We know that Bollywood actors like Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ayushmann Khurrana, Ranveer Singh, Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra were present during the Cricket World Cup finals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. And how do we know that? Because the sports channels’ cameramen kept showing them constantly. But do you know who else was there watching the finals? Neeraj Chopra!
Yes, you read that right. Neeraj Chopra was at the Narendra Modi stadium and nobody had a clue! It was after he posted a picture of himself at the stadium that people realised.
Team India, you made us proud. Hard luck in the final. It wasn't our night, but a tournament that we'll never forget. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/mDfeSINJHH
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) November 20, 2023
This led to several people slamming the sports channels’ cameramen for not showing an Olympic Gold medallist who brought pride to the entire nation and instead showing politicians and Bollywood actors. Here’s a look at some of the reactions:
On the TV screens, we kept seeing politicians & their incompetent sons, we saw Bollywood & their entitled families, we saw playback singers & smooth talking spiritual gurus.
BUT NOT ONCE did the cameras bother to show us the most outstanding athlete our country can boast of.
Why? https://t.co/DtmzTkOSCl— The DeshBhakt 🇮🇳 (@TheDeshBhakt) November 20, 2023
How many times did the camera pan on Ranveer Singh vs how many times did you see this champion at the cricket match? #NeerajChopra #INDvAUS https://t.co/5b66CSQUMD
— jyotsna mohan (@jyotsnamohan) November 21, 2023
Did the TV coverage show him at least once?
The reigning Olympic champion and World champion in his sport was in the stadium and I didn’t see him even once! https://t.co/OeKObpbmE7
— Social Justice:சமூகநீதி (@Sathyantweets) November 20, 2023
Sadly not a single time cameraman showed our greatest athlete on the big screen. https://t.co/C9SuFd71rr
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) November 20, 2023
I don't remember Star Sports showing him, an Olympian who has won the gold for the country, even for a second the entire time. All cameras were placed on Bollywood stars and crooked politicians. https://t.co/eI2N3PqiPi
— 𝙿𝚂 (@dostoyevesque) November 20, 2023
When the broadcasters don't even show the greatest athlete of this nation for even once, it reflects the sporting mentality we have here. https://t.co/MpV1ARAzqn
— Ritwika Dhar (@RituD307) November 21, 2023
I wouldn’t have known the greatest athlete of our times was in the stadium if not for this post. I’m sure we didn’t need 10 videos of Ranveer Singh hyperventilating and some celeb couple goals. Cameramen in stadiums and dance clubs are bound to focus on sensuous folks ig. https://t.co/VrMCKpXb3R
— Aayushi N (@OGtrashtalk) November 20, 2023
India's greatest sportsman ever was there and the cameras never showed him. Instead focusing on film stars. https://t.co/z4o6yaUAxW
— Arun Krishnan 🇮🇳 (@ArunKrishnan_) November 20, 2023
BSDK the cameraman didn't even focus the camera on him EVEN ONCE
The sheer disrespect, man
Dude is literally the greatest athlete India has ever produced https://t.co/dxC4URhFrg— Sensei Kraken Zero (@YearOfTheKraken) November 20, 2023
This is truly disappointing!