New Delhi: Racism in sports has been around for over one hundred years. Many think it is something of the past now but sadly it still remains in the sports world, showing its ugly head on occasion. Racism occurs in both team and individual sports around the world. On Wednesday evening Indian opener Abhinav Mukund was the latest sports person to speak on the issue.
Mukund took to Twitter to recall his past where he had been discriminated for his skin colour. The left arm batsman wrote, "I have been playing cricket since the age of 10 and I have gradually climbed up the ladder to where I am right now. It is an honour to get the chance to represent the country at the highest level. I am writing today not to garner sympathy or attention but...with the hope to change the mindset of people on an issue I feel strongly about."
Speaking about how people were obsessed about his own skin, the 27-year-old said, "I have been travelling a lot within and outside our country since I was 15. Ever since I was young, people's obsession with my skin colour has always been a mystery to me. Anyone who follows cricket would understand the obvious. I have played and trained day in and day out in the sun and not once have I regretted the fact that I have tanned or lost a couple of shades. It is simply because I love what I do and I have been able to achieve certain things only because I have spent hours outdoor. I come from Chennai, probably one of the hottest places in our country and I have gladly spent most of my adult life in the cricket ground."
Mukund stressed that he is not speaking only for himself but for several others who face discrimination and concluded with a strong message, which read, “Fair isn’t the only lovely or handsome guys! Stay true, stay focused, be comfortable in your own skin.”
The Chennai born batsman is currently in Sri Lanka with Indian cricket team and played a key role in his side’s win against the hosts in the second Test match before being dropped from the starting XI to make way for KL Rahul.
India have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match Test series and both teams are scheduled to play the final ODI in Pallekele from August 12.