The Manipuri footballer of the Indian national side grabbed headlines on July 4 for his unusual gesture...
Digital Desk: Ethnic Clashes in
Manipur over the past few months have been very disturbing to everyone, as the chaos has engulfed many lives and created a tense situation in the state.
Recently, When Jeakson Singh, a 22-year-old football player from Manipur, covered himself in a Meitei flag during the SAFF Championship 2023 medal presentation ceremony, he sparked a contentious debate. The incident has sparked debates about politics, identity, and how athletes should express their opinions.
The Manipuri football player, a defensive midfielder for the Indian national team, garnered attention for his original gesture during the medal presentation on July 4 after India's victory over Kuwait in the
SAFF Championship final.
However, Jeakson Singh wanted to highlight the current tensions and ethnic violence that plague his home state by covering himself in the multicoloured Meitei flag.
The Meitei flag, also known as the Flag of Kangleipak or the Salai Taret flag, depicts the seven clan dynasties of the Meitei ethnic group, which has strong historical roots in Manipur.
Jeakson Singh's acts have drawn Criticism in light of the latest spate of deadly clashes in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki populations. The player's decision to fly the flag during a major event has ignited debates about professionalism, nationalism, and free expression.
Regarding the controversy, some social media users slammed Jeakson Singh's act as "unprofessional", and some believed he was inciting sentiments; many others applauded him for having the guts to draw attention to the issues confronting his state.
Jeakson Singh reacting to the criticism answered, stated that his purpose was just to boost awareness of Manipur's condition and to advocate for the establishment of peace. The only motive for making such a move was to grab focus on the ongoing violence and urge to stop it.
The incident has generated more discussion about athletes' ability to voice their political or social opinions. Others claim that athletes have the right to utilise their platform to raise significant concerns impacting their communities, while some believe sports and politics should remain separate.
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