Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar addresses NEET protests, emphasizes integrity

By Arjun Sharma — 23 July 2026 — 3 min read

Tendulkar’s Call for Integrity

Sachin Tendulkar, a prominent figure in cricket, has addressed the ongoing protests concerning alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. He emphasized the importance of hard work and meritocracy, urging society to ensure that young people maintain faith in these values. Tendulkar’s remarks were shared in a post on X on Thursday, where he reflected on the teachings of his late father, Professor Ramesh Tendulkar.

Tendulkar highlighted a key lesson from his father: “Failure is okay, cheating is not. Never take shortcuts.” This sentiment underpins his concern for students who feel their dedication has been undermined by the controversy. He stressed that adults in society bear the responsibility of shaping a culture that prioritizes effort and merit over outcomes achieved through shortcuts.

The former India captain acknowledged the disappointment experienced by students whose hard work may not have been fairly recognized. He called for a collective effort to prevent such feelings of disillusionment among the youth. Tendulkar’s statement underlined that this responsibility extends beyond governmental bodies and educational institutions, encompassing parents, teachers, friends, relatives, schools, and administrators.

He concluded his message by advocating for a culture that rewards hard work, encourages honesty, and ensures that merit prevails. Tendulkar expressed confidence that solutions would be found to strengthen the future of children and safeguard their aspirations.

Other Sports Personalities Weigh In

Tendulkar is among several high-profile sports personalities who have commented on the NEET controversy. Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan appealed for patience and continued belief in the country’s institutions, suggesting that solutions arise through dialogue and perseverance. Mohammad Kaif expressed distress over visuals depicting police using force against protesting students in Delhi, stating that such actions should cease and hoping for a swift resolution.

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan also voiced his support for the students, asserting that years of hard work and family sacrifices should not be overshadowed by a paper leak. He urged authorities to guarantee fair opportunities for every student and prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future.

Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold-medalist, called for an education system that fosters confidence. Speaking on Thursday, Bindra did not directly comment on the movement seeking the removal of the Union Education Minister but emphasized the necessity of a transparent and merit-based system. He posted on X that education is an issue that concerns everyone, regardless of their stance.

Bindra noted that a nation’s strength is measured not only by its economy or achievements but also by the opportunities it provides for its young people. He described an education system that inspires confidence, rewards merit, and nurtures curiosity as one of a nation’s greatest assets. He expressed hope for unity in continually strengthening the education system to ensure it remains a source of opportunity, innovation, and hope for future generations.

Young Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin also shared his views, expressing pain over the struggles of students facing immense pressure from career-defining examinations. Sarin stated that such serious issues should not be ignored and called for accountability. He emphasized that the pressure on youngsters taking critical exams is significant and brushing it aside is unacceptable.

Ongoing Protests and Calls for Reform

The protests, spearheaded by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and supported by environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, have intensified recently, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police. Wangchuk, who was fasting at the Jantar Mantar, was initially moved to Safdarjung Hospital due to declining vital parameters. He is now receiving care at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram following his wife’s appeal to the Delhi High Court for a transfer from the government facility.

Thousands of students attempted to march towards the Parliament on July 20 to express their grievances. However, their efforts were met with force from the Delhi Police, including the use of tear gas and lathi-charge. These demonstrations highlight widespread anger and demands for accountability and reforms amid the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com