Why India’s National Song Came Before National Anthem in Japan

Vande Mataram Played Before National Anthem at India-Japan T20I: Here’s Why

Sano, Japan, September 22: A special pre-match ceremony at the historic India-Japan T20 International in Sano saw “Vande Mataram” played before India’s National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.” The sequence attracted attention as the two teams lined up ahead of the first-ever T20I between India and Japan. 

The reason for the order was a recent government protocol concerning the National Song. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines earlier this year as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of “Vande Mataram.” Under the protocol, the National Song is to be rendered at specified official occasions. 

The same sequence was seen earlier this month during India’s first T20I against Afghanistan in New Delhi, when “Vande Mataram” was played before “Jana Gana Mana.” That was reported as the first such instance at an international cricket match involving India. 

The Sano ceremony marked the first time “Vande Mataram” preceded the National Anthem at an Indian cricket match on foreign soil, adding a notable cultural element to an already historic fixture. 

The India-Japan match itself was organised as part of celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The BCCI and Japan Cricket Association had announced the T20I as part of the “Sport 75” initiative promoting sporting and people-to-people ties.