MyVoice: Views of our readers 16th November 2026

Tribute to India’s fighting spirit

It refers to “India colts annex last ball thriller against Pakistan to lift title”. India’s Under-19 cricket team has given the nation a truly memorable sporting moment by winning the 2026 ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup in a thrilling final against Pakistan. Chasing a formidable target of 338, Indian players held their nerve to reach 339 for 9, winning by one wicket and clinching its record ninth title in the tournament of its very ball.

Captain Lakshya Raichandani’s 80 and Aaryavir Sehwag’ 58 gave India a strong platform. But at 252/8, we still needed 86 more runs to win in 51 balls, so shoulders were dropped and fans started losing their hopes. That is when two heroes were born. Manal Chauhan’s quickfire 47 and Mohit Ulva’s unbeaten 49 off 26 balls turned a difficult chase into an unforgettable victory.

Ulva’s boundary off the last ball was the perfect finish to a contest that tested every player’s temperament. More than the trophy, the team’s fighting spirit deserves applause. Their performance is a reminder that talent must be matched by resilience, discipline and the ability to stay calm when the stakes are highest.

Bal Govind, Noida

Hail Indian colts

What an excellent children’s day gift to India. This was India’s record 19 ninth U19 Asia (ODI) title triumph. And it came in flamboyant style beating Pakistan by one wicket off the last ball.

The hero of the day was No. 10 batter Mohit Ulva (49* in 26 balls) who showed iron grit and steely nerves. Mohit rightly won the ‘player of the match’ award. Earlier, Pakistan U19 team set a big target- 338 runs to win in 50 overs. At one time, India was reduced to 252/8 giving tense moments to fans. A wonderful rearguard action helped clinch the thriller.

Shreelekha P S, Secunderabad-61

Momentous Victory

India had the last laugh when the Under-19 cricket team emerged on top in the ‘edge-of-the-seat’ thriller in the U19 Asia Cup championship clash against Pakistan. The second-generation players like Sehwag’s son and Dravid’s son along with others, emerged as a dependent bench strength for Indian cricket. A remarkable 9th and 10th wicket partnership showed the team’s never-say-die attitude.

Mohit Ulva and Manal Chauhan personified courage. Earlier Akshaya Raichandan and Aryavir Srhwag laid a solid foundation for the Indian innings which is praiseworthy considering the high-octane match situation. The contributions of Kavya Patel and Chigurupati Venkata were also significant. The difference in the bowling strength made all the difference.

M Chandrasekhar, Kadapa

Implement road-safety regulations

The tragic loss of at least 25 precious young lives in the horrific road accident near the Kaziranga National Park is yet another grim reminder of our country’s alarming road-safety crisis. They were on their way to see the ‘Big 5’ rhinos, Royal Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, Wild water buffaloes and Swamp deer).

Over-speeding, overloading and flagrant violation of traffic rules cause such accidents and must not be allowed to turn our highways into death traps. This tragic incident should act as an eye-opener, and the authorities must ensure strict enforcement of road-safety regulations to prevent recurrence of such horrible accidents in future.

Dr Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

Leaders must stand by army personnel

In the United States, a soldier who publicly corrected the Defence Secretary’s entourage for breaching decorum at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was commended for doing his duty. In India, an Army officer, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who became the subject of objectionable remarks by a serving BJP minister, is still awaiting closure.

The real issue today is not what Kunwar Vijay Shah said, but what followed thereafter. After judicial intervention and an SIT probe, the Madhya Pradesh cabinet reportedly decided against granting sanction for his prosecution, a decision that was subsequently approved by the Governor. Curiously, the Prime Minister, who makes it a point to spend time with our men and women in uniform on festival occasions, has remained silent on the issue.

Nor has the defence minister chosen to intervene on behalf of the Army officer. Respect for the armed forces is measured not by speeches and photo opportunities but by the willingness to stand up for them when it matters.

Avinash Godboley, Dewas

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The Hans India