AB de Villiers Urges Athletes to Play the Sport in the Right Spirit

Former South African star batsman, AB de Villiers has urged all the athletes to play their respective sport in the right spirit.

AB de Villiers has pledged to begin a ‘Handshake Challenge’. The ex-Proteas player has asked the players to perform handshakes before and after the match.

Cricket has always seen players perform the customary handshakes after the end of the match. However, they don’t do it before a particular game begins.

It is a good initiative taken by AB de Villiers.

In fact, Tim Paine recently came forward to begin a new trend of shaking hands before the match kickstarted.

It was done in the fourth Test match against South Africa when the ball-tampering scandal shook Australia.

Meanwhile, we notice Football and Hockey players perform the customary handshakes both before and after the game.

Furthermore, AB de Villiers has asked the players to play the game in the right spirit. We have noticed the players often exceed the limits to win. However, winning is not everything in Sport. It is also imperative to play the game in a pristine manner.

Players go out in the middle, and they try to give their best. It is also pivotal to embrace the defeat in the same way we celebrate our win.

One has to win, and one has to lose in any kind of sport, but at the end of the day, it is crucial to give respect to your opponent.

It is good to note that AB de Villiers is giving it back to the game after surprisingly calling it a day from the International arena a few weeks back.

AB de Villiers took to Instagram to request all the players to play the game with the right conduct. Proteas former batsman post read as,

“My challenge to all individuals and teams competing in Sport. Respect in Sports Pledge:

As sportsmen/women, we realize the importance and responsibilities we have as role models to make a difference. We embrace our role in society and commit to using sport to change lives and to inspire people to be Champions in life. Players shake hands before and after matches as a sign of Respect to our opponents and to challenge them to be at their best. We commit to playing hard and tough but within the rules of our Sport. We all support the Handshake Challenge and let’s all play our role to make this a better world #handshakechallenge #respectinsport”.

Here is AB de Villiers video:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjr-FEUFZA1

AB also gave the following link in his post: