It doesn't feel good to talk about religion in a sports Blog

it doesn't feel good to talk about religion on a sports Blog.

But sometimes it becomes necessary. As it's the players, the torch bearers of sportsmanship, who themselves bring religion to the foray; making it necessary to make a comment.

Remember, Pakistan player named Yousuf Yohanna, a Christian. He is the same player who now plays as Mohammad Yousuf. What is important to note that, during the period, Mohammad Yousuf changed his faith to Islam; and started sporting a mustache less non-trimmed beard; the entire Pak team started blatant exhibitionism of their faith and also started carrying visible religious symbols. They also started crediting Almighty for their every win in post match events.

There's nothing wrong in having faith and sporting its symbols publicly, if the sport you play doesn't forbid you. But this over reliance on religion dents the sportsmanship. A player is known for achieving things on his own; he strives, toils, sheds his sweat and blood for the victory. Relying on God, every time, dents this spirit. Pakistan Team is a clear example of this.

On a different perspective, this blatant use of God, follows a trend too. A player who begins his career as an ideal sportsman, carrying nothing but himself; when gets dropped; and then makes a comeback shows more such religious exhibitionism compared to others. It may be true that during his lean phase, no one else but the God may have helped him; But still why undergo such drastic personality modification that simply gives away what is in the heart.

Here, an Indian player, Yousuf Pathan comes into picture.Yousuf remained out of Indian team for quite some time; and then made a comeback in this series. But this Yousuf looks different, the beard is much bigger now and he tried to bring God into the frame on a couple of occasions.

Some among esteemed readers will call this write-up bigoted; but I have seen write-ups and artistic expressions showing as if Yousuf is on a road to some vengeance, with religion by its side. Take aside, Islam, how will cricket fans see a player who suddenly starts sporting a Hare Krishna style bald head and a "shikha" and come on ground with vermilion smeared forehead. obviously people will call him very religious; and suspect him for having a drastic change.

That said, it's not about freedom of religion; it's about one simple question: Does a non trimmed beard, vermilion on forehead, bald head with a hare krishna like shikha make a player more comfortable on field; he may be getting eternal motivation; but what is more safe and convenient for a sportsman, all these body add-ons or army style trimmed hair, trimmed nails, clean shave look ?

I still feel, Hashim Amla, the South African Cricketer sports a beard not because of his belief; but because he feels he has not been given his due. His exhibitionism has nothing to do with religion. Religion is just a symbol of the deprivation.

You can decide better.

click to translate »

« back to original...