It was really difficult task for me to exhale applauds for the young talent , a rising star to bid him farewell from this materialistic world. I really do not desire to recall the incident because it haunts me in the darks and gives me goosebumps in the quiet sunny days. But we can’t change what is destined and as a follower of pragmatic school of thought I assemble courage and tries to convince myself that we can’t escape from impregnable gates of reality because except mirage whatever a person discerns isn’t idealistic but materialistic . Now after confronting my anxious soul and impulsive emotions I compel myself to pen down about the person who was epitome of sportsmanship, discipline, courage and after all a professional player .Jehangir was struck on the neck by a cricket ball during match in Anantnag.His death prompted a wave of sympathy from both national and local community. The news of his death sent shock waves through across the state. I still remember the wretched moment when jehangir was hit by catastrophic injury in his neck which causes his immidate dismiss . I can’t forget that sad and heart breaking day when jehangir was putting together runs but then tragedy struck in the shape of a cricket ball hurled down the wicket. I still recollect that despairing and down moment when sun was shedding cold rays seeming desolate and bare. I was keenly spectating and enjoying ongoing match and suddenly around 3:00 pm that devastated moment comes which drains all mirth and excitement. I was perceiving the movement of bowler and batsman at the same time . The bowler starts to run and jehangir was all set on his crease. The bowler blows the short pitch ball and jehangir tries to pull but unfortunately ball skips from bat and hits jehangir on his neck. Immidatly jehangir fell down on the pitch and I ran straight away towards jehangir . After reaching directly in no time to jehangir I found him unconscious. It wrenches my nerves and my eyes start loosing their sight. Without wasting time we arranged a car and put Jahangir inside the car. I was consistently pumping his heart by my hand . But unfortunately on the way jehangir breaths his last in my lap. That moment makes me anxious and I feel everything perished. I got so much emotional that tears start rolling down from my cheeks. I found myself wild and recalcitrant. I was going out of my nerves but I’m really thankful to Sehar imran, Iqbal Hussain, Lateef Ahmad, Umar jaan, Faheem Ahmad, Mudasir Ahmad Khan, Bilal Ahmad , Manzoor Ahmad baba, Tariq Ahmad wani and Dr Reeyaz Veeri who come to my rescue and help me to be in my nerves. That incident gives me sleepless nights and I always think how a game like cricket can be so cruel that it claims someone’s life. His death triggered memories of the loss of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes who was same destined. Jehangir was an energetic and stunning cricketer who hails from North Kashmir’s Goshbug Pattan area of district Baramulla. He was an opening left handed batsman who represents district Baramulla in number of local and state level tournaments. He was pursuing his intermediate schooling at the time of his departure. Jehangir had achieved many feats on and off the ground. He has attained interminable laureates of man of the match awards. He was truly an inspiration for the young talents and amateurs of his age in his locality. He was strongest and perfect player of his respective team. He was of impeccable manners. He was always intentional and interested to maintain discipline and dignity of rival teams. He was sports person of cool temperament and exquisite behavior. Jehangir had been hoping to gain his place in national cricket team but unfortunately was destined to the grave.
Jehangir was youngest among his four siblings. His father Farooq Ahmad War is a menial worker. Jehangir was belonging to an underprivileged background. With his demise he also putrefy hopes and expectations of his parents. With his burial all the dreams , hopes and expectations associated with him were buried too under the earth. His family can hardly tolerate his loss . His death has surely marked permenant scars on the mind and heart of his family. His demise is indeed unbearable and can’t be compensated. His demise will remain unforgettable and his contribution undeniable. Jehangir’s demise not only haunts his family but had sent waves of shock and concern throughout the whole valley. His demise might affect the psychology and career of other local young cricketers . His tragic departure may become hindrance for other players as we belong to the society where everyone is prey of pessimism. After this unfortunate tragedy many parents may disallow their wards to play this game who find their careers in this beautiful and lovely game. Undeniably administration shows it’s potential and worth on his departure. For the first time I was pleased and fully impressed by the positive attitude of administration towards bereaved family. Whatever administration assigns is really considerable. But we know how much expectations a father leads from his son. There are heaps of expectations and hopes. In fact nothing can recoup Jahangir’s demise but at least administration should take a strong stand to rub ointment on the acute wound so that grief striken family may get some relief. I request honourable Governor and worthy authorities to look into the matter and impart their best to indemnify Jahangir’s loss. Jehangir will always remain in our hearts. After all he was a hero. Without doubt he was a rising star, with his best cricket ahead of him. He was hero to kids around his locality. May Almighty Allah bless the departed soul and give bereaved family strength to bear this loss.
(The author is pursuing his doctorate in physical education and presently works in J&K Youth Services and Sports Department. Views are his own, [email protected])
