Sports should be a unifying force between the two countries : Udayanidhi Stalin

Stalin upset after spectators chant ‘Jai Shriram’ during India-Pakistan match

Udayanidhi Stalin (Inset)

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) – Spectators chanted ‘Jai Shriram’ during the World Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on 14th October. India won this match. Udayanidhi Stalin, Minister in Tamil Nadu’s DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) Government has criticised the chanting of ‘Jai Shriram’. He tweeted, “India is renowned for its sportsmanship and hospitality. However, the treatment meted out to Pakistan players at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is unacceptable and a new low. Sports should be a unifying force between countries fostering true brotherhood. Using it as a tool to spread hatred is condemnable”. (Why doesn’t Stalin offer this advice to Pakistani cricketers who play like a jihad when playing against India ? – Editor)

Why was Stalin silent in these cases ?

After Pakistan’s victory against Sri Lanka in the World Cup cricket tournament, Rizwan, one of the players, offered namaz on the field. This is a practice often observed by Pakistani players. Rizwan also dedicated this victory to the Muslims of the Gaza Strip. (Why didn’t Stalin ask what Rizwan’s actions had to do with sports ? – Editor)

Israel’s ambassador to India criticises Pakistan

Naor Gilon, Israel’s Ambassador to India (right)

Israel’s Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, tweeted after India defeated Pakistan, saying, “We are happy with India’s victory and that the Pakistani team could not dedicate their victory to Hamas terrorists”. (Will Stalin comment on the Israeli Ambassador feelings ? – Editor)

Editorial Perspectives

• The spectators spontaneously chanted ‘Jai Shriram’. There is no law about where Indian citizens should and should not chant ‘Jai Shriram’.

• When Hindu temples and religious processions face attacks amid chants of ‘Allah-hu-Akbar (Allah is great)’ from mosques, Hindu-hating political leaders like Stalin do not open their mouths. However, when Hindus chant ‘Jai Shriram’ in a peaceful and legitimate manner, they get upset.

• Sports can never unite India and Pakistan. India has experimented with such engagements before, but they have often been met with acts of terrorism. Pakistanis consider playing match with India as a form of ‘Jihad’, why is Stalin not talking about this ?