Bengaluru is mourning. What should have been a joyous celebration of Royal Challengers Bangalore's historic IPL 2025 victory has instead been marred by unthinkable tragedy. Reports from the felicitation event indicate multiple deaths and numerous injuries among the very fans who had gathered to cheer their heroes. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, whose elation has been cruelly transformed into profound grief.

This horrific incident serves as a stark, painful reminder to all "blind crazy fans" across every sport and every form of entertainment: no fandom is more important than life itself.

In the heat of the moment, fuelled by passion and collective excitement, it's easy to lose sight of personal safety and the well-being of those around us. The thrill of victory, the desire to be part of a historic moment, can sometimes overshadow common sense and caution. But the events in Bengaluru are a devastating testament to the ultimate price that can be paid when that balance is lost.

Consider this, with a clear and sober mind: When tragedy strikes, when the unthinkable happens, who will be there to pick up the pieces? Who will shed tears for your absence? It will be your parents, your siblings, your spouse, your children, your closest friends. Your family is the only one who will truly cry for you. Not the players whose victory you celebrated, not the team management, not the commentators, and certainly not the thousands of other fans who will quickly move on.

The players you idolize, the teams you dedicate your emotional energy to, are ultimately professionals performing a job. While they may appreciate your support, their lives, and indeed the world, will continue without you. Your family, however, will be forever changed, left with an irreplaceable void.

We understand the intensity of sports fandom. It brings people together, provides shared experiences, and offers moments of exhilarating joy. But that joy should never come at the cost of human life or limb.

Let the tragedy in Bengaluru be a turning point. Let it be a moment for introspection for every single fan. Before you push, before you rush, before you disregard safety measures, ask yourself: Is this moment of fandom worth risking everything? Is this fleeting triumph more valuable than the lifetime of memories you could share with your loved ones?

Let us learn from this heartbreaking incident. Let us remember that while we can be passionate, we must also be responsible. Let us prioritize safety, respect boundaries, and always, always remember that the most precious thing any of us possesses is our life, and the love of our family. No trophy, no victory, no celebration, is worth sacrificing that.