Football?!!!

Shika Vohra, India

One thing I knew nothing about till I came to Sheffield was football! Now football is not a game that a lady in India would pursue- it is almost customary in India that a person who likes football, or even knows anything about it, has nothing to do with makeup or skirts or anything feminine. But I had come to a country to study - or in other words, learn, and learn I did!

It all started when I discovered that my Greek flatmate, Elena, LOVED (note: I used the word 'love') football! It almost came as a rude shock that rather than be engaged in watching a romantic movie or a soppy soap, she preferred seeing 11 men mostly dressed in red or white run around a green grass field in pursuit of a melon-sized object, trying to kick it into a net! And mind you- these men get paid much more than the scientists who discovered cures for cancer that saves many lives or more than the presidents who rule countries! Alarming, shocking, in fact it was a distressing thought!!!

Till I sat with her one day ...I remember Liverpool were playing that evening and Elena kept chanting the name of a certain Mr.Owen (who I now know as the talented Michael Owen) and I kept wondering where the gentleman was! Seems like he hovered around the opposition goal post and was in the important position of a striker (much like the surgeon is during an operation). Now this gentleman escaped my notice till I heard screaming and shouting from elated Liverpool fans (through the television of course!) cause this guy had done his job, and done it remarkably! I saw the replay of him in action-seeing him sustain the ball with 3 defenders trying to 'tackle' the ball (or him whatever came first) off him; but Mr.Owen skillfully nullified their efforts with an almost superhuman effort that ended with him gliding the ball into the net! The excitement was indescribable! I was already begging for more!

Now again, this little excitement could easily have worn out in a matter of days if it wasn't for my newly discovered boyfriend. I was just getting to know this friend and was deeply interested in knowing his likes and dislikes and what do I find out? Yes of course! Like any other guy, he LOVED football! Point to note: his 'love' was Elena's love for Liverpool multiplied by 10, but for a team that I now know as 'Manchester United'.

This was a nightmare of sorts! I didn't even know the game properly and I had to decide if I liked Man U more than Liverpool!!! Like any sensible human being, I did the diplomatic thing: I sat with one when Liverpool played and supported them and with the other when Man U played and supported them! To this day, I do not know which team I support more, but whichever that maybe, I have begun to love the game of football and blame it all on England!

Shika Vohra, India