Mulayam critical of hype surrounding cricket

Lucknow, Apr 14 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav today criticised the international hype and publicity surrounding cricket.

Addressing the prize distribution ceremony of All India Ambedkar Marathon here, Yadav maintained he was not opposed to cricket, but the ''over-publicity'' of the game was proving detrimental to other sports, especially those of rural origin.

Terming cricket as a game of slave countries, he said all cricket playing nations including India, Pakistan and Australia were once governed by the British.

''In contrast, USA and China are examples, where cricket is not given undue advantage over native games.'' The SP chief said athletes of other sports were doing an excellent job and earning fame and medals for the country. ''I give full credit to the hard work of sportpersons and coaches.'' Yadav claimed sports had been made mandatory in schools and now it was the duty of the district officials to submit reports after reviewing the ground position regularly. He promised to provide full support in encouraging countryside sports in the state.

UNI KN VS PM ND1502