It’s said ‘Nothing fails like failure’. Being on the losing side makes the ‘losers’ get a lot of ridicule as a failure, flop or even ‘bad loser’. That uncomplimentary term ‘Loser’ also implies unable to accept your defeat gracefully. The defeated are already smarting from the loss and if derogatory words are hurled at them, it adds insult to injury ! The moot point is that in a game or contest, there must be a loser for there to be winner.
‘Winners’ are always lauded- it’s interesting what some overwhelmingly say when they are declared victorious. In a fiercely competitive world and in a shiny kaleidoscope of victories, awards, accolades, promotions and the glory that comes with it, some winners use rather grandiose expressions in often idolizing their records, feats & endeavors with an aura of invincibility. Remember Ali’s line ‘I’m the Best’ & ‘Ugly Aussies’ in Cricket !
However, true champions and real winners wear their crown (or title) with dignity and grace. They are confident of their abilities but realize a win doesn’t make one superior. Close finishes are par for the course in world of sports where say, in a Grand Slam 5-Setter, the player who finally lost 4-6 in fifth set was just as great as the winner ! In the infamous 2019 World Cup Final that was tied, England beat Kiwis on just a technicality.
A ‘Gracious’ Winner adds that human dimension of the achievement in being humble and compassionate after he wins a game, competition or fight in the ring. It’s also about acknowledging the opponent’s great efforts and not down playing them, sharing the accolades with all the team members and being open to learning from the experience. It must instill confidence of fairness in others in society & give the losers or opponents, a choice about the next fight or contest. In sports, it’s mandatory for all players to shake hands or embrace after the event, but that sadly doesn’t happen in the other contests !
Post match victory speeches by champions like Federer or Djokovic have exhibited true sportsmanship and invariably paid tributes to their younger opponents for the fight they put up. In his retirement address at the Wankhede, Sachin Tendulkar said ‘…I’ve met so many people who’ve fasted for me, prayed for me, done so much for me. Without that life wouldn’t have been like this..’ The Oscar Winner of 2014, Matthew McConaughey in his moving acceptance added the words ‘Thank you to six thousand Academy members and to all the other nominees, all performances were impeccable.’
Everyone tends to overlook losers for it’s ‘Success Mantra’ that all are looking for. In my working days, HR guys never called unsuccessful candidates for a pep-talk. One of my friends asked ‘Why didn’t I make it, please enlighten?’. Reply was ‘Don’t worry, just keep working hard’ ! Success stories of those who have overcame failures, continue to inspire us. As Catherine Plano says ‘The comeback is always stronger than the setback’ !
Working on Living 