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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\ntimes news networkNew Delhi: Many top sports stars came out in support of the student protests, with Sachin Tendulkar<\/a> and Abhinav Bindra<\/a> lending their voice to many others including Yuvraj Singh<\/a>, Mohammed Kaif, Mirabai Chanu and Vinesh Phogat, among others. Former India cricket captain Tendulkar took to X to recall a lesson from his father, posting \u201cMy father was a professor. He was a mentor and a guide to many young students. One lesson that he instilled early on was, \u2018Failure is okay, cheating is not. Never take shortcuts.\u2019\u201cAs adults in society, we have the responsibility of shaping culture. A society that prioritises outcomes over effort will seek shortcuts over meritocracy. Today, when students feel disappointed that their hard work hasn\u2019t been rewarded, it is understandable. Collectively, we should all work together towards ensuring they don\u2019t feel this way again. Young India is full of dreams and energy. They are the fuel to our success. As a society, all of us, including parents, teachers, friends, relatives, schools, and administrators, have a massive responsibility and different roles to play in ensuring our youth remain encouraged and energised. We must create a culture where hard work is rewarded, honesty is encouraged and merit wins. I\u2019m certain we will all find solutions that strengthen our children\u2019s future and safeguard their aspirations,\u201d Tendulkar posted.Bindra, who bagged gold in the men\u2019s 10-metre air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, called for an education system that \u201cinspires confidence\u201d. \u201cI have never considered myself a political person. But I do believe that some issues belong to all of us, regardless of where we stand. Education is one of them,\u201d Bindra posted on X. \u201cThe measure of a nation is found not only in its economy or its achievements, but in the opportunities it creates for its young people. An education system that inspires confidence, rewards merit and nurtures curiosity is one of a nation\u2019s greatest strengths. I hope we can all unite and work together to continually strengthen our education system, so that it remains a source of opportunity, innovation and hope for generations to come,\u201d he added.On Thursday, Olympic silver medallist and weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu joined the chorus, saying the protesters are \u201cdoing a good job\u201d. \u201cThere are many good things happening in the country, and there are also some unfortunate developments. When we see or hear about such incidents, we do not feel good and naturally wonder why they are happening. I have heard about what is happening in Delhi, including the student protests. I feel that they are doing a good job,\u201d she told reporters in Glasgow.On Wednesday, former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh had appealed for an amicable solution, posting on Instagram, \u201cTo every child, student, woman and man: you deserve the opportunity to learn in peace, grow with safety and chase your dreams. Your well-being is the foundation of a brighter India. Let\u2019s come together to build communities of care, opportunity and hope. Through dialogue we can find an amicable solution for the sake of India\u2019s future.\u201dFormer opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan also raised concerns, though he asked people to keep faith in the country\u2019s institutions. \u201cIt is essential to understand their dreams, but at the same time, it is equally important to maintain patience in difficult times and keep faith in the country\u2019s institutions and government. I believe that the solution to every challenge emerges with patience,\u201d he posted on X.Another former India cricketer, Mohammad Kaif, posted, \u201cAs a father it pains me to see students being roughed up by police for protesting over flaws in education. Kids getting beaten with lathis on the streets of Delhi should stop. I hope a solution comes up very soon.\u201dTop wrestler Vinesh Phogat also posted on X, commenting on the violence unleashed at the protest site. \u201cAt Jantar Mantar, students were raising their voice for their rights in a democratic manner. But the pictures that emerged from there on 20 July disturbed my mind. When the students of the country were on the streets for their future, their rights and their dreams, they had to face not respect but fear and violence. Under the pretext of use of force against the students, their dignity was hurt,\u201d she posted, adding, \u201cIt is possible that every possible attempt will be made by the government to divert, defame or break your movement. It may also happen that you are provoked so that your voice becomes weak. But remember, your greatest strength is your patience, your discipline and your peaceful struggle. Do not step back. History is turning once again.\u201dEarlier, shooter Manu Bhaker was one of the first sportspersons to lend her support, saying, \u201cAt this point, it\u2019s about the lives of the future of our nation. It\u2019s about us. I am a student and at one point, we all were students. Every child deserves access to education, safety and a fair chance at life. These are not privileges, they are fundamental rights. The students and children who lost their lives were meant to be the future of our country. Their dreams, their potential and their futures should have been protected.\u201d<\/div>\n