New Delhi: At a time when most sportspersons have chosen to remain silent over the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and several other cities, and the subsequent clashes with the police forces, a few have come out to back the students. Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra on Thursday became the latest to stand in solidarity with the students.
Bindra, who bagged a gold medal in the Men’s 10-metre air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, called for a transparent, merit-based education system that “inspires confidence” amid the escalating student demonstrations.
“I have never considered myself a political person. But I do believe that some issues belong to all of us, regardless of where we stand. Education is one of them,” Bindra posted on X. “The measure of a nation is found not only in its economy or its achievements, but in the opportunities it creates for its young people. An education system that inspires confidence, rewards merit and nurtures curiosity is one of a nation’s greatest strengths.
“I hope we can all unite and work together to continually strengthen our education system, so that it remains a source of opportunity, innovation and hope for generations to come,” he added.
He, however, is not the only sportsperson to have talked about the issue.
Ex-cricketers raise voices
On Wednesday, former cricketer and 2011 Cricket World Cup star Yuvraj Singh appealed for an amicable solution through dialogue between the central government and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protestors. Like Bindra, he, too, avoided commenting on politics and focused on the NEET paper leak and the affected students.
“To every child, student, woman and man: you deserve the opportunity to learn in peace, grow with safety and chase your dreams. Your well-being is the foundation of a brighter India. Let’s come together to build communities of care, opportunity, and hope. Through dialogue we can find an amicable solution for the sake of India’s future,” he wrote in an Instagram story.
Former Indian opener batsman Shikhar Dhawan also raised concerns regarding the matter. He said that the youth are the future of India and urged students to maintain patience while expressing strong solidarity with their educational struggles.
“It is essential to understand their dreams, but at the same time, it is equally important to maintain patience in difficult times and keep faith in the country’s institutions and government. I believe that the solution to every challenge emerges with patience. India has always moved forward and will continue to progress,” he posted on X.
Apart from Singh and Dhawan, another former Indian cricketer, Mohammad Kaif, who was considered to be the best fielder of his generation in the country, said that it pained him to see such a scenario.
“As a father it pains me to see students being roughed up by police for protesting over flaws in education. Kids getting beaten with lathis on the streets of Delhi should stop. I hope a solution comes up very soon,” he had posted on X.
Also read: Bollywood stars who spoke up on student protest at Jantar Mantar
‘Nothing justifies lathis’
The prominent Indian footballer and Mohun Bagan midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad also stepped forward to voice deep concerns over the escalating tensions and heavy-handed security measures.
“These are young people who came peacefully, asking to be heard and they are being answered with force. Nothing justifies lathis on a generation that brought nothing but its voice. Whatever anyone thinks of the issue behind the protest, this cannot be the response to it,” he had posted on Facebook.
A peaceful protest is not a threat and treating it like one only deepens the wound, Samad said, adding, “I stand with them. Not quietly, and not from a distance. Their voices deserve a seat at the table, not a barricade in front of it.”
Meanwhile, Paris Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker became one of the first sportspersons to break the silence of the community. The double Olympic-medallist shooter called out institutional lapses and said that the students of India deserve to grow without fear.
“At this point, it’s about the lives of the future of our nation. It’s about us. I am a student, and at one point, we all were students. Every child deserves access to education, safety, and a fair chance at life. These are not privileges—they are fundamental rights. The students and children who lost their lives were meant to be the future of our country. Their dreams, their potential, and their futures should have been protected,” she had posted on X.
This is not about promoting or opposing any political party, Bhaker said, adding, “It is about speaking up for what truly matters—education, the environment, safety, and accountability. These issues affect every one of us, regardless of our beliefs. I take immense pride in representing my country. That is why it is deeply heartbreaking to see the students suffer like this.”
The demonstrations—spearheaded by the CJP—began at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar following systemic irregularities and a paper leak in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. The movement intensified nationwide into massive student rallies and a subsequent ‘Chalo Sansad’ march. Tension peaked following strict police action, internet/metro closures, and an indefinite hunger strike launched by environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk in support of the student community.