LETTERS: Gentleman’s game

Apropos of your editorial “Great promise” (THT, January 1, Page 8), the dizzying rise of cricket bodes well for the sport, not game, in the country. Despite recent progress, the sport has a long history, going as far back in time to mid-1960s when a Bhutanese prince, a playboy of international standing, would arrive at Tundikhel in his red convertible Mustang and would start smashing balls to 4s as he took to the crease.

After finishing he would empty small cans of beer that we kids thought then was water from the top of Mt Everest. Coinciding with the Maoist insurgency, the sport has made tremendous progress in the country, thanks to technical and financial support of the International Cricket Council and our youngsters’ undying love for the sport.

This is one of the sports in which Nepal can earn international plaudits and riches. Soccer is popular but our footballer may lack the stamina and physical attributes to compete even at Asian level. Without spreading us too thin, we should focus entirely on cricket to bring sports laurels. Another sport that could suit us well, especially our women, is mixed martial arts.

If we can produce a few Holly Holms, albeit she is on a losing streak right now, it will be good for this sport. Without doubt, we should be able to produce a few Conor McGregors considering the fact that our youth emulated Bruce Lee earlier and better than any other countries in SAARC.

These two sports should put us firmly in the international sport arena that will be good for publicity for tourism and foreign direct investment as well. But our institutions looking after such sports must be competent enough to groom the talented youths by organizing sport events on regular basis.

Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu

Make or break

Both America and Pakistan have waged verbal war against each other over the issues of terrorism and financial aid. This situation is really a matter of concern.

When it is easy to understand the concerns expressed by the US President, Donald Trump, the summation and the explanations given by the Pakistani authorities should be equally heeded and respected.

American President is in particular talking about hunting terror groups in Afghanistan that, according to him, has been largely disturbed due to Pakistan. First of all, America must see the actual roadblocks coming in the way of tackling terrorists. Maybe a new perspective should dawn on America in this regard. This apart, Pakistan being the hub of many renowned English newspapers can easily send its message to the West through the own strong media.

The undisputed fact is that Pakistan is home to wealth, beautiful culture, knowledge and vast natural resources that can largely benefit the international community. Strangely enough and curiously enough, sincere efforts by the government in Pakistan and America’s emphatic and cooperative approach will definitely make the best decision. And this will stop the US painting Pakistan in a negative way – in the long run.

P Senthil Saravana Durai, Mumabi