New Delhi: The Congress party on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for associating India’s Asia Cup victory with Operation Sindoor, calling the remarks inappropriate and politically charged.

Congress leader Atul Londhe Patil expressed concern over the Prime Minister’s post on X, stating, “Sometimes I doubt if PM Modi has any knowledge of foreign policy and diplomacy. If we played, we should have played with sportsman spirit.”

PM Modi’s controversial post

Following Team India’s victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, PM Modi tweeted: “Operation Sindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins! Congrats to our cricketers.”

Patil argued, “If Operation Sindoor is ongoing, then we shouldn’t have played. And if discussions are ongoing to normalise the situation, then sports can be a medium to improve it, but linking everything with Operation Sindoor is not right.”

Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sakpal also reacted, saying, “It is clear from his tweet that, be it air, water, or sports, he brings politics into everything to polarise. We take pride in India’s victory, but we haven’t won the Asia Cup for the first time. There is a certain dignity of a country which he doesn’t maintain, and I regret this.”

India’s Asia Cup triumph

India secured its second T20I Asia Cup title and ninth overall, including ODI editions, after chasing down 147 runs against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Standout performances included Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 and crucial partnerships with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, which helped India achieve victory.

Controversy after the final

The match also witnessed an unusual post-match development. Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), declined to present the Asia Cup trophy to India after the team refused to accept the silverware from him, creating a diplomatic and sporting stir.

Political and public reactions

The Congress criticism underscores concerns about politicising sports victories. While India’s win was widely celebrated by fans, party leaders emphasised that linking the triumph to political operations could undermine the spirit of sportsmanship and international sports diplomacy.

Observers note that sports victories often serve as a medium for national pride and unity, and using them to reinforce political messaging can polarise public sentiment rather than celebrate the achievement itself.

Conclusion

While India celebrated its Asia Cup success, the Prime Minister’s social media post linking it to Operation Sindoor has sparked debate among political leaders and cricket enthusiasts alike. The incident highlights the delicate balance between sports, diplomacy, and politics in the public eye.