His people needed a leader. He gave them a champion. Anjishnu Sarkar Roll

 Invictus: A poem by English poet William Ernest Henry.  The masterpiece which helped Nelson Mandela recuperate during the torments of Robben Island.  A work that became the life-saving backbone of Nelson Mandela, and in turn the theme of Renaissance of South African sports INSPIRATION

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeoning of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. RISE FROM ASHES Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island

From Book to Movie The motto of the poem found its vent in Clint Eastwood’s Academy Award winning movie “ Invictus” Invictus features prominent American actors, starring Morgan Freeman as South African President Nelson Mandela, Matt Damon playing Rugby Captain François Pienaar. The motion picture clearly depicts how persistence and vision can help a Nation rise from its ruins, establish itself in global sphere, shaking off all the tyrannies of racial discrimination, poverty and mutual hatred.

My future/ Your future? Despite the prevailing tortures of famine, high crime rate at South Africa of 90’S, Mandela encouraged Rugby. It was his firm conviction that a sport can help South Africa shake off the racial differences. With the growing hatred in the Native South African communities, Mandela’s campaign won the mostly white South African team “ Springboks” tremendous native popularity

South Africa in 1995… Crisis: Poverty, infrastructure, growing unrest among the two races of SA With nations like US and UK refusing to propagate their business in South Africa and nation torn apart by internal matters, Nelson was looking for a global platform to strengthen the position of new formed South Africa. The World Cup Rugby (99), hosted by South Africa was the opportune moment to actualize African potential and to discover the essence of harmony.

Black or White? In the beginning of the movie, there are circumstances of native disregard for the team of Springbooks Non-whites in the stadium used to cheer against their home squad, as the Springboks (their history, players, and even their color) evoked the brutal memories of White Afrikaners' It was uphill task to gain the confidence of newly-black-dominated South African Sports Committee which keenly wanted a change in the Springboks' name and colors Mandela realized the importance of unity and helped the team gain tremendous popularity through the team’s participation in society. This was possible due to the combined efforts of Mandela and the white Captain François Pienaar, who ushered a sense of African patriotism among the white players

At the World Cup Final, held at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 24 June, South Africa defeated New Zealand 15 – 12, with Joel Stransky scoring a drop goal in extra time to win the match. Following South Africa's victory, Nelson Mandela, the President of South Africa, wearing a Springbok rugby shirt and cap, presented the Webb Ellis Cup to the South African captain François Pienaar. Although nowhere close to world ranks, South Africa pulled off an astounding performance in 1995 Rugby World Cup. It was hard, but South African team survived the blow and reached the finals, where it had to face the strongest kiwi side. Path to glory

Champions of tomorrow The rest is history…. South Africa is known for its fervor in every dimension of sports, consistently winning accolades at International level for the past decade The piece of poetry saved Mandela and helped his nation resuscitate in the days of oppression.

Mandela lived by his principles and still continues to be the beacon of hope for every South African. A staunch follower of Gandhi, he clearly demonstrated Gandhi’s doctrines through his life: Be the change you want to see in this world

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