Stronger sporting system
India’s campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games has concluded with 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze medals. Despite finishing below its 2023 tally, the country witnessed the emergence of several new champions. India also performed exceptionally well in team events. India, however, needs a comprehensive sporting system that identifies talent at an early age, nurtures athletes through scientific training, provides quality coaching and gives them adequate international exposure.
John Deepak,
Avinissery, Thrissur, Keralam
India has proved its supremacy in both the men’s and women’s sections in popular sports such as hockey, cricket and kabaddi at the Asian Games. The nation has also excelled in athletics, archery, boxing, wrestling, shooting, sailing and golf. In hockey, Captain Harmanpreet Singh once again led from the front. The penalty-corner conversion rate remains a matter of concern.
S. Viswanathan,
Srirangam, Tamil Nadu
Silence amid growing protests
As the country is rapidly moving towards a major protest movement, whose main goal is to seek the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, it is important to ensure that democracy is protected and that authorities and institutions are held accountable for any misuse of power.
But what amazes me is the complete silence of the authorities, be it the President of the country, the Chief Justice of India, the Prime Minister or the Home Minister, who is at the helm of the Home Ministry, which directly controls the Delhi Police, accused of manhandling protesters.
The President can at least have a say on the protests, which could reassure the youth and citizens. She was quick to act when she initiated the reference concerning the Supreme Court’s judgment on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government, but regarding the protests, not a single word has been spoken from the President’s office. This is unfortunate for a democracy. The President may not have the requisite powers, but she can at least provide an assurance.
The Prime Minister and the Home Minister are also responsible for addressing this situation. Whether or not they agree with the protests, they could have provided an assurance and allowed a delegation to meet them.
History has repeatedly shown that suppression can have repercussions for all sides. It is now for the ruling party to choose whether to listen to the protesters or face the political consequences.
Aditya Das,
Bhowali, Uttarakhand
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao
The passing of film-maker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao leaves Indian cinema poorer (Inside pages, October 4). His dialogue-free Pushpaka Vimanam, the time-travel science-fiction film Aditya 369, the enchanting fantasy Bhairava Dweepam and the biographical drama Mayuri were genre-defying masterpieces. It is no wonder that he was lovingly called the “celluloid scientist”. His classics will continue to inspire future generations.
Kshirasagara Balaji Rao,
Hyderabad
Published - October 05, 2026 12:24 am IST