After IND vs AFG first, ‘Vande Mataram’ set to become regular before India matches
The Indian national song 'Vande Mataram' was performed before an international cricket match for the first time, marking the start of a new protocol for Indian sporting events. This follows a 2026 legislative amendment that grants the national song legal protections similar to the national anthem.
Why it matters
This reflects a shift in nationalistic policy and protocol regarding state symbols in Indian sports and public life.
New Delhi: For the first time ever, the national song, 'Vande Mataram', was sung before the match between India and Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. The national song was followed by the standard practice of national anthems of both countries.It must be mentioned here that 'Vande Mataram' was sung during the Delhi Premier League final also, which also took place at the same venue. Curiously, it was not played during other state leagues in Odisha and Punjab.It has been learnt that it is going to be a practice going forward in matches involving the Indian team in India. "This is going to be followed in all events in India going forward.
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