DISTURBING NEWS
IT IS disturbing to read that the health of oceans will be in peril even if we are able to cap global warning (‘Climate change multiplies harmful marine heatwaves,’ Aug. 16, The Gulf Today).
Scientists stated that a 10-week marine heatwave near western Australia in 2011, shattered an entire ecosystem and permanently pushed commercial ish species into colder waters. While another ocean hot spell off the coast of California generated toxic algae blooms, caused the closure of crab isheries, and led to the death of sea lions, whales and sea birds. We have to brace up for some tough times. Kiran Gupta
By email
AIMING FOR GLORY
IT IS now sort of customary for a controversy to crop up in Indian tennis a little before a major multi-sports event gets underway. The upcoming Asiad is no different. With veteran Paes pulling out coach Zeeshan Ali faces a big task reworking the men’s doubles and mixed doubles combinations (‘‘Big blow’ for India as Paes pulls out of Asiad tennis,’ Aug. 18, The Gulf Today).
The lead up to the Games has not been encouraging either with controversies galore ranging from the selection process to the oficials who would be accompanying the squad. India has been a regular participant at the Asiad, but the administration seemed to have learnt little as far smooth functioning of the preparedness for the Games goes.
But on the positive side we have one the biggest-ever squad this time around and a very promising one at that. News reports state that over 200 of the 572 athletes are aged below 23 and almost 30 per cent of them are in their late teens. So, bright chances? Hope so. India’s medal run though comfortable hasn’t been something to crow about. Our best has been inishing sixth and in the last edition in Incheon, India inished eighth, winning a total of 57 medals, including 11 gold.
India are favourites though to defend their gold medal in men’s hockey, but I would like to see the youngsters do well. Especially the emerging star Hima Das who will lead the challenge in the women’s sprint events. The teenager from a remote village in Assam hogged limelight recently after she became the ir st indian to claim a world championships gold in the women’s 400m title at the World U-20 Championships.
Hope India can go a notch higher at Indonesia.