Greatest Sporting Moments

4) Sachin Tendulkar,Diana Memorial Match,Lords,July 1998

There will always be questions asked on who is the greatest batsman after Sir Don.But at Lords on July 18 1998 playing for ROW XI against bowlers of quality like Donald,McGrath,McMillan and Kumble Sachin scored a match winning century some answers were given.So what was so great about a Sachin century in an "unofficial" match? Well it was the occasion,the atmosphere,the moment.Great players are generally defined depending upon how they rise at great moments.At Lords,the birthplace of cricket on a "solemn" occasion amidst the best of players of his times, in front of an emotional crowd, the scene was set for something spectacular and spectacular it was!

3) Michael Phelps,Beijing,Olympics 2008

Ask a sportsman what is his greatest fantasy? 99 out of 100 will say its a olympic medal.They literally put their heart and soul just to win a medal.And heres a guy who has won 14 golds and 2 bronzes over two Olympics including a record 8 in a single Olympics beating the record of another legend Snitz.

2) Zinedine Zidane against Brazil,Paris 12-7-1998 and Frankfurt 1-7-2006

There are few sportsmen who are as popular as Zizou was in France.And he deserved it!!
In final of the 1998 world cup, Zidane scored 2 super goals to impress a shocking 3-0 victory over favourites Brazil and bring France its first ever World Cup.His popularity can be guaged from the fact that the entire Paris had hoardings that read"Zidane For President".In a country notorious for racism,Zidane transcended all to emerge a national hero.

But to me his single handed demolition of Brazil in the QF of 2006 WC was an even better performance.At 34,coming out retirement to take France into the WC and then inspiring them to the finals,Zidane was magnificent against Brazil.His dribbling and magic with the ball left the Brazilian players dumbstruck.He was literally toying with the football making the rest 21 players on the field look mediocre as well as blessed to witness greatness from so close!

contd...