Episode Thirty – Should politics be kept out of sport?
Description:
In this episode of Ears of East, we invite Mr Ball (Head of HS PE) to join us to discuss the role politics plays in sports. Not only do we delve into the impacts recent issues, like the Ukraine-Russia conflict, have on sport, but also the role athletes have in using their stage as a platform to express their views on political issues. Listen to find out for yourself if you think politics does have a role in sport, and whether it should continue this way or not.
Shownotes:
Ukraine crisis: Fifa and Uefa suspend all Russian clubs and national teams
Why Russian athletes are competing under the ROC at Olympics
Sacked Russian F1 driver Nikita Mazepin included on EU sanctions list
The politics behind Virat Kohli Vs BCCI – Why was the Captain sacked?
Marathoner Soh Rui Yong excluded from SEA Games line-up; says he will not appeal against decision
How a Quickly-Deleted Tweet About China Got Pretty Much Everyone Mad at the NBA
De Kock to join South Africa teammates in taking knee after issuing apology
Honestly, I love the fact that global issues can be surfaced through large sporting events. I think it is morally corrupt to coerce football teams to not wear the OneLove armbands and would have been been very happy had teams just gone ahead and worn them…irrespective of what punishments followed.
Hi Mr Bacchoo, thank you for taking the time to listen to our podcast and sharing your thoughts, we enjoyed discussing this nuanced topic, especially now as it is very much applicable in the current World Cup setting. I think one of the major points brought up by analysts was the concept of cultural relativism. Qatar, a country operating under Sharia Law, has been clear about LGBT+ rights in the lead-up to the World Cup. Many analysts have put forward the view that countries in favour of the OneLove armband should consider the host country’s position, and their values and beliefs should be respected. That being said, the power and influence possessed by such sporting organisations come with a responsibility to enact meaningful change, so inevitably this matter is divisive. We hope you take a look at some of our other podcasts that interest you! – Aarush
Really enjoyed this podcast – thank you. Thank you for taking on this topic and giving me so much to think about.