Leave religion out of sport

WHEN a sportsperson performs exceptionally, it should be a moment that unites us all - a celebration of human excellence, resilience and discipline. Yet time and again, those moments are overshadowed by conversations that have little to do with the game itself.

- DR RAJENDRAN GOVENDER

The recent online backlash against Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues is a case in point. After her brilliant, match-winning century in the Women’s World Cup semifinal, she became the target of social media abuse — not because of her technique or performance, but because she publicly thanked Jesus in her post-match interview.

That reaction is deeply unfortunate and, indeed, unnecessary. Rodrigues’s expression of gratitude was a personal reflection of faith, not a political statement. Yet it sparked outrage from some quarters who accused her of “mixing religion with sport”.

In truth, faith has always been part of the human journey in sport. From football to athletics to cricket, athletes have long drawn inspiration and comfort from their spiritual beliefs. But their faith should never become a measure of how their achievements are viewed or celebrated.

Across the world, countless sporting heroes have, in moments of triumph, lifted their hands to the heavens, bowed their heads in prayer, or invoked the divine. The Egyptian footballer, Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, famously falls into sujud — the Islamic act of prostration - each time he scores, an expression of humility and gratitude.

His teammate, Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker, once said after an extraordinary last-minute goal: “God put His hand on my head today.”