From the publishers of THE HINDU

Team looks balanced

Sir, - The Indian team selected for the triangular one-day series in South Africa looks balanced. Hit by injuries prior to departure, the final squad is fully fit and determined to do well.

Of course it is not going to be easy, but if India plays hard and positive it can surely do well. The availability of Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath will make all the difference. Kumble will be able to get the breakthroughs at the right time.

It was a wonderful decision to send the team a few days ahead to get acclimatised to the conditions and plan strategies. Well balanced in at least two departments, i.e. batting and bowling, if we do well in the third important department, i.e. fielding, it can certainly bring laurels to the country.

Let us hope that we will be able to overcome the overseas jinx by doing well in the triangular as well as the Test series.

SHIRISH J. BUCH, RAJKOTHats off, Bagan

Sir, - Hats off to Mohun Bagan for winning the millennium's first Federation Cup football tournament, its 11th triumph in 14 final appearances.

Going by its performances in the premier club football tournaments, it looks like the National Football League (it had won it twice and made the final once in the last four years) and Federation Cup are made for Bagan.

It was a nice review (Sept. 15th issue) indeed. Truth to tell, the poor ground conditions and far worse spectator response has seen the game lose its charm in our country.

But Sporting Club de Goa "was a club which made everyone sit up" and whose "players most of whom were raw at this level.... is well on course to add a new dimension" not only to Goan football but also Indian football.

Both the Goan teams, finalist Dempo and Sporting Club, performed so impressively that football lovers are hopeful that they will produce quality players for the country.

Congratulations to Jose Barreto, Federation Cup Player of the Tournament, who showed how the Brazilian Samba can change the complexion of the game in India.

BIDYUT KUMAR CHATTERJEE, FARIDABADCongrats, Tania

Sir, - The feature on Tania Sachdev (Sept. 22 issue) by Rakesh Rao was excellent. Having achieved so much, she is just 15 years old, Tania, going by her promise, should become a WGM in a couple of years.

Full credit to her parents, school principal and coaches for giving her proper encouragement.

Considering the fact that Delhi does not hold many tournaments, Tania's achievements are laudable.

Let us hope that she won't stagnate at a certain level. For that she should be careful in selecting tournaments.

Like Anand, she should concentrate on championships in the European circuit. This will help her improve her rating and in turn will get offers for higher category tournaments.

I request, through your magazine, that the 'big sleeping people' at the Sports Ministry should come forward with financial support for these youngsters.

MADHU BALASEKHAR, TIRUPUR, TAMIL NADUNice review

Sir, - The review of the fourth Commonwealth shooting, which was held in Bisley, England, was a nice one with a catchy headline 'A baker's dozen for India' (The Sportstar, Sept. 22).

India came up with a spectacular showing, capturing 27 medals including 13 golds. The young prodigy, 18-year-old Abhinav Bindra, and veteran Anjali Vedpathak set meet records.

Satisfying results indeed, but the Indian shooters will have to score more points if they want to be top achievers in the Olympics.

NIRMALENDU CHAKRABORTY, COOCH-BEHARTime to analyse

Sir, - In recent months, the Indian cricket team has been badly crippled by the sudden rise in injuries. Never before has the list been this long.

Here the role of foreign physiotherapist Andrew Leipus is questionable, as he has failed to monitor players' fitness properly. Even the contribution of coach John Wright is far from satisfactory.

The Indian team's world rating after Wright took over has fallen to the eighth spot. Even though the two enjoy hefty salaries, they have shown very little in terms of performance.

The BCCI would do well to analyse if they have appointed the right candidates.

SAYED MOHD. AEJAZ, ANKOLA, KARNATAKAGood show by Zimbabwe

Sir, - Zimbabwe did well by drawing the second Test against South Africa after notching 419 for nine in its first knock. As usual Andy was at his Flowery best, though it must be said that the top-order contributed handsomely.

Kallis must be the best all-rounder in the world today.

Zimbabwe, without any stars except the ageing Flower brothers, have always put up a good fight against all odds. With new youngsters making their mark, Zimbabwe is bound to climb the world ladder in international cricket.

Let us hope India will do well in South Africa. Pity that Kaif is not in the squad. He always went in during pressure-cooker situations and I feel he should have been continued with, for he has had only limited exposure in international cricket.

M. G. MENON, THRIPUNITHURA