Big day: Morocco will look to compartmentalise and put aside sure feelings to concentrate on the duty at hand.| Photo Credit: Sandeep Saxena

At the Davis Cup World Group II tie in opposition to India right here, Morocco was anticipated to attract vitality from many an important feat achieved by its sportspersons in latest occasions.

Morocco’s males’s soccer workforce completed fourth on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the very best ever for an African nation. Last month, Morocco’s ladies footballers certified for the round-of-16 of their first ever look on the World Cup. Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali’s profitable protection of his world 3000m steeplechase title simply over a fortnight in the past was the proper icing.

Instead, Morocco’s tennis gamers will take to the courtroom on Saturday with a sure heaviness of their hearts and a silent prayer on their lips. Last Friday’s devastating earthquake in a cluster of mountainous villages south of Marrakesh – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – has left almost 3000 individuals useless. Morocco’s gamers had departed the nation for India by then. They will now play in solidarity with these again dwelling.

Tragic past phrases

“What happened was really tragic, with so many people losing close ones and their homes,” stated Adam Moundir, one among Morocco’s gamers to landing in India. “It is very difficult to just focus on playing. But it is our job and duty to represent our country. What happened back home is in our thoughts. We will do our best.”

None from the Morocco contingent have been straight affected, confirmed Yassine Dlimi, a 20-year-old singles participant on the roster. But empathy just isn't one thing the workforce is missing.

“We were lucky. My family doesn’t live in the same place as where the earthquake happened and I think we are all good that way,” stated Dlimi. “But it is really hard. We will play for them. We will try to win for our country and help in whatever way we can.”

Mental battle

Moundir felt it was essential to compartmentalise and consciously put aside sure feelings to concentrate on the duty at hand. But it's simpler stated than performed.

“When you prepare for a game, you always have your routines – the practice, recovery etc.,” the 28-year-old stated. “But there are always things that can distract you. In the end, it all comes down to what you do with the yellow ball.

“What I hope for is to honestly perform at our best. You cannot always control the outcome. But you can control the effort. We will be outnumbered in the stadium, but we will feel the support from those back home.”