Could Not Playing Have Been a Better Tribute? Pahalgam Victims' Families React to Cricket Team's Gesture After Win Over Pakistan
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Synopsis
In a poignant reaction, families of Pahalgam terror attack victims expressed their disdain for Team India's tribute after their victory over Pakistan, arguing that refraining from playing would have been a more genuine homage. Join us as we delve into their heart-wrenching perspectives and the broader implications of sports amid national tragedies.
Key Takeaways
- Families of Pahalgam victims feel betrayed by the match.
- True tribute would have been to avoid playing.
- The attack was executed by terrorists linked to Pakistan.
- Emotional responses highlight the intersection of sports and national sentiment.
- Calls for a ban on future matches with Pakistan.
New Delhi, Sep 15 (NationPress) As Team India dedicated its Asia Cup 2025 victory over Pakistan in Dubai to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Armed Forces back home, the families of those lost in the tragedy condemned the gesture, asserting that the most genuine tribute would have been to refrain from playing the match altogether.
Sunday's match was the first international encounter between India and Pakistan since the escalation of diplomatic tensions earlier this year, occurring only 146 days after the Pahalgam tragedy, which continues to loom heavily in the memories of those affected.
The attack in the Baisaran Valley resulted in 26 fatalities when four heavily armed terrorists from The Resistance Front, a faction linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, executed the murders after confirming the religion of their victims.
Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the victims and the soldiers, stating, "We stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. We want to dedicate today's win to all our Armed Forces who showed immense bravery. We hope they continue to inspire us, and we give them more reasons to smile whenever we have the opportunity to do so."
However, his words ignited anger among grieving families, who viewed the match as a betrayal. For them, celebrating a cricket victory only reopened the wounds of their darkest day.
Rajesh Narwal, father of Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who perished in the Pahalgam attack, expressed that India should never have faced Pakistan on the cricket field.
"Why play against Pakistan at all? While I believe that politics and sports should remain separate, Pakistan is a nation that promotes terrorism, and it has executed heinous attacks on Indian soil. Therefore, why engage with them?" the grieving father questioned.
"In Pahalgam, we lost 26 of our own. Following that, Operation Sindoor was launched, but Pakistan seemingly learned nothing. Reflecting on it, there shouldn't have been any ceasefire. Our soldiers are continuously being killed at the frontline. Pakistan will never change; it will perpetuate terrorism within its borders," he added.
"The entire nation echoed that such matches should not occur between India and Pakistan, and they are absolutely correct," Narwal stated.
He urged the people of Pakistan to oppose the policies of their military and leadership that perpetuate terror.
Pragati Jagdale, spouse of Santosh Jagdale, who was among the victims of the Pahalgam attack, characterized the match as a "painful" reminder of her loss.
Criticizing the Indian cricket team captain, she remarked, "To Suryakumar Yadav, your tribute to the victims post-match is insignificant; it would have been better if you hadn’t played at all. We would have felt prouder. Hearing about the match was excruciating."
She also criticized the BCCI for going ahead with the match despite public sentiment against it.
"If the players faced pressure, that was wrong. The match should not have happened at all. The Indian government must recognize that there should be no relations with Pakistan, as it will never change," she stated.
For the families of the victims, the wounds remain raw, and the cricket match against Pakistan has only intensified their sorrow.
Point of View
I recognize the profound emotions surrounding this sensitive topic. While sports can serve as a unifying force, the complexities of national sentiment and recent tragedies must be respected. The voices of the grieving families should encourage a dialogue on the intersection of sports and national integrity. As a nation, we must navigate these waters with empathy and understanding.
NationPress
15/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the families of Pahalgam victims condemn Team India's tribute?
The families felt that the true tribute to their lost loved ones would have been not to play the match against Pakistan at all, as it reopened painful memories.
What was the nature of the Pahalgam attack?
The Pahalgam attack involved four terrorists from The Resistance Front who killed 26 individuals after confirming their religion.
What did Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav say after the match?
He expressed solidarity with the victims' families and dedicated the win to the victims and the Armed Forces.
How did Rajesh Narwal respond to the match?
Rajesh Narwal, father of a victim, stated that India should not have played against Pakistan, emphasizing that the nation supports a ban on such matches.
What are the sentiments of the victims' families regarding future matches against Pakistan?
The families strongly believe that no matches should take place between India and Pakistan due to the ongoing tensions and loss of lives.
