Background: Prime Minister’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ reference

Following India’s victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a post on social media, referring to the match as “#OperationSindoor on the games field,” drawing a parallel to a military operation. The post garnered significant attention online.

Suryakumar Yadav’s response

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav responded positively to the Prime Minister’s message. He expressed that it felt encouraging when the country’s leader actively supports the team, stating, “It feels good when the country’s leader himself bats on the front foot; it felt like he took the strike and scored runs. It was great to see, and when the sir is standing in front, then definitely the players will play freely.”

Public reaction and implications

The Prime Minister’s post received widespread attention, with numerous shares and discussions across various platforms. While some appreciated the gesture, others debated the appropriateness of linking a sporting event to a military operation. Nevertheless, the incident highlighted the intersection of sports and national sentiments in contemporary discourse.