Sports, although having an underlying thread of serious competition, has the remarkable ability to transcend all boundaries and bring people together. Regardless of one’s cultural background and religious beliefs, the thrill of watching a well-played match and witnessing record-breaking moments is the same for all people. Sports don’t divide people, it has the power to unite them.
I say this because, in the ICC Men’s World Cup match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka that took place in Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, the crowd was cheering for Pakistan. To imagine that a crowd consisting of innumerable Indians cheering for their neighbouring ‘rival’ country is in itself surprising.
In a video that was shared on social media, we can see how the DJ announces ‘Jeetega bhai jeetega’ and the crowd goes on to scream ‘Pakistan jeetega’. Have a look:
Loud chants of "Jeetega bhai jeetega, Pakistan jeetega" in Hyderabad stadium.
They did not start organically but DJ said "jeetega bhai jeetega" & left it to the crowd to finish the famous chant.
The chant went on for close to a minute due to the DJ.#PAKvsSL #CWC23 #Hyderabad pic.twitter.com/f5l54qmtsV
— Aditya (@forwardshortleg) October 10, 2023
Most of the crowd supporting Sri Lanka had left by the time the match ended.
Majority of the crowd that remained celebrated after Pakistan completed a famous victory chasing 345. They had previously never chased even 270 in the cricket world cup.#PAKvSL #CWC23 #Hyderabad pic.twitter.com/XHTfh8j2kF
— Aditya (@forwardshortleg) October 10, 2023
Several people online lauded this incredible moment because it signifies that even in a world marked by differences, the spirit of healthy competition and the joy of victory is universal. Here’s a look at some of the responses:
They deserved to win after that heroic fight back. It’s sports. Let the best win
— RVS Sridhar alias Sridhar Rallabandi (@SridharRVS) October 11, 2023
Thank You Hyderabad ❤️🇵🇰
— Jahangir (@Jahangir_921) October 10, 2023
I really appreciate indian fans for cheering up for Pakistan. They cheer for every boundary. Huge respect ♥️♥️♥️ thank you so much 🥹🥹
— Khalid. 🇵🇸 (@KhalidKhalti) October 10, 2023
Sports has no boundaries 😍 most fans on both sides are very good to each other this is so good to seee
— Y@SiR (@YsoSersY) October 10, 2023
awesome sportsmanship from crowd ❤️ from 🇵🇰
— Muhammad Pervez (@mpervez111) October 11, 2023
Thankyou Hyderabad! you are good peeps
— Aqsa. (@ItsmeAqsaa) October 10, 2023
People on the internet are really different from the people in real life. Proud of these people for enjoying the tournament and supporting Pakistan.
— Anas (@Anoss_06) October 10, 2023
What a beautiful moment this is! 🙂