Our sporting fraternity might give due respect to the ‘˜foreign’ players coming here to play but what about us going abroad? Are we not humans?
Our sporting fraternity might give due respect to the ‘foreign’ players coming here to play but what about us going abroad?
Are we not humans?
Here’s a prime example of the outside world still lacking the class wherein FIBA Asia forcibly asked Sikh player Anmol Singh to remove his turban during an Under-18 Championship match in Doha, saying that the unnecessary action was discriminatory and shameful.
This comes after our very own, newly elected; Prime Minister had envisioned a bright future for our sportsmen in this country. Narendra Modi had stated that the athletes of this country should be treated “at par” with defence personnel when it comes to training.
Very true Modiji but what about the shameful that was carried out on our sportsmen.
When players and dignitaries from foreign nationals visit our country, we welcome them with open hearts and take good care too. Securities, food, hotel etc. are all looked after prior to their arrival.
In statement released by our Basketball authority said, “The Basketball Federation of India strongly condemns the unwarranted action of Technical Commission of FIBA Asia taken against Anmol Singh and asks them to stop discrimination against Sikh athletes representing Indian Basketball teams at international level immediately.” But a mere protest doesn’t solve all problems. Will a condemnation do the trick and let Anmol wear the turban again?
No it won’t! Unless and until our Government steps in middle and help resolve the issue, this ‘racist attack’ will keep haunting us on alien soil. This is not the first incident involving our Sikh brothers in a racist attack. A similar incident had happened during the 5th FIBA Asia Cup held at China held in July as well.
Basketball Federation Of India CEO Roopam Harish Sharma will attend the FIBA Congress in Spain and raise this issue of racism against Sikhs. But more than that, we Indians want our dear PM to take up this issue very seriously. Narendra Modi must see to it that none of our Indian sportsmen are racially attacked or jibed at in big events.
If our Indians voted for ‘Acche Din’ and equal rights, then is the time for REPAY Mr. Modi otherwise it will seem like yet another hoax from street smart politician.
