New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS) The high and mighty in Delhi are asking just one question: Where are the passes for the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony Thursday?
The buzz is that many ministers, senior bureaucrats and high-ranking officials have not received the passes, which they usually get due to their status. As the hunt is still on, many are blaming the Games Organising Committee for sitting tight over the passes.
So, if you are one of those unlucky ones who haven’t been able to buy tickets since they are sold out, take solace from the fact that some of Delhi’s elite will also be watching the closing ceremony on television.
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It’s all in the name!
Trinidad and Tobago or Barbados: Whom do you support at a neutral venue in a netball match? Simple, the one whose name is easier to pronounce!
Trinidad’s women netball team was in for a rude surprise when their exploits on the field at Thyagraj Stadium weren’t much appreciated by the enthused spectators! Why? Because they couldn’t get the team’s name right! ‘Kiska dad (whose dad)’ one spectator was heard enquiring.
On the other hand, there was so much loyalty showered on the Barbadians for lack of choice that they ended up winning the otherwise lost battle.
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Bonhomie permeates Games Village
The Games Village now permeates with what can be called an undying spirit of camaraderie among the players.
The athletes from different contingents seemed to have mingled well with each other during their stay here and are now making most of their time by hanging out during the evenings in the international zone.
They are seen greeting each other with wide smiles, hi-fives, hellos and tight hugs – not to miss the roaring laughter after someone cracks a joke or plays a prank on a new mate.
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Vuvuzela wars in Delhi
The Indian and Scottish contingents are at war: No, not with any spirit of vengeance but for amicable Vuvuzela blowing competitions.
Athletes from both the teams come out during the evenings in the Village and tease each other with loud noises of the bugle. Whosoever blows a higher note, has the last laugh.
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Village gigs restricted for athletes
The enthusiasm of the Games volunteers did them in. After getting a tongue lashing for dancing and screaming during the evening gigs at the Village, the youngsters were finally barred from entering the amphi-theatre during shows.
Apparently, the scolding they got couldn’t get their spirits down as they continued to make merry at the cultural events. So now one can see quite a few sad faces around as the 500-seating capacity open air amphitheatre now has a ‘Restricted for Athletes’ board.
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No eating inside Village, but conditions apply
You can’t take eatables inside the Games village…but there are exceptions of course. While the mediapersons, who are frisked, are strictly prohibited from eating inside, the rule does not apply to volunteers.
Some of the volunteers were seen having wafers, ice-creams and noodles while the scribes watched with envious eyes.
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Traffic woes to be back
While there were many who complained about the designated CWG lanes in the national capital, quite a few Delhiites want it to stay permanently. Apart from the dedicated lanes, Blueline buses and heavy trucks going off the roads also helped ease the congestion.
A top traffic cop said the entire plan was made in 2009 and they were successful in managing the traffic because they had removed Blueline buses and heavy vehicles like truck and lorries, from the roads.
But, he reasoned, that these rules cannot be permanent.
