Avinash Sable criticizes social media trolls for targeting Athletes
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India's 3,000m steeplechase athlete, Avinash Sable, has spoken out against the growing trend of social media criticism targeting Indian athletes during the Paris Olympics 2024.
As the Games progress, India, which had hoped to surpass its seven-medal tally from Tokyo 2020, has so far secured only five medals, leading to disappointment among fans and an increase in online trolling.
Sable expressed his concern over the negative impact this is having on the athletes.
“There are people posting negative messages on social media against our athletes, and it’s disheartening,” Sable shared in an interview with the Times of India. “These top athletes are here representing our country, and they’re being mocked for their performances. I’ve seen athletes sitting next to me, reading these comments, and falling into depression. They’re questioning how they can represent their country when they’re subjected to such ridicule.”
Sable's comments come in the wake of significant online abuse directed at athletes like archer Deepika Kumari and wrestler Antim Panghal.
Deepika, competing in her fourth Olympics, was trolled after being eliminated in the women's individual archery quarterfinals. Antim Panghal faced harsh criticism following a 10-0 loss in her Round of 16 match, which was further exacerbated by a controversy involving her sister entering the Olympic village using her accreditation.
Sable highlighted the misconception that athletes are enjoying an easy life while training abroad. “Some people think we're just spending government money, traveling, and having a good time. But that's far from reality. For the past four or five months, I’ve been away from my family and friends to train. We’re out on the ground until midnight, and then we come back to cook our own food. There’s no enjoyment in that,” he said.
Defending the performances of Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics, Sable emphasized the high level of competition they face. “People are criticizing our athletes for not finishing at the top, but they need to understand that we’re competing against the best in the world and giving it our all,” he added.