A Bit Of Indo-Pak Rivalry

IT does not need much to create needless tension between India and Pakistan. But as all sportspersons, including the high-profile cricketers and the hockey players will testify, Indian and Pakistan sportspersons continue to be great friends off the field. So, the other evening as Thailand prepared for the formal opening ceremony, India's Yasin Merchant clashed with Pakistan's Saleh Mohammed in singles snooker. At a particularly crucial stage, Yasin was fouled by the referee, but the Indian began arguing against it. The game was held up for 15 minutes, as some members of the Indian camp tried to pacify Yasin. But the Indian player, a former Asian amateur champion, seemed adamant. Meanwhile, the Pakistanis looked embarrassed as they admitted the last thing they wanted was a needless argument with Indian players with whom they get along so well. Fortunately, a day after the Thai newspaper splashed the skirmish on their front pages with even a picture in one paper, the two camps decided to simply close the matter. Indian coach Michael Ferreira regretted the incident and both teams decided there would be no protest. By the way, Yasin won the match, only to lose the quarters and finished without a medal, while Pakistan's other entry, Shokat Ali, went on to win the gold. Poetic justice, eh!