The recent horrific rape and murder of a medical professional in Kolkata sparked outrage and grief among the city’s passionate football fans, uniting even the most ardent rivals of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting. The tragedy transcended the usual sporting rivalries, prompting fans to take to the streets in solidarity with the victim and to voice their anger towards the authorities. This powerful display of unity served as a stark reminder that sports, while often offering an escape from the harsh realities of the world, can also become a platform for confronting them head-on.
Mohun Bagan captain Subhasish Bose, defying the typical Indian athlete’s tendency to shy away from sensitive social issues, joined the protest march. This exemplified the potential of sports to unite people in ways few other avenues can. For all its trivial disputes and fierce loyalties, sports have a unique ability to bring us together, momentarily forgetting our political, religious, or even culinary differences. The shared passion for the game creates a sense of purpose, a collective energy, even if it involves shouting at a TV screen believing it can influence the game’s outcome.
This shared passion transcends being a mere distraction. It can be a catalyst for change. Athletes are not simply brand ambassadors promoting energy drinks and overpriced footwear; they have the power to become heroes, using their platform to do good. The iconic raised fists of Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics, a powerful act of defiance against racism, serves as a testament to this. Their gesture was not about medals; it was about making a statement, turning the sporting stage into a platform for a crucial message.
The power of collective dissent was also evident in the fans’ successful resistance against the greedy European Super League scheme. Similarly, at the Paris Olympics, Kimia Yousofi, competing in the women’s 100m, was not running for a personal best but for the girls of Afghanistan. Her race bib carried the message: “Education, Sport, our right,” a right brutally denied by the Taliban.
Afghan B-girl Talash, representing the Refugee Olympic Team, was disqualified for wearing a “Free Afghan Women” cape during the breaking competition, citing a rule prohibiting political demonstrations at the Olympics. However, this irony was not lost on anyone. Human Rights Watch rightly pointed out that athletes should not forfeit their human rights, including the right to speak out on critical issues like women’s rights. Talash’s act of defiance resonated with the Olympic Charter’s recognition of the importance of human rights.
From the streets of Kolkata to the Olympic tracks, we see that the most powerful messages don’t require scoreboards or podiums to make an impact. A cape, a race bib, or a collective walk can speak volumes. Sports is not just about winning; it’s about standing up for what matters.
