Chariots of Fire

Being inactive for such a long time, I thought I would chip in with something hatke, anyway sports is not that exciting anymore (just a transient phase will pass). So a movie review for Chariots of Fire, one of the bestest Sports movie ever is a good way to restart my Pen at PenTheGame.

Think of Chariots of Fire and the first thing which comes to mind is the genius of Vangelis. If you are not able to recollect to the tune go back to the age when DD showed Asian Games or Olympics, that was the music which was always played, still not able to recollect, do a Youtube for the theme and you will get it for sure. Obviously the soundtrack is something which can never be forgotten, but the movie is no less.

It is one of only three sports movie ever to win an Oscar for the Best Picture, the other ones being Rocky & Million Dollar Baby which belong to another genre of Boxing movies. Chariots of Fire tells the story of two young athletes competing at 1924 Paris Olympics, the will to prove something to the world in the backdrop of their individual religious commitments. Eric Liddell stands by his missionary commitments and refuses to run his best event, 100 M as his missionary responsibility forces him not to run the race on Sunday.Being a Christian at heart but with a soul of athlete he competes for 400M event and wins it. As he quotes in the movie,

'But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and be not weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.'

The constant dichotomy involving responsibility towards God and Nation finally comes to an end with success on both fronts. The story of Eric tells us to how to fulfill all responsibilities with commitment and also how faith goes hand in hand with your life.

Harold Abrahams, the second athlete in picture is not just an answer to anti-semitism practised in Europe in those days, he symbolises a young bright individual who jsut did it his own way. Harold's college dash through Trinity College Cambridge is quite in contrast with Eric's religious dash towards understanding God. His victory in 100M filled the void created by absence of Eric and made him an athlete which Britishers admire till date.

Above all the movie as most of the other sports movies tells you to fight, but the narrative can't be as picturesque as this. Theopening shot of the movie which involves runners running on a beach is a classic with Vangelis playing in background. It is one of the most positive movies one will ever see, with quite a feel good vibe flowing along with it. A must watch for all Sports Lovers, Music Lovers, infact or everyone.

Technorati Tags: Chariots of Fire , Sports Movie , Vangelis , Eric Liddell, Harold Abrahams

Henry on his way to Barcelona

Giri's wish of Henry failing the medical test failed when Henry cleared the medical test and was unveiled at Nou Camp after signing a 4 year deal with Barcelona. Arsenal Football confirmed the signing. Arsenal has thanked Henry for his massive contribution to the club development. The club said:

During his time at Arsenal, Thierry became the Club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 226 goals from his 370 appearances. He was also an integral part of the 2003/04 ‘unbeaten’ League season, won the Premiership twice, the FA Cup twice, the Premiership ‘Golden Boot’ four times, was voted the PFA Player of the Year twice and won the FWA Player of the Year on three occasions.

Everyone at Arsenal wish Thierry the best of luck for the future.

Good luck from our side also :( we will miss you in arsenal matches.

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img: bbc

ESPYS AWARDS

ESPYS are back again, 2007 nominations have been announced. Though most of us do not follow American games like NFL and NHL, but still we can participate in the ESPYS by voting in the following categories.

• Best International Male Athlete
• Didier Drogba
• Roger Federer
• Dirk Nowitski (NBA)
  
• Albert Pujols (Baseball)
  
• Best International Female Athlete
• Justine Henin
• Maria Sharapova
• Lorena Ochoa Golf
  
• Annika Sorenstam Golf
• Best Male Tennis Player
• Rafael Nadal
• Roger Federer
• James Blake
• Andy Roddick
• Best Female Tennis Player
• Justine Henin
• Maria Sharapova
• Serena Williams
• Jelena Jankovic

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ESPYS2007
img: atptennis.com

Who will be the challenger??

So Henry out of England, lets now discuss something about “definitely the oldest championship” The Wimbledon. Since we are now playing with tradition, I remember one very absurd rule which was once associated with Davis Cup, probably the second oldest championship. There was this challenger concept in which all the other participant will fight among each other to challenge the defending champion. So in effect defending champion was required to play only 1 match.
Now just for a moment we assume that this year’s championship is played with the same challenger rule with a certain Mr Federer as a defending champion. Now just like any aajtak correspondent, I will give myself a certain amount of liberties to analyze the few players who I feel can challenge the King::
1. Rafael Nadal :: Well this guys biggest advantage is the timing of the championship. Winning a grand slam is a huge confidence booster, and last time that confidence carried him to the final, where he even managed to take a set from Federer. That in itself is a big achievement for a Spaniard who publicly says that grass is never his favorite surface.
2. Andy Roddick:: He is the perennial underachiever of the men’s tennis , who for his whole life has been trying to come out of the Fed’s shadow. Lets do something which the great jimmy Connors is trying to do, analyze his game. He has a great booming serve, a good forehand and a decent enough slice backhand. Still he never ever manage to show us that ”yes , this guy is going to defeat Federer ”. Why?? This is what Mr Connors has to find out…still if we continue to serve well probably he might be the challenger.
3. all journey men::: this special category is dedicated to all those players who are all good players but I don’t why , but we know that they cant win Grand Slam. These players include davydenkos , djokovic, Blake etc etc.
4. Last one can be some mysterious guy :: someone who is made for Wimbledon?? What a crappy definition of mysterious guy?? But really I mean it…someone who is born for a grass. Attributes required are quite simple, good old serve and volley game.

So analysis done. The really firework will start from today, I would like the challenger , whoever he may be, to win , but whenever the Roger comes to play , my loyalties switch sides. He is someone like Sampras, whom you will never ever want him to lose.

He might yet fail the medical !!!

Yes......the rumors were right for a change.......and they were right at the wrong time.....we all wished they were wrong.......but no.......its not all over though.....he might still fail the medical :D.....

Ok......lets just assume the unlikely possibility that might clear the medical test!!...Will it be the beginning of the end......or will it be a new beginning.......Ruud left ManU and they went on to win the EPL......Sheva left Milan and they won the CL......Zidane retired......and Madrid won the La Liga......but yes the reality is Arsenal would be weaker without Henry.....Now can they make new signings and clever signings........they have just built a new stadium......which means they cant spend much now.......luring gigi buffon would be difficult since the italian has stated he wants to stay in Italy........Asking Nicholas Anelka to fill in Henry's boots would be asking for too much........but then someone has to......the team will look like this:

GK:Lehmann/Fabiansky
RB:Eboue/Hoyte
CB:Gallas,Toure,Senderos,Djourou
LB:Clichy,Traore
RM:Ljunberg,Hleb,Walcott
CDM:Gilberto/Diaby
CM:Fabregas/Denilson
LM:Rosicky/RVP
RF:Walcott,Bendtner
LF:Adebayor/RVP

I expect to see walcott and bendtner working together up front(unless some new signings come in)

But.........dont worry guyz........obviously he wont clear the medical :P