Harbhajan Singh, a former Indian cricket player, issued an apology after facing backlash for a video in which he and his India Champions teammates were accused of mocking people with disabilities. Para-badminton star Manasi Joshi criticised Harbhajan and Suresh Raina for their insensitive actions in the video, which also drew criticism from disability rights groups.
Harbhajan clarified that the video was not meant to offend anyone but was simply a reflection of the toll playing cricket for 15 days had taken on their bodies. He expressed regret if anyone was hurt by the video and urged everyone to move forward positively.
The former cricketer was part of the India Champions team that recently won the World Championship of Legends tournament in England. Following their victory, a video was shared in which Harbhajan, Yuvraj Singh, Raina, and Gurkeerat Singh Mann were seen limping while dancing to a Bollywood song. Manasi called out the cricketers for mocking the gait patterns of people with disabilities, expressing disappointment in their behaviour and the lack of responsibility shown by public figures.
Manasi warned that such actions could encourage bullying of children with disabilities and emphasised the importance of being mindful and respectful towards all individuals.