At just 18 years old, Gukesh Dommaraju has etched his name in the records of chess history. The Indian Grandmaster pulled off an extraordinary feat by dethroning China’s Ding Liren to become the youngest chess world champion. The marathon 14-game series had fans glued to their screens, with Gukesh’s nerve-wracking victory in the final classical time-control game sealing his triumph.
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However, amidst the global celebration of Gukesh Dommaraju’s achievement, a controversial headline by the Free Press Journal has left a sour taste in many mouths. The headline read, “Sambhar outwits chow mein”.
This might be the Worst Headline in the History of Sports Headline. What makes it worse is that it is used to describe History being Created pic.twitter.com/7vW7B80Rui
— Joy (@Joydas) December 13, 2024
Social media users were quick to call out the publication for reducing a historical moment to a caricature of cultural stereotypes. They called it “racist” and disappointing. The outrage is not unnecessary. Such headlines are an example of low-class journalism that relies on lazy stereotypes rather than thoughtful reporting.
Have a look at some of the reactions here:
What next, Vada beating momos?
Sad to see this coming from Singapore which has almost one fourth of population as South Indians and Tamil being one of the official language there— Anshuman Singh Baghel (@AnshumanSBaghel) December 13, 2024
Sadly even news channel are steeping low to chase clout
— Anand Tiwari (@aaaanandtiwari) December 13, 2024
Our media is used to label everything in such way, that at times they are loosing out basic senses
— DigitalPeacekeeper (@CoolbeachM) December 13, 2024
The fact that someone, somewhere, thought this was a good idea is just painful, let alone multiple people working for the same newspaper
— Ronak Kamat (@Ronak_Kamat) December 13, 2024
This is reviewed, and approved by Editor and they don find it racist. ?‍♂️
— Rohan Raje Khanapurkar (@RRKhanapurkar) December 14, 2024
Yes, it leaves a very bad taste… also raises doubts about writing proficiency of the FPJ reporter..
— Prasad Jacob (@PrasadJacob1) December 13, 2024
Roasting has become the new face of racism. Whether it’s stand-up comedians, media, or politicians, everyone seems to get away with it.
— Sohan Bansode (@Sohanbansode) December 13, 2024
Legacy media at its highest form of bankrupcy. Shame.
— D.C. (@look_up_D_C) December 13, 2024
Equating Gukesh’s victory to “sambhar” and Ding’s loss to “chow mein” reduces two brilliant chess players to mere symbols of their cuisines, ignoring their brilliant achievements. It’s deeply problematic and offensive, just like how Indians are often called “curry” in foreign countries.
A headline like this which perpetuates racial biases should have no place in journalism.