One of the greatest sports persons the world has ever seen is Argentine legend Diego Maradona. The former footballer who raised voice against China for Tibet sadly passed away at the age of 60. A cardiac arrest is reported to have caused the untimely death of the legend despite being treated for an arrest at his Bueno Aires residence on Thursday.
President Alberto Fernandez immediately announced three days of national mourning in Argentina while people from all walks of life across the world started pouring out their sadness and condolences on the social media. World leaders, celebrities, sports personalities as well as common people from across the world expressed their shock over the legend’s sudden passing away.
Diego Maradona remembered for his skills and performances in the field of soccer is fondly remembered for his leadership of Argentina to win the 1986 FIFA world cup in Mexico. During the tournament, while he impressed the world with FIFA’s goal of the century scored against England in the Quarter Final match, the same match is remembered for his controversial hand goal which he later described “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.”
The legend is a favorite beyond national boundaries as well as age and culture. His is not only remembered for his football skills but also for his bold stand for what is right. During a visit to Italy in 2008, he openly raised his voice against China for its mistreatment against Tibetans. He clearly stated that China is wrong and for him Tibet is a very serious subject!
As Tibetans especially inside Tibet very protesting against Chinese occupation and suppression of human rights in their own country, China used force to curb the uprising. In addition to police violence and numerous arrests leading to brutal tortures in custody, Tibetans started to burn themselves in a last resort to voice a strong protest against China as it prepared to host Olympics in Beijing. Maradona spoke in support of the political uprising in Tibet, suggesting that he may forego any links with the Beijing Olympics later this year.
“The Chinese are wrong and I will probably not even cover the Olympics for television, yet alone go there,” he affirmed. “For me, Tibet is a very serious subject, especially the lack of diplomatic relations.”
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