Why Don't People Protest Against Giving More Importance to Cricket Than Hockey?

It is a well-documented phenomenon that cricket often takes precedence over hockey in Indian sporting culture, despite hockey being a beloved sport with a rich history. Many question why people do not protest more vocally against the disproportionate focus on cricket. This article explores various reasons why people might not be protesting more and encourages readers to take action through the medium of their televisions.

Why Protest?

The traditional format of protest has evolved over the years. Instead of taking to the streets, more and more individuals are using their remote controls to voice their disapproval. This form of protest is not only more accessible but also more visible in the digital age. Let's analyze an example to illustrate this point.

The 2017 Champions Trophy Cricket Final

Dive back to June 2017. The Champions Trophy cricket final stands out as a prime example of media focus.
How many of us were aware that there was a Hockey World League match with Pakistan playing near The Oval in London on the same day? The answer is likely very few.
When the cricket tournament was covered poorly by the media, people turned to the hockey match for solace.
The hockey team decisively thrashed Pakistan 7–1, securing a victory despite the team not being in the game much.
Did you post about the hockey win out of genuine joy? More likely, you were posting as a reaction to the cricket team's loss.
The lead story always ended up being about cricket, with hockey merely a footnote.

Media Hypocrisy and Fan Loyalty

The 2014 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games also highlight this issue. Consider the India versus Pakistan matches in both tournaments.
In the 2014 Commonwealth Games, India reached the semifinals, where they managed to beat New Zealand 3–2 from behind.
Despite a valiant effort, they lost the semifinal to a stronger Australian team 4–0.
The media hype surrounding the final, won by India through a thrilling tiebreak, was immense.
However, if the final had been against Korea instead of Pakistan, would the media reaction have been the same?

The 2014 Singapore Asian Games

During the 2014 Singapore Asian Games, India had a mixed performance: winning a silver medal in Delhi 2010 and performing well, but losing to Pakistan in the group stages and eventually making it to the final.
On the morning of the final, the media was buzzing with excitement and jingoism, reflecting the national sentiment.
It was a testament to Sreejesh's goalkeeper brilliance that the Indian team made it to the final.
However, the media's focus was mainly on the rivalry with Pakistan, as they have since 1996.

Changing Landscape of Indian Hockey

Have you noticed the transformation in the coverage and media interest in Indian hockey?
Since 2003, Star Sports has taken over the coverage of all major tournaments.
The Hockey India League (HIL) has gained immense popularity, with corporate sponsors lining up to be part of the coverage.
There is also a wealth of young talent emerging through various training programs and academies.

The Future of Indian Hockey

While fans now enjoy full houses in every game at the Hockey World League in Bhubaneswár's December winter, many remain passive observers.
The question is, what is your excuse not to watch hockey on television now? It's time to take action and make your voice heard.

Conclusion

People often wonder why there is not more fervent protest against the domination of cricket over hockey. The answer lies in the convenience and accessibility of digital media and the deeply ingrained nationalistic fervor surrounding the rivalry with Pakistan. However, it is time for fans to start voicing their opinions and to actively support and advocate for the sport they love. By doing so, we can ensure that hockey receives the attention and support it deserves.