The magic of football

This refers to the Editorial ‘Game’s on?’ (June 12). For 49 days, starting June 11, under the nimble, dexterous and celebrated feet of players from 48 nations, a round leather object will transform into a magic ball

During its 96 years of history the football World Cup has created gripping incidents like the ‘Hand-of-God’ goal by Diego Maradona and legendry players from Pele to Lamine Yamal now.

This Cup will see an enchanting mix of big and small nations together with veteran and young players competing in different playing conditions being viewed by 7 billion viewers. Sadly, giant India will watch small nations like Croatia playing in the Cup. But will the moment free the country from the clutches of cricket and nurture a game for which it has intrinsic flair?

YG Chouksey

Pune

Apropos ‘Game’s on’, (June 12). For a year, talk about the World Cup focused on politics, visas, climate and a bigger 48-team format. Soon the action on the pitch will take centre stage.

So can the old champions from Europe and South America stay ahead of new challengers? Morocco’s run to the semifinals in Qatar showed the gap is closing. Japan beat Germany and Spain, while Saudi Arabia shocked Argentina. Africa returns stronger with Salah, Mane, and Morocco’s steady core. Messi may play his last Cup, Mbappe leads a deep France, and Spain’s young stars grow fast.

K Chidanand Kumar

Bengaluru

Sustainable farming

This refers to the article ‘Right time to focus on sustainable agriculture’ (June 12). Indian agriculture is becoming highly vulnerable to fast changing weathering systems. With predictions of below average monsoon rainfall due to the El Nino induced system, the outlook for agricultural output for FY27 looks bleak. Centre has been taking several steps in insulating agricultural processes and the farmers. Yet, these measures are yet to be scaled up.

It is time for Agricultural Extension Offices at all District to take the lead in adopting water conservation technique, crop diversion, extensive usage of organic manure, pest-resistant newer crop varieties, to boost their agricultural yield.

RV Baskaran

Pune

Petrol woes

It refers to ‘Petrol with 22-30% ethanol blend exempted from central excise duty’. It is a welcome move by the government to reduce imports and save forex.

Ethnol-blended petrol also helps reduce carbon emissions. A balance between food security and sustainability must be ensured.

Bal Govind

Noida

Published on June 12, 2026