Nadal’s outburst against Wimbledon
WHO said sports is politics-free?
Think again, fellas.
The Philippines skipped the 1980 Moscow Olympics to align with the United States’ political move to boycott the Games that year.
A few days back, Wimbledon banned entries from Russia and Belarus from participating in the year’s third of four majors in tennis.
The decision is in protest over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24 this year.
Wimbledon also sacked Belarus for allowing Russia to use its borders for military operations against Ukraine.
England has been one of the fiercest critics of Russia’s unprovoked assault of Ukraine, a known opponent of the anti-democracy stance of Vladimir Putin, the Russian strongman with a long history of wanting to occupy Ukraine.
Ukraine’s former president is on asylum in Russia after he had been ousted from power.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is presently the democraticallyelected Ukraine president who doesn’t kowtow to Putin’s expansionist tactics.
When offered refuge in the US after Putin’s aggression of Ukraine in February, Zellenskyy, the comedian-turnedpolitician, refused, saying: “I will fight the enemies of democracy alongside my countrymen.”
He earned worldwide praise for that. Deservedly so. Many of our so-called leaders desert their people in times of strife, to live comfortably in exile.
And who would become collaterals when war breaks out? Children, senior citizens, innocent civilians and, generally, women and mothers still nursing their babies.
Include athletes, the most prominent being Daniil Medvedev, the world No. 2 in men’s play, and Aryna Sabalenka, last year’s women’s Wimbledon semifinalist from Belarus.
“It’s unfair for my Russian colleagues,” said Spain’s Rafael Nadal, the 21-time majors winner, including two Wimbledons. “It’s not their fault.”
Also criticizing Wimbledon’s decision to impose the ban are the Association of Tennis Professionals and the Women Tennis Association, not to mention world No. 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia.
“When a government orders something, you need to follow the rules,” Nadal said. “In this case, the government * (of England) issued a recommendation and Wimbledon decided to impose the most drastic option without being forced to do so.”
“I wish this was not the case,” said Nadal. “Let’s see what happens in the coming weeks if we as players need to take a stand. There is something wrong.”
What is wrong was Wimbledon taking the most radical action of banning the players from Russia and Belarus.
As if the players themselves had something to do with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They are as innocent as Rolando Galman being charged of the 1983 murder of Ninoy Aquino.
I fervently pray our esteemed Wimbledon officials would reconsider.
THAT’S IT In my column next week (May 11), we will have a new president—barring an unforeseen event. I pray you will vote wisely on Monday, May 9, because by doing so, you will be giving your country a chance at progress, assuring your children a shot of a future awash with joy as we all live in peace in the comfort of our homes.