop your soldiers. Your fellow soldiers are depending on you each and every day to make tough decisions based on your rank and duty position."

Being a cadet in the National Cadet Corps for three long years, i've had the privilege of being trained under the mighty seniors and military personnel. The first thing we were taught were, i still remember, Obedience to Orders. Strict obedience to orders. Second was, Discipline.

A person who serves the country as a soldier, has to undergo a lot of routine work outs, and strenous exercises, rigid discipline frameworks, etc for one avowed purpose: PRIDE OF THE COUNTRY.

In war or peace, the Soldier doesnt get his recognition at all. How many armed personnel get killed everyday in escalating tensions across the country. Still, how many have been recognised? Just a handful.

What about the thousands of perishing soldiers who die for the sake of the country....

Just because Tendulkar blasts a century against Kenya or Ireland, he adorns the front pages of all newspapers, and the media give him that extra coverage, asking him how he was able to perform this 'wonder', and he attributes it to the 'guys'.

What is the sacrifice that these sportspersons make for the country that they deserve this unneeded hype?

On the other hand, soldiers sacrificing their lovli lives at the feet of their nation, rendering families homeless,  not caring for any fame or name, but just the 'spirit' and the 'pride' for the country.... what recognition have they merited... except a small column which discreetly mentions,

FOUR SOLDIERS KILLED IN AMBUSH - atleast four soldiers were killed and fifty others injured in an ambush, twelve kilometers north of Kashmir. The condition of ten of them is stated to be out of danger. AGENCIES

Is this the tribute that a soldier who has sacrificed his life for his beloved country gets?... Is this the recognition they deserve for forgetting their families, their beloved friends and well wishers, their home town etc etc., and stand out in the battle field?

The sportsman who retires from "ONE DAY CRICKET'" gets the prominence that only a few can expect to get. He gets another reem of articles devoted to him singing his praises, his triumphs, his 10 wicket hauls etc... Later, after three or four years, the same guy retires from "TEST CRICKET" and another reem of articles flood the media. He is praised as a disciplined, sincere, hard worker, etc etc...

Forget the countless sponsors, the paraphernalia, the govt houses, govt land and other accolades that take many sizes and shapes, the sportsman has got himself a pride of place that rightfully the SOLDIER deserves...

I Humbly but strongly FEEL THAT THE SPORTSMAN, ( in INDIA, the cricketer) has usurped the name and fame of the SOLDIER...!