Some more medals
India has managed to earn a silver and bronze medal through shooter Vijay Kumar and badminton ace Saina Nehwal at the London Olympics. Hopefully some more will be added in the next few days.
There is no use of expecting too much without the required support for the sports talent in the country. Let us be inspired by China's marvellous rise.
V.S. Ganeshan
Bangalore
One of a kind
With 22 medals, 18 of them gold, in four Olympics since 2000 Sydney, American swimmer Michael Phelps has proved himself a phenomenal sportsperson.
He has called it a day but then what more can we expect of an individual? He has not only covered himself with glory but done his country proud. Phelps’s record is bound to remain untouched for a long time to come.
K.D. Viswanaathan
Nashua, New Hampshire (USA)
Saina’s success
Saina Nehwal has become the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in badminton. No matter that her Chinese opponent had to quit midway, when leading, after sustaining a knee injury. The fact remains Saina has been amazing and inspiring. Her success is not only a reflection of the sporting talent in the country but also underscores the need for support and encouragement from all quarters for Olympic participants.
P. Senthil Saravana Durai
Tuticorin
Excellent
Nirmal Shekar’s Comment “Letter to an anonymous athlete” (Aug. 5) made for excellent reading. The piece deserves to be read whenever one is in distress or in a mire of difficulties or fails in any endeavour.
S. Ramakrishnasayee
Ranipet
Over the top
The Indian media (in particular visual) overplayed Ms. Madhura Nagendra’s intrusion during the Opening ceremony as was brought out by Nirmal Shekar in his ‘Comment’ (July 31). Aside from this, media in general has this tendency to magnify complaints from Indians in various arenas. One seldom hears such things from participants from other countries. Yet for all this, it was heartening that there were performers (read medallists) like Vijay Kumar, Gagan Narang and Saina Nehwal to bring some moments to cherish for Indian fans.
A.V. Narayanan
Tiruchi
Disastrous
The poor show of the Indian hockey team was unexpected despite all the preparations. It was out-played by every other competitor in the group. There are weaknesses in many areas. Modern hockey demands a change of style of play. While other teams play the dual role of defence and attack alike, we fail to follow that and the result is field goals have become scarce. The focus is on penalty corners. In the process goal-scoring skills are lost.
K.G. Koru Kuttan Nair
Cherupulasseri
