This article was written on 29^th November 2020

Maradona:  The Player We Loved and Love

 

The 1980s in the hills of Darjeeling was witnessing many changes. Politically the situation was rapidly changing with the demand of Gorkhaland gaining ground. Political, social, and economic change was also taking place. The advent of video halls was driving social change. Video halls and the movies they screened had become a conduit between our society and the Western world. VCP, VCR and television were gradually becoming a necessity. By May in 1986 there were already episodes of police firing and the fear of CRPF loomed large among the people. But as we entered June in 1986 these fears made way for football and World Cup and one person had gained the imagination of the people, many of whom were experiencing and witnessing it for the first time. This one man was none other than the beloved Maradona.

Few well-known names in football were common among the people of our region but by the end of 1986, all these names were erased from the memory and replaced by Maradona. In 1986 the number of households owning a television set had increased many times compared to 1982 when the region could watch the World Cup on television for the first time. As followers of different national teams participating in the World Cup, the loyalty of the people was fractured and divided with many still supporting Germany, and a few England but the most popular among all the national teams playing in the World Cup are Brazil and Argentina. The loyalty is evident during every World Cup when flags of different countries are hoisted in houses and common public places and also in cars.

Maradona would have occupied a legendary status much before 1986 if only Cesar Menotti had included him in the 1978 World Cup-winning squad. Though Maradona was included in the provisional squad Menotti dropped him from the final squad saying that he was immature and still not ready for such a big stage. This along with the failure in 1982 to live up to the expectation had driven Maradona to do well in 1986. And of course, he did and in style. There were so many moments of brilliance that he produced. One that has remained in our memory is the two goals that remain impressed on our consciousness. The sheer brilliance of a genius was showcased in around 250 seconds. The two goals will forever be remembered by all whether for good or bad reasons. This is what is remembered vividly of Maradona but the goal he scored against Belgium in the semi-finals was equally good if not better than the second goal against England. The defence-splitting pass for Burrachaga to score the winning goal in the final was a moment only a genius, a visionary could produce.

In the context of our region, Maradona was more than what he did in the field. The story of his humble upbringing was relatable to many and therefore he had become the darling of the people. Every time he was fouled people were angry as if they were hurt. More than anything else he captured the imagination of all. He became a household name. He was able to erase the gender divide that existed in terms of appropriating the sporting arena. Women of the household would stay awake to watch him play though they had to attend the domestic work the next day. He kept the entire population of our region irrespective of gender, caste, class, or age, awake to see him play, probably more than half would be sleeping when other matches were played. Such was the power he had weaved around the people of our region. I still remember people talking about the 'Hand of God' goal even days after the final was over. Unlike the British, who referred to Maradona as a cheat for that goal our people referred to the goal as an act of agility, presence of mind and the ability to break rules and get what he wanted. This thought summed up the mindset that was built with the political movement going on. The impact Maradona had on people was immense. I remember my mom asking me once, when will Maradona play again? On the 25th November I was thinking about him and his brilliance I got a call from my 84-year-old aunt who asked me bhai did you hear the news of Maradona? I still remember watching him play, she said.

Maradona was charismatic for our people. What the world thinks about him does not matter, he was an icon, an idol and will always remain so for many. The world can keep debating about his drug addiction, about his 'Hand of God' goal about him shooting at journalists but for the people of our region, he will always remain the player who brought smiles and happiness among the common people. He will always remain the player who rose from humble background to have the world at his feet.