Sports and Politics: A Powerful Combination for Change
Sports and politics have always been intertwined, with athletes and sporting events often being used as a platform for making political statements and peaceful protests. The recent cancellation of the Kolkata Derby is a prime example of this, as it is a statement about seeking justice and fighting for it.
The Kolkata Derby is one of the biggest football matches in India, with fierce rivals East Bengal and Mohun Bagan facing off against each other. However, the match was cancelled due to the ongoing protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in India. The CAA has been criticized for being discriminatory against Muslims, and the protests have been ongoing since December 2019.
The cancellation of the Kolkata Derby was seen as a statement of solidarity with the protesters and a call for justice. It was a powerful reminder of the role that sports can play in bringing attention to important social and political issues.
This is not the first time that sports have been used as a platform for political statements. One of the most famous examples is the Black Power Salute at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. American athletes Tommy Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a Black Power salute during the medal ceremony for the 200m race, in protest against racial discrimination in the United States.
Their protest was met with widespread condemnation and they were expelled from the Olympic Village. However, their actions brought attention to the issue of racial discrimination and inspired other athletes to use their platform to make political statements.
Another example is England’s refusal to travel to Zimbabwe during the 2003 Cricket World Cup. The England team cited concerns about the political situation in Zimbabwe, including human rights abuses and the lack of democracy. Their decision was controversial, but it brought attention to the issue and sparked a wider debate about the role of sports in politics.
Sports have the power to bring people together and create a sense of unity and community. However, they can also be used as a platform for making political statements and peaceful protests. Athletes have a unique platform and can use their influence to bring attention to important social and political issues.
In today’s world, where social and political issues are becoming increasingly polarized, sports can play an important role in bringing people together and promoting understanding and tolerance. The cancellation of the Kolkata Derby is a powerful reminder of this, and a call to action for athletes and sports fans around the world to use their platform for positive change.
