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Tennis
Two evergreen legends take centrestage
By S. Dinakar
Vijay Amritraj and Kapil Dev having ride on an elephant at the centre court in Chennai. - Photo: Vino John
CHENNAI, JAN. 2 There they were, triumphantly riding on an elephant, adorned in a gold coloured head-gear, carrying with them a very significant message in these troubled times. The crowd roared, the cameras whirred, and it was a moment to beat all moments.
The stars shone rather brightly on a rather cold night in Chennais SDAT-Nungambakkam Stadium.
Kapil Dev, captain of the triumphant 83 World Cup winning team, an all-rounder of astonishing skill and heart and Vijay Amritraj, the stylish serve and volleyer,, someone who was as popular as they come.
During their heyday they had won several `battles on the field of play with grace and style, never ever resorting to words and gestures of hate and anger. They don't come nicer than Kapil and Vijay.
In the event, it was only appropriate that the two spoke to the crowd about the significance of peace and making the world a pleasant place to live in. The message went beyond the boundaries of sport and was well received by the spectators, whose joy in watching these two very special Indian sportspersons together knew no bounds.
Indeed, it was a pleasant surprise for the crowd when the two rode in, on the elephant, following the conclusion of the doubles match on the Stadium court, won by the Indian pair of Ajay Ramaswamy and Prahlad Srinath. Vijay and Kapil, knocked balls into the stands, to the delight of the aficionados, and that was just the beginning.
Vijay, one of United Nations Messengers of Peace, exhorted about the value of peace. And then Kapil held the mike in his hands even as spectators held their breath. ``We sportsmen, whichever game we play, all want peace. It is a beautiful world to live in. Lets enjoy it.
And then, the Indian cricketing legend dwelt on his love for Chennai and its people and the smiles on the faces of the fans said it all. Soon, Vijay put his arms around Kapil, and the famous sporting sons of India left the stage, to a stunning applause.
Well, it was a night, when Kapil and Vijay came..and they conquered.
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