World Cup fans show the route to cleanliness that India could take

Sport stars play an important role in spreading the message of cleanliness. After all, cleanliness is the route to happiness. KARISHMA KOTAK, SPORTS PRESENTER

If we all take the responsibility for cleaning not only our stadiums, but also public spaces such as cinema halls, and parks etc., our cities would be much cleaner. HARBHAJAN SINGH, CRICKETER

If there is one thing that binds people together across the world, one language that people understand, it is the language of football — O Jogo Bonito. This was epitomised by the Japanese and Senegalese fans after Japan beat Colombia in their opening group match in the ongoing FIFA World cup. In a heartwarming gesture, the Japanese fans stayed back after the match was over, to clean the stadium. Draped in Japanese flags and scarves, the fans were filmed picking up garbage such as plastic cups and food waste, and dumping it in the dustbin.

The post-match clean-up video has gone viral on social media, drawing worldwide praise for the Japanese fans. It also has inspired fans of other countries to follow suit. The Senegalese fans stayed back after their matches against Poland and Japan to clean the entire stadium. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. This sets an example for us as to how we ought to represent our country. If we all take the responsibility for cleaning not only our stadiums, but also public spaces such as cinema halls, and parks etc., then our cities would be much cleaner,” says Harbhajan Singh, cricketer.

Badminton player Jwala Gutta feels that having a civic sense is of utmost importance to signify a progressive culture. “Such acts spread civic awareness, which we lack. These are the values that we need to inculcate in our culture if we want progress,” she says.

People in India believe that by taking a page out of the book of the Japanese fans, we can attempt to make Swachh Bharat Abhiyan a success. “India, which is constantly pushing towards a cleaner nation, can learn a thing or two from these fans. It’s not just players who represent the country, but their fans too. Whether they win the world cup or not, they’ve definitely won our hearts,” says Mihir Misra, businessman.

Sports presenter Karishma Kotak believes that acts like these reiterate the fact that we need to take responsibility for our actions. She says, “I also think that sport stars play an important role in spreading the message of cleanliness. After all, cleanliness is the route to happiness.”

Management professional Abhimanyu Harlalka echoes the same thoughts. “The spirit of sportsmanship should emanate from fans too. And if this spirit addresses our environmental problems, it’s a boon for us. The Japan vs Senegal match showed in practice what accumulated individual effort can do. So, instead of pointing fingers at the government, we must do our bit,” he says.

Japanese and Colombian fans cleaning up the stadium after the Japan vs Colombia match. inspired The cleanup also the Senegalese fans who did something similar later

PHOTO: YOGEN SHAH