- Gambhir Reacts Strongly After Bengaluru Tragedy
- ‘Victory Is Important, But Human Life Is Priceless’
Article Today, Mumbai:
eam India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampede that occurred during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) victory roadshow in Bengaluru, which claimed 11 lives. Addressing the media in Mumbai, Gambhir questioned the very need for organizing such rallies and celebrations on public roads, especially when they put people’s lives at risk. “No achievement is greater than a human life,” he firmly stated.
‘Never Believed in Roadshows’
Speaking from the heart, Gambhir said he has never supported the idea of roadshows or massive street celebrations. “It’s extremely unfortunate that 11 people lost their lives. I’ve always believed that while winning is important, nothing is more valuable than human life,” he said. He added that organizing such large-scale events without proper safety measures is irresponsible and dangerous. “Even losing a single life is a tragedy that can’t be justified,” Gambhir emphasized.
‘Such Incidents Must Never Repeat’
Calling the Bengaluru incident a painful lesson, Gambhir urged organizers, authorities, and fans to take future precautions seriously. He clarified that celebrating success isn’t wrong, but it must be done in a safe and controlled manner. “Fans getting excited is natural, but when excitement turns into chaos, it becomes a disaster,” he warned. He also advised against holding public rallies unless all security and crowd management plans are foolproof.
Bengaluru Stampede Raises Serious Questions
The tragic stampede occurred during a grand victory celebration organized by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to honor the RCB team. Unexpectedly, lakhs of fans turned up at the event, leading to overcrowding and panic. The resulting stampede caused massive confusion and deaths. This incident has raised serious questions about the safety protocols in place during large public gatherings. Experts and the public alike are demanding a review of crowd control strategies, emergency response systems, and accountability in organizing such high-risk events.
Time for a Rethink on Public Celebrations
This heartbreaking tragedy has reignited a national conversation about how we celebrate victories, especially in sports. Should public rallies be avoided unless absolutely safe? Should governments and sports bodies be more responsible with planning? Gautam Gambhir’s honest and emotional response has added weight to these questions. As the country mourns the loss of 11 lives, one thing is clear — no celebration is worth a single life.
