I am struggling and yet I am…
November 21st, 2022
keeping up. My word, that is. And it was only a single day so far — I am determined NOT to watch any World Cup games for the tournament in Qatar. Years ago, I promised myself that I will boycott this World Cup for numerous reasons — awarded only through the blatant corruption, held in a country that is extremely backward in regard to human rights and women's rights and LGBT rights and migrant rights with implied acceptance to modern-day slavery. And also that is being held in winter, not as customarily done in summer — just to provide a respite to players from the summer heat there.
Football (soccer) has always been a huge part of my life. I played on a youth team for my city’s club from I was 11 until I was 18. I only stopped playing because of two serious injuries to my right knee. I played with great players in that age group — eight of my teammates from those youth teams played for the national team at one point or the other. Those eight plus several others became full professional players, making a living playing football. Until my injuries, I was dead set on having a career as a football player myself. Since that didn't happen, at least I was able to get a college education on a soccer scholarship in the United States.
And the World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport. Every four years, I would plan ahead to that time to watch as many games as possible. And it is not just the World Cup, I watch football (soccer) games constantly, and I read books and articles about the tactics and changing approaches to how the game is played. I do my own analysis of the teams and games and players. Since I can remember — that was always a huge part of who I was, and what I liked. And this year I decided not to be involved in any way. Ok, I will not be able to escape the scores and results — for that, I would have to move to a desert island with no internet. But what I can do is NOT watch any games. And for one day my resolve held. And it hasn't been easy. I thought about just putting the games on in the background, so I wouldn't pay close attention, but I could just sneak a peek once in a while. But no, there are no games in the background, and there will not be any games as long as I can hold on. Oh well, it is only 29 more days (and 61 more games) to get through, I can do that standing on my head, right?
