Pondicherry : Pondicherry University authorities abruptly halted a student-organized football tournament after a Palestine solidarity banner was displayed during halftime of the final match on Sunday. The incident has sparked debates on campus regarding restrictions on student expression, reported the Maktoob Media.
The final match, which began at 1:00 p.m., took an unexpected turn when a group of students unfurled the banner at halftime. While many in the audience reportedly supported the gesture, university officials responded swiftly by cutting power to the stadium and calling off the tournament.
Dr. A. Praveen, Director of Physical Education at the university, defended the administration’s decision, stating that the institution is not a platform for international political discourse. “A university should focus on academics and sports, not external political issues,” he asserted while instructing students to vacate the field.
A master’s student, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the sequence of events. “As soon as the Palestine banner was raised, Dr. Praveen intervened, insisting that this was not the time or place for freedom of expression. Students were forced to disperse, and the match was abandoned,” the student said.
Following the cancellation, students engaged in prolonged discussions with the administration, urging them to allow the tournament to continue. However, officials remained firm in their stance, leading to frustration among students. “Cutting power to the stadium was unnecessary and escalated the situation,” said another student present at the scene.
As of now, the university has not issued an official statement regarding the controversy.
