![\"Mukund1\"](\"https:\/\/indiansportsnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Mukund1.jpg\")
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The term \u2018bending the knee\u2019 took a whole new meaning when the ever-popular Jon Snow did the same in popular drama \u2018Game of Thrones\u2019. The simple action took a whole new turn when star National Football League (NFL) quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his 49ers teammate Eric Reid chose to kneel during the United States national anthem and raise awareness about the issues of racial inequality and police brutality against the \u2018Blacks\u2019 in America.<\/p>\n
The unfortunate death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week has flared up the issue once again and the whole of USA is now feeling the heat which the racially-persecuted Americans were feeling for years and possibly many decades. The movement \u2018#BlackLivesMatter\u2019 has garnered worldwide support, especially from the sporting community.<\/p>\n
The embers of this fire has now touched India as well. Former India and Tamil Nadu opener Abhinav Mukund was the first one to bravely speak up on this issue. In a sentimental tweet on Tuesday (June 2), Mukund wrote: \u201cI have been travelling a lot within and outside the country since I was 15. Ever since I was young, people\u2019s obsession with my skin colour has always been a mystery to me.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been subject to a lot of name calling and I have laughed and shrugged it off because I had bigger goals! Today I am speaking up not just for me, but for many from our country who experience ridicule based on the colour of one\u2019s skin,\u201d the tweet read.<\/p>\n
Mukund\u2019s admission was quickly followed up by another Indian cricketer speaking up on the issue \u2013 former India and Karnataka pace bowler Dodda Ganesh.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis story of @mukundabhinav, reminded me of the racial jibes I went through in my playing days. Only an Indian legend was witness to it. It only made me strong & didn\u2019t deter me from playing for Ind & ovr 100 mts for Karnataka,\u201d Ganesh tweeted.<\/p>\n
\nThis story of @mukundabhinav<\/a>, reminded me of the racial jibes I went through in my playing days. Only an Indian legend was witness to it. It only made me strong & didn\u2019t deter me from playing for Ind & ovr 100 mts for Karnataka @StarSportsKan<\/a>
\u0c95\u0caa\u0ccd\u0caa\u0c97\u0cbf\u0cb0\u0ccb\u0cb0\u0cc1 \u0cae\u0ca8\u0cc1\u0cb7\u0ccd\u0caf\u0cb0\u0cc7. \u0cae\u0cca\u0ca6\u0cb2\u0cc1 \u0cae\u0cbe\u0ca8\u0cb5\u0cb0\u0cbe\u0c97\u0cbf. pic.twitter.com\/ZV8c8YPmpM<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 \u0ca6\u0cca\u0ca1\u0ccd\u0ca1 \u0c97\u0ca3\u0cc7\u0cb6\u0ccd | Dodda Ganesh (@doddaganesha) June 3, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
But while most of the premier sportspersons in the world are vocal about such a critical issue like racial discrimination in the 21st century, it is puzzling the learn that apart from Mukund and Ganesh, no other Indian sportsperson has come out in support of this movement.<\/p>\n
NBA legend Michael Jordan \u2013 an icon and role-model for many a sportperson all across the globe \u2013 came out with a brutally honest statement on Twitter as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,\u201d wrote Jordan in a statement. \u201cI stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough.\u201d<\/p>\n
The six-time NBA champion, said on Sunday (May 31) that Americans needed to work together to find answers to the country\u2019s problems.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t have answers, but our collective voices show strength and the inability to be divided by others. We must listen to each other, show compassion and empathy and never turn out backs on senseless brutality,\u201d he tweeted.<\/p>\n
\nStatement from Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com\/lWkZOf1Tmr<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Jordan (@Jumpman23) May 31, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton isn\u2019t one to hold back on the issue as well. The six-time world champ, vented his anger on the issue for the second time with a statement on Tuesday (June 2). <\/p>\n
\u201cThis past week has been so dark. I have failed to keep hold of my emotions,\u201d Hamilton said in a statement. \u201cI have felt so much anger, sadness and disbelief in what my eyes have seen.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am completely overcome with rage at the sight of such blatant disregard for the lives of our people,\u201d the British driver tweeted.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe stand with you, and all people in the fight against racism,\u201d a Formula One statement said. \u201cIt is an evil that no sport or society is truly immune. And it is only together we can oppose an eradicate it. Together we are stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n
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