Unusual gesture
Sir — Some say that sacrifice is the most perfect form of love. But how far can one go for a partner’s happiness? In an unusual incident, a man from a remote district in Bihar helped his wife get married to her childhood lover after her affair was discovered by her in-laws. The incident has parallels with the Hindi film, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, in which the protagonist took his wife to Italy to search for her lover. But this is easier to do in reel rather than in real life. The man from Bihar thus deserves credit for breaking social norms and prioritising his partner’s desires even at the cost of his own familial life.
Debapriya Seal, North 24 Parganas
Cruel fate
Sir — One of the most heartbreaking moments in the history of Indian sports is Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics (“Unbearable burden of 100 grams”, Aug 8). While Phogat became the first woman from India to make it to an Olympic wrestling final, she was disqualified before the 50-kilogramme gold medal bout for being overweight by 100 grams. Weight management is crucial in certain sports like wrestling and boxing and the rules should be the same for everyone. But Phogat deserves to be lauded for defeating the world number one to reach the finals.
The 29-year-old has not only silenced her critics but also become an inspiration for young athletes. Her relentless battle against systemic challenges and personal adversities reveals her indomitable spirit. Even though her Olympic run might end without a medal, Phogat’s story reminds us that real battles are often those fought off the mat.
Mahajan Rohan, Jammu
Sir — Vinesh Phogat must be congratulated for her outstanding achievement at the Olympics. Phogat made a remarkable effort to reduce her weight from her natural 56-57 kg to 50 kg, demonstrating her perseverance. It is heartbreaking that she was disqualified for being overweight by only 100 grams.
Jakir Hussain, Kanpur
Sir — The prime minister, Narendra Modi, has feted most of Vinesh Phogat’s success in the past. He has, once again, hailed Phogat’s achievement at the Paris Olympics and has asked the authorities to challenge her disqualification. Yet, he did not have words of sympathy for Phogat and other wrestlers when they protested on the streets for months against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former Wrestling Federation of India president, who has been accused of sexual harassment. The prime minister’s U-turn and his way of taking the route most convenient for him are inexplicable.
Avinash Godboley, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh
Sir — It is shocking that Vinesh Phogat has announced her retirement. After a brilliant run at the Olympics, defeating several world champions, Phogat was hours away from scripting history. But fate seems to have had other plans.
Dimple Wadhawan, Kanpur
Sir — The hope of an Olympic gold in wrestling for India had gained ground when Vinesh Phogat took down the defending champion, Yui Susaki, in the semi-finals to face Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the finals. That dream has been shattered. Hearteningly, the WFI has filed an appeal with United Women’s Wrestling to reconsider Phogat’s case. The rules regarding weight in wrestling need reform.
Haran Chandra Mandal, Calcutta
Flawed analysis
Sir — Devi Kar’s article, “The courage to change” (Aug 6), needs an appraisal. The underlying theme of ‘courage to change’ ought also to be seen through the prism of mysticism and spiritualism. While change is the law of nature, human beings do not have the power to effect change since they are pre-destined.
P.K. Sharma, Barnala, Punjab
