Indian captain, Virat Kohli’s, friendship and respect for his most dangerous and outrageously talented opponent, Sri Lanka’s cricketing great, Kumar Sangakkara, shone like a light across the world of cricket.
Their gestures, ‘taught us how to love and respect opponents’. These images demonstrate a deep friendship and rich respect for each other.
Here is the letter penned by Virat to Kumar.
Enjoy the emotional photographs captured in this Indian TV article which notes: ‘The young breed should learn from them and take the dignity of the gentleman’s game to newer heights.’ These pictures really do paint a thousand words of honour, respect, friendship, enjoyment. In fact this article, photos and the letter bring to life the pillars of sportsmanship.
Kumar Sangakkara’s 2011 MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey was simply exceptional. He talked about history, culture and opportunties for Sri Lankan cricket as well a frightening description of being attacked by terrorist machine guns on their team bus. You can read Kumar’s full speech . Or you can watch Kumar’s inspiring lecture from Lords Cricket Ground (immediately after this brief introduction).
His speech reveals the greatness of the man. We congratulate Kumar Sangakkara on all of his achievements (both on and off the pitch). We wish him a happy retirement. We also salute Indian captain, Virat Kohli and his team’s demonstration of friendship and respect. May they all inspire a new generation.
virat u are a genius
Love and respect, that’s all it’s about! This is exactly what we teach at Jaipuria Cricket Academy, the top cricket academy in Jaipur.
@Rohit delighted to hear Jaipuria Cricket Academy teaches love and respect. The world needs more of this. Please do share this story on your newsletter or notices or social media. Plus here’s 9 more cricket stories to inspire your players, parents and members https://greatmomentsofsportsmanship.com/category/cricket/ plus my personal favourite is something English cricket did for the Australian genius https://greatmomentsofsportsmanship.com/english-test-cricket-stadium-celebrates-arch-enemys-brilliance/ (BTW, no bias here as I am an Irishman not an Englishman). Please do share these stories. Plus 6 nice Indian sportsmanship stories for you https://greatmomentsofsportsmanship.com/category/india/ and finally some posters to download for free https://greatmomentsofsportsmanship.com/spread-the-moments/ . Perhaps Jaipuria Cricket Academy would like to become India’s first Great Sportsmanship Ambassador club? We only ask ambassadors to share our stories and tell us theirs. Warm wishes from London.