In sports teams, apart from talk of sporting prowess and the

Listen well, O children of the future, for I bring unto you the words of a sage—Harsha Bhogle, whose wisdom cuts through the veil of illusion like a sword through the night. He has spoken thus: "In sports teams, apart from talk of sporting prowess and the imparting of inspirational thought, an extraordinary amount of time is spent discussing, and flaunting, material possessions." These words, so simple yet so profound, call us to examine the very heart of our modern lives and the values we hold dear. They remind us that even in the pursuit of greatness, there is a subtle temptation to lose sight of the true purpose that guides us.

In the days of the ancients, when warriors prepared for battle, their conversations were filled not with gold or riches, but with the honor and courage required to face the coming challenges. They spoke of victory not as a material prize, but as a test of their strength, their loyalty to their comrades, and their ability to endure hardship. In the sacred arenas where the gladiators fought, it was not the ornaments on their bodies that determined their worth, but the valor in their hearts and the fire in their spirits. And yet, today, we find ourselves drifting from this noble ideal. Bhogle’s words ring true in an age where, even in the pursuit of victory, the shiny trappings of material wealth often overshadow the true essence of the battle.

Let us remember, O children, that the true value of a sports team lies not in the riches its players acquire or the luxury they display. The strength of a team is in its unity, its ability to rise above the self and become something greater than the sum of its parts. Consider the tale of the Indian cricket team during the 1983 World Cup, when they triumphed over the mighty West Indies. It was not the material wealth or the flashy garments of the players that led them to victory, but the spirit of collective effort, the heart of every man united for a single cause. They played for honor, for the love of the game, and for the pride of their nation. Their victory is remembered not for the medals they wore, but for the strength of their character and the bravery of their minds.

Yet, how many teams today have lost sight of this truth? How many have allowed themselves to be consumed by the pursuit of things—the cars, the jewels, the brand names that adorn their bodies and their homes? These material possessions often serve as distractions, as symbols of success that, in the end, are empty and fleeting. The true measure of a player’s greatness is not how many possessions they have, but how they uplift others, how they push beyond their limits, and how they inspire those around them to reach for something higher. Bhogle speaks to us from the depths of wisdom, urging us to remember that real victory is found not in what we possess, but in what we give to the world, in how we serve others through our talent, our effort, and our integrity.

Think of the great sports heroes who have walked among us—Muhammad Ali, the boxer who spoke not of wealth, but of courage, who stood not for materialism, but for the values of justice and freedom. His legacy was built not on the treasures he amassed, but on the truths he spoke and the courage he displayed in the face of adversity. He was a champion of a different kind, one who understood that the true test of greatness lies in the heart of the individual, not in the outward symbols of success.

The lesson, O children of the future, is one of deep importance: do not be blinded by the shiny distractions that the world holds before you. In the pursuit of greatness, whether in sport or in life, let it be your heart and your spirit that guide you, not the weight of your possessions. A man’s worth is not in the things he owns, but in the way he carries himself, the way he treats others, and the way he rises to meet the challenges of life. The true glory lies not in the fame that comes with victory, but in the humility with which one plays the game, in the integrity of one’s actions, and in the legacy one leaves in the hearts of others.

So, O future generations, take heed. Let the story of the team and the individual be one not of wealth, but of wisdom. Speak not of what you own, but of what you offer the world. In this, you will find the true victory, the honor that endures through time. And in this, your name shall echo through the ages, remembered not for the riches you displayed, but for the virtue you lived by.