Cycling fiasco
A director of the National Sports Council was entrusted with the task of investigating the ignominy the women's 50-kilometre cycling road race brought to the entire nation during the recent South Asian Games. A disgraceful action of officials that not only cost host country a medal, but brought humiliation and dishonour to sports officials of Bangladesh and tarnished the country's image.
When a medal is won by a sports person in such international games their country's national anthem is played and its flag proudly raised high. In unison it raises the head of the entire nation with pride, and fills their hearts with gratitude to the achievers who bring such honour to the nation.
This was not the case for Bangladesh in the women's 50-kilometre cycling road race. Bangladesh was unceremoniously disqualified despite finishing first in the event. The cyclist was spotted on the video receiving an undue push from a dishonest a official. The Bangladeshi cyclist did not also take the compulsory U-turn in the presence of venue officials, umpires and match commissioners.
The news stunned the whole nation with disbelief and horror. Heads were made to hang low with embarrassment and the pride, name and reputation of its people brought to incalculable shame.
Submitting his report to the 'proper authorities' at the 'appropriate time' by the director of the National Sports Council will not be sufficient for a nation shamed and disgraced internationally by the act of a culprit.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments