Paris, July 24 (IANS) The 2023 FIBA World Champions, Germany, are set to continue their dominance on the international stage at the Paris Olympics. Basketball team captain Dennis Schroder, who was named as the country’s flag bearer, spoke out how he has dealt with racism for most of his career.
“I am attacked because I am black, my wife Ellen because she is with a black man. But there is one thing that is important for me to emphasise. I don’t just see myself in the role of flag bearer because I am black and can therefore make a statement against racism. I also see it as an award for the achievements of the national basketball team in recent years,” said Dennis to German outlet Spiegel Sport.
The FIBA World Champions will not have an easy task ahead of them in the Olympics as they face a number of NBA stars all of whom will be playing for their country, in the likes of Lebron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Stephen Curry, to name a few.
“My mother is from Gambia and came to Germany as an immigrant. And with all the xenophobia and openly racist slogans on the Internet and on the streets, it is a strong sign that someone like me is allowed to carry the German flag,” he added.
Schroder went on to speak about one of his biggest inspirations, Dirk Nowitzki, who is often hailed as the greatest European to play in the NBA. Dirk was the flag bearer for the German National Team at the 2008 Olympics.
“I still remember sitting in front of the television in 2008 and watching Dirk Nowitzki carry the German flag in Beijing. Even then, I found it incredibly touching and thought to myself: This is the highest level of appreciation an athlete can receive. Now I can represent my country with all its values. Not a given in these times,” concluded the Brooklyn Nets Point Guard.
Germany open their basketball campaign on Saturday against Japan and Schroder’s former Lakers teammate Rui Hachimura before they face Brazil and then end their Group Stage campaign against hosts France, who will have the young phenom Victor Wembanyama.
–IANS
aaa/bc
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
