For most of my life, being Indian, Muslim, Australian, and devoted to sport has never felt like a contradiction. However, a recent incident has changed my perspective. When I saw prominent Australian sports figures engaging with the Indian Prime Minister, it broke my heart and made me realize that inclusion is still just a strategy for many organizations.
The incident involved AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon and Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh smiling alongside the Indian Prime Minister. This image was disturbing for me, as it highlighted the selective engagement of Australian sports with the Indian diaspora. It seemed that they were only interested in targeting India and the diaspora, but only on their own terms.
The AFL and Cricket Australia have been trying to increase their presence in India and among the Indian diaspora. However, their approach has been limited to engaging with convenient perspectives, which has eroded trust. As someone who has always been passionate about sports, it is disheartening to see organizations using inclusion as a strategy rather than a genuine effort to understand and engage with diverse communities.
The experience has made me question my own identity as an Indian, Muslim, Australian, and sports enthusiast. I have always believed that these aspects of my identity were not contradictory, but the recent incident has made me feel otherwise. It has highlighted the need for organizations to move beyond tokenistic gestures and engage in meaningful dialogue with diverse communities.
The issue of inclusion in sports is complex and multifaceted. While organizations may claim to be committed to diversity and inclusion, their actions often betray these claims. The recent incident is a reminder that inclusion is not just a strategy, but a fundamental aspect of building trust and engaging with diverse communities.
As I reflect on my experience, I am reminded of the need for organizations to be genuine in their efforts to engage with diverse communities. It is not enough to simply target India and the diaspora; organizations must be willing to listen, learn, and adapt to the needs and concerns of these communities.
In conclusion, the incident has left me feeling heartbroken and questioning my identity. However, it has also highlighted the need for organizations to move beyond tokenistic gestures and engage in meaningful dialogue with diverse communities. Only then can we build trust and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.