when leander paes clinched the bronze medal are received a standing ovation , he said a silent prayer. why do you think he did that? what he have said of in his prayer at that moment? write in 100 or150 words
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Answer:
On 3 August 1996, Leander Paes became the first Indian
to win an individual medal in 44 years when he defeated
Fernando Meligeni of Brazil in an exciting match in the
Centennial Olympic Games at Atlanta. Paes ranked 31 places
below the Brazilian, played with gusto and determination
against a player who has two ATP tour titles under his belt,
and clinched the bronze medal. He was given a standingovation when Paes raised his hand in triumph and said a
silent prayer.
Leander’s father had won a bronze medal in the Munich
Olympics 1972 as a member of the Indian hockey team. It is
creditable to Leander Paes as he got it in an individual event.
Later he dedicated the medal to his coach and his
doubles teammate. “They have helped me out and given
me advice and kept me in good frame of mind. This medal
doesn’t just show my efforts; it shows the efforts of the whole
team.”
Paes was recognised as a prodigy by Vijay Amritraj in
the ’80s. Even so, Paes’ true mentor has been Naresh Kumar,
the former Indian Davis Cup Captain. His incredible Davis
Cup record speaks for itself. While it may be said that some
of his Davis Cup victories were achieved because he was
playing on his favourite surface, grass and enjoyed home
support. But at Atlanta, Paes had none of these advantages
except his coach, close family members and the expatriates.
While Davis Cup victories bring in good cash rewards and
ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) points, there he
was playing for just a medal. Paes explains it all when he
says, “When I am playing for my country I don’t expect
anything.” That straightaway sets him apart.
He succeeds because of his willingness to take his
chances, swift reflexes and mental strength, and the fact
that he does not accept defeat easily.