Boria Majumdar in Dubai
I have been arguing almost every day that the boycott solution doesn’t work. Where does it end? You boycott the Asia cup. What’s next? Will you boycott the women’s World Cup on home soil? The men’s T20 World Cup in February? Will you keep boycotting and playing into Pakistan’s hands? Once you start this, all Pakistan needs to do is field an athlete in every sports event and then wait for India to boycott. Boycott empowers Pakistan and allows it to have a field day at the expense of India.
Instead, use the sports field to protest. With millions watching, highlight the issue in front of the world. Wear black armbands in protest, don’t shake hands unless it is mandatory and use other innovative ways to make your point. That’s how you use sport and that’s where this India versus Pakistan game can be different.
We at RevSportz aren’t the army to go and fight terror in Kashmir. We are sports journalists. But that’s doesn’t mean we aren’t part of the larger story.
Much like the Indian cricket team’s act of wearing camouflage army caps to show solidarity with the martyrs of the Pulwama terror attack, the sports field has always been used to make larger political statements. Tommy Smith and John Carlos standing on the podium in Mexico 1968 performing the Black Power salute is one of the most powerful images ever. It was also the strongest political indictment of racism using the Olympic platform.
Inviting Muhammad Ali to light the Olympic flame at the Atlanta Games in 1996 is yet another example. The political significance of the act was not lost on anyone. A frail Ali with trembling hands lighting the flame was an inspirational sight for those who watched. It was deemed an apology for years of torture and was the sort of recognition that Ali had craved.
Even under colonial rule in 1936, the Indian hockey team refused to salute Adolf Hitler at the opening ceremony, creating a massive stir in Berlin. While there is no evidence to show any direct linkage between Indian nationalism and the athletes’ decision to not salute Hitler in Berlin, the fact remains that it was a political act, breathtaking in its audacity and in direct opposition to most other contingents at the Games, including the British.
In my opinion, the India-Pakistan game must be used to stand in protest. Wear black armbands, stand in solidarity and be heard. Tell the world it is not all normal. Terror has to be dealt with. The nation stands in solidarity and in anger. While the show must go on, it is as important to make ourselves heard for that’s what makes sport what it is —a true reflection of society.
This is how the players can make a difference. Shape the narrative in ways that they know. They aren’t the Indian army to continue Operation Sindoor. It shouldn’t be expected of them. And yet, they are powerful enough to make a statement in their own way. Using the cricket field and the match against Pakistan is their way to make a difference. Let’s not stop them from doing so.
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