Fans all over the world hailed super Sunday as it was all about vintage performances from superstars they have adored for decades.
Roger Federer took on his arch rival Rafael Nadal in a final that saw the two play each other in a final for the first time since 2011. This was a dream final that no one expected but everyone wanted as the duo rolled back the time to an era where grand slams finals were synonymous with their rivalry. At the three and half hour long Australian Open 2017 final, Federer played with energy and vigour of a 20 year old even though he became the oldest man to win a grand slam title in more than 40 years.
Later that evening, many supporters who were still celebrating Federer’s comeback, switched to an enthralling T20 cricket match between India and England. Among India’s line up was Ashish Nehra who is best remembered for his match winning effort in the 2003 World Cup against England where he got his career-best ODI figures of six for 23. In this match, Kohli was depending on the Indian bowlers to save the team from a series loss and it was Nehra who led the attack and India won the match in the last over.
That same night, fans were treated to another star act from Bastian Schweinsteiger, who made a return from obscurity with an assist and a goal. Last year was not kind to him as he was even omitted from Manchester United’s squad photograph but the world cup winner’s fortunes seem to have changed.
If the start of 2017 is anything to go by, this is the year for the classics. Earlier this month, former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh stitched together the fifth highest partnership for India when the pair put on 256 runs for the fourth wicket and Yuvraj scoring his first century since 2011. Goan fans had a lot to say about how the triumphant return of their heroes left them awestruck on super Sunday.
To be at such an elite level as that age is no piece of cake, there is a lot of hard work, dedication and good personal care be it nutrition, exercise and activity prioritisation that goes into it. The body is not the same as when you are younger, it breaks down more, it hurts more it doesn't recover quickly, but the urge to achieve excellence and the passion for their game is what pushes these athletes the extra mile. It's a pleasure to watch them - Russel Pinto, sports physiotherapist
There are some legends in the game, past their prime, on the wrong side of thirty, who fight through all odds stacked against them and astound us with their immense passion and respect for the sport. The script that unfolded over the weekend could not have been more compelling. Federer vs Nadal, a rivalry which waged epic battles in the past produced a moment of nostalgia while watching them play in their prime. A veteran pace bowler Ashish Nehra silencing his critics with a clinical bowling spell that lead India to victory. Bastian Schweinsteiger a football world cup hero for his country, was sidelined by his current club and in his first start in over a year produced a brilliant goal, an assist and dominated the midfield. These performances took us back to the legends past glories - Neil D’souza, entrepreneur
Where there is a will there a way. Some phrases make perfect sense when a real life example is set before the eyes. Amidst the usual glamour of sports and struggling young sportsmen, sheer passion and religious dedication from these old and experienced idols have seamlessly proved that age is truly just a number. Struggling towards the start of the Australian Open 2017, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federar, gave a new sense of hope to all the youngsters who are in pursuit of setting a benchmark in tennis. Cricket was not behind from the comeback loop as 37 year old Ashish Nehra struck twice in two deliveries in his first spell and one more time at a crucial stage during his second spell. These events have completely inspired many including the 31 year old bowler Irfan Pathan. Look at 32 year old Bastian Schweinsteiger who managed to score an acrobatic second half goal.- Akshay Dalvi, graphic designer
Bastian Schweinsteiger was frozen out of the squad and training sessions but worked his way back in to the first team and scored and assisted against Wigan Athletic. Roger Federer played his first tournament in six months after undergoing major surgeries and by winning it, showed that he can still create that magic at 35. Ashish Nehra is someone whose career is like a roller coaster full of injuries. Making his debut in 1999 and 18 years later at 37 made a comeback and played a crucial part in the T20 match. This 100% determination from a veteran who is dropped and picked, just goes to show the amount of effort he puts in the domestic games, to keep himself fit as he doesn't play test cricket for India. Usually players whose careers are hit by injuries retire very early but, Nehra is someone who has fought all odds to prove the world wrong - Ruel Baracho, mechanical engineer
If you want examples of how to fight your way back through all pains and frustrations and waiting for the right opportunity to make a comeback there are no better examples then Roger Federer, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ashish Nehra. So those who said Federer was unlucky to have played through this era were wrong. He's won when he was in his prime and when he was fighting every muscle in his body. He's won against every other challenging member of the Big Four. Bastian Schweinsteiger made his first start of the season for Manchester United in their FA Cup encounter and took his opportunity to impress, receiving praise from manager Jose Mourinho about his level of professionalism and patience this season. After making another comeback to international cricket, veteran pace bowler Ashish Nehra dismissed the age factor criticism, stating that a practice match is all what he needs to get back to his best - Bosco Fernandes, content writer & smm/so executive
It seemed like a throwback Sunday to me, as first Roger Federer, and then Ashish Nehra and finally Bastian Schweinsteiger rolled back the years and produced vintage performances in their respective field of sports. Each one of these veterans was struggling to find their form this year, but you know as they say form is temporary, class is permanent and they certainly did showcase their class this Sunday. The clock had been rolled back! - Pankaj Jadhav, student
