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He deserves the honour

This refers to the editorial "A sporting hero of our times" (July 14). There is no doubt that Zinedine Zidane deserves the Golden Ball award for the excellent manner in which he played in World Cup 2006. If FIFA were to strip him of the award, it would be unfortunate. Why have an international committee of journalists to decide on who should win the award if FIFA can reverse its decision?

Thafleel Uppinangady,
Puttur, Karnataka

* * *

To the millions of viewers worldwide, it was clear that Marco Materazzi started the tiff. He tested Zidane's patience beyond a tolerable limit, resulting in the unfortunate headbutt. Of course Zidane could have kept his cool, at least till the end of the match.

R. Janaki,
Chennai

* * *

Zidane has already been punished by being shown the red card and sent away. If FIFA decides to take the Golden Ball away from him, it would amount to punishing him twice for the same mistake.

V. Swaminathan,
Vellore, T.N.

* * *

It is time to rewind to the 1936 Olympics. The inspiring words of Luz Long, a German, helped Jesse Owens win four gold medals. Sport binds people beyond continental barriers, nationality, and race.

Luz (of whom Jesse later said "it took a lot of courage for him to befriend me in front of Hitler,") remains the epitome of sportsmanship to this day. The Materazzi-Zidane encounter was unfortunate. Sportsmen should play competitive sport seriously but without rancour.

Arthi Subramaniam,
Mysore

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He deserves the honour

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