Diminishing purpose of sports

Refer to ‘Don’t infect sports with politics’; sports has always served as a bridge between nations, transcending boundaries, ideologies and conflicts. Allowing politics to infiltrate the sporting arena not only undermines the spirit of fair play but also distorts the values of teamwork, respect and unity that games are meant to promote. Athletes represent the essence of discipline and dedication — they are ambassadors of peace and goodwill. Denying them the opportunity to interact or compete freely due to political tensions diminishes the universal purpose of holding sporting events. History has shown that sports diplomacy often achieves what political dialogue fails to deliver — mutual respect and understanding. It is, therefore, imperative that governments, sporting bodies and media refrain from politicising games.

Parvinder Singh, Mohali

‘No handshake’ spectacle

Refer to ‘Don’t infect sports with politics’; unfortunately, politics is everywhere, be it sports, defence services or the judiciary. If we decided to play against Pakistan even after the Pahalgam terror attack and Op Sindoor, how could a handshake have altered the state of affairs? If the Indian team skipper acted on instructions from the government, it was a wrong step. One can only hope that if the Women’s World Cup final is played between India and Pakistan, the spectacle of ‘no handshake’ is not repeated. Pakistan is our enemy on the battlefield, but on the playground, we are just rival teams — fighting with bat and ball, not guns.

Wg Cdr CL Sehgal (retd), Jalandhar

Farmers are frontline workers

Refer to ‘Stop blaming farmers, start supporting them’; stubble burning is not an environmental crime — it is a symptom of a broken agricultural support system. Farmers are not villains; they are frontline workers feeding the nation. If India truly wants cleaner air, it must stop criminalising farmers and instead make them a part of the solution by providing incentives and respect, and promoting innovation. Sustainable change will come from collaboration — where farmers are not seen as the problem, but as partners in building a cleaner, healthier future.

Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak

Overcoming the visa divide

Refer to ‘Beyond trade deal’; considering the rising cost of US visas and tightening of mobility rules in the UK, there is a golden opportunity for India to discourage brain drain. For decades, our brightest minds have sought career growth abroad due to better opportunities and research ecosystems there. Now, as the usual destinations become less accessible, India must act decisively — by investing in higher education, promoting innovation and ensuring dignity and fair pay for skilled professionals. Instead of lamenting the loss of talent, India should focus on creating conditions that retain and even attract Indian minds back home.

Harsh Pawaria, Rohtak

Vigilance needed in festive season

Amid the uproar over deaths caused by killer cough syrups in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the Central and state governments must step up efforts to curb the sale of spurious sweets and dairy products in the festive season. Unscrupulous elements exploit this opportunity to make a quick buck by selling adulterated paneer (cheese), khoya (milk solids) and skimmed milk that constitute the main ingredient of sweets. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India must conduct special enforcement drives so that every citizen gets to enjoy unadulterated food products during festivals. Public awareness drives should also be carried out.

Krishan Kant Sood, Nangal

Human lives at risk on roads

Driving has become increasingly difficult due to bad roads and heavy traffic. Earlier, congestion was limited to a few rush hours around school and office timings, but now it seems to persist throughout the day. By promising delivery “within minutes,” food aggregators have created a hazardous system, putting the lives of motorists, pedestrians and, above all, delivery boys at risk.

Balvinder, Chandigarh