Hindutva spell extends to sports, Indian SC move for cancellation of Pak-India Asia Cup match
New Delhi: The Hindutva-driven frenzy in India has spread its tentacles even to sports, with a plea filed in the Indian Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the upcoming cricket match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the petition, filed by four law students led by Urvashi Jain, has demanded that the September 14 match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium be called off. The plea cited the Pahalgam attack and so-called Operation Sindoor, arguing that holding a sporting event with Pakistan was “inconsistent with national dignity and public sentiment.”
The petitioners went so far as to claim that playing cricket with Pakistan dishonored the sacrifices of Indian soldiers. “At a time when our soldiers are risking their lives, playing with Pakistan sends the opposite message… it can also hurt the sentiments of victims’ families,” the petition read.
Observers say the petition is yet another glaring example of how the Hindutva spell has penetrated deep into every sphere of Indian society — from politics and media to courts and sports. By communalizing cricket, the saffron mindset is attempting to poison one of the few platforms that historically allowed people-to-people interaction and goodwill across borders.
Analysts further point out that while sports are universally seen as a bridge for peace and harmony, the Hindutva lobby in India has increasingly weaponized them to propagate enmity and hatred against Pakistan.
