times news networkNew Delhi: Many top sports stars came out in support of the student protests, with Sachin Tendulkar and Abhinav Bindra lending their voice to many others including Yuvraj Singh, Mohammed Kaif, Mirabai Chanu and Vinesh Phogat, among others. Former India cricket captain Tendulkar took to X to recall a lesson from his father, posting “My father was a professor. He was a mentor and a guide to many young students. One lesson that he instilled early on was, ‘Failure is okay, cheating is not. Never take shortcuts.’“As adults in society, we have the responsibility of shaping culture. A society that prioritises outcomes over effort will seek shortcuts over meritocracy. Today, when students feel disappointed that their hard work hasn’t been rewarded, it is understandable. Collectively, we should all work together towards ensuring they don’t feel this way again. Young India is full of dreams and energy. They are the fuel to our success. As a society, all of us, including parents, teachers, friends, relatives, schools, and administrators, have a massive responsibility and different roles to play in ensuring our youth remain encouraged and energised. We must create a culture where hard work is rewarded, honesty is encouraged and merit wins. I’m certain we will all find solutions that strengthen our children’s future and safeguard their aspirations,” Tendulkar posted.Bindra, who bagged gold in the men’s 10-metre air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, called for an education system that “inspires confidence”. “I have never considered myself a political person. But I do believe that some issues belong to all of us, regardless of where we stand. Education is one of them,” Bindra posted on X. “The measure of a nation is found not only in its economy or its achievements, but in the opportunities it creates for its young people. An education system that inspires confidence, rewards merit and nurtures curiosity is one of a nation’s greatest strengths. I hope we can all unite and work together to continually strengthen our education system, so that it remains a source of opportunity, innovation and hope for generations to come,” he added.On Thursday, Olympic silver medallist and weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu joined the chorus, saying the protesters are “doing a good job”. “There are many good things happening in the country, and there are also some unfortunate developments. When we see or hear about such incidents, we do not feel good and naturally wonder why they are happening. I have heard about what is happening in Delhi, including the student protests. I feel that they are doing a good job,” she told reporters in Glasgow.On Wednesday, former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh had appealed for an amicable solution, posting on Instagram, “To every child, student, woman and man: you deserve the opportunity to learn in peace, grow with safety and chase your dreams. Your well-being is the foundation of a brighter India. Let’s come together to build communities of care, opportunity and hope. Through dialogue we can find an amicable solution for the sake of India’s future.”Former opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan also raised concerns, though he asked people to keep faith in the country’s institutions. “It is essential to understand their dreams, but at the same time, it is equally important to maintain patience in difficult times and keep faith in the country’s institutions and government. I believe that the solution to every challenge emerges with patience,” he posted on X.Another former India cricketer, Mohammad Kaif, posted, “As a father it pains me to see students being roughed up by police for protesting over flaws in education. Kids getting beaten with lathis on the streets of Delhi should stop. I hope a solution comes up very soon.”Top wrestler Vinesh Phogat also posted on X, commenting on the violence unleashed at the protest site. “At Jantar Mantar, students were raising their voice for their rights in a democratic manner. But the pictures that emerged from there on 20 July disturbed my mind. When the students of the country were on the streets for their future, their rights and their dreams, they had to face not respect but fear and violence. Under the pretext of use of force against the students, their dignity was hurt,” she posted, adding, “It is possible that every possible attempt will be made by the government to divert, defame or break your movement. It may also happen that you are provoked so that your voice becomes weak. But remember, your greatest strength is your patience, your discipline and your peaceful struggle. Do not step back. History is turning once again.”Earlier, shooter Manu Bhaker was one of the first sportspersons to lend her support, saying, “At this point, it’s about the lives of the future of our nation. It’s about us. I am a student and at one point, we all were students. Every child deserves access to education, safety and a fair chance at life. These are not privileges, they are fundamental rights. The students and children who lost their lives were meant to be the future of our country. Their dreams, their potential and their futures should have been protected.”
