It was disheartening to read the negative comments from many readers on the rewards announced by various governments and organisations to our cricket players who won the World Cup (Letters, April 5, 6 & 7). The joy and pride which every Indian felt when India became the champion are unparalleled. I think nobody will mind acknowledging the effort that the team put in to win the cup.
T.L. Ramesh,
Kozhikode
While I accept that cricket is given overgenerous publicity, one should realise that it is the single-most popular game in this country. There is no doubt that the government, sports agencies and the corporate sector should promote other sporting activities too. But let us not oppose cash rewards to the World Cup winning cricketers just on this count.
A. Clement,
Chennai
Many sportspersons in India come from the middle class and poor families. Sports provide a means for the underprivileged to come out of poverty. Why should the players not be rewarded for their efforts?
Pir Ali Mohammad,
Aligarh
I am not a sportsperson and even on cricket, I know only the basics. Yet I could feel my heart racing during the semi-final against Pakistan. People are always going on about how other sports need to be given importance. But name another sport which is played on every little street, and which evokes so much passion.
However, one cannot justify the extravagant cash rewards being bestowed upon the winning team. Token gestures would have been enough for the players who are already rich.
Tarinee Awasthi,
New Delhi
