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Sunil Gavaskar
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Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian cricket legend, has stirred controversy with his recent comments on India's Olympic performance.

Known for his blunt opinions, Gavaskar didn't hold back when discussing the disappointing results of Indian athletes at the 2024 Olympics. His remarks have sparked widespread criticism, particularly for their harsh tone.

What did Sunil Gavaskar comment on Indian athletes?

Gavaskar's comments came in response to the ongoing debate sparked by former badminton star Prakash Padukone. Padukone had earlier suggested that athletes should take responsibility for their defeats, referencing Lakshya Sen's failure to secure a medal despite reaching the semifinals.

Many athletes criticized Padukone for what they saw as an unfair assessment of Sen's performance. In defense of Padukone, Gavaskar stated, "Making excuses is where our country will win gold medals every single time."

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He argued that Padukone's comments were justified, as today's athletes receive extensive support from their federations and the government. According to Gavaskar, this support means athletes should be held accountable for their performances.

How did the public react on Sunil Gavaskar's comments?

Gavaskar's remarks have not gone down well with many in the sporting community. His statements were seen as overly harsh and dismissive of the efforts of Indian athletes.

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Critics argue that while accountability is important, such comments can be demoralizing, especially for athletes who are already under immense pressure.

In the same breath, Gavaskar also praised Prakash Padukone, calling him the greatest sportsperson India has ever produced. He highlighted Padukone's modesty and his reluctance to seek publicity, contrasting this with the outspoken nature of his recent comments.

Sunil Gavaskar's comments have sparked a backlash, highlighting the fine line between constructive criticism and harsh judgment. While his intent may have been to encourage accountability, the manner in which he expressed his views has led to widespread debate.

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Author(s)
Divy Dubey Photo

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.