Of late India has been in the news not for right reasons. The rape of a lady in a Delhi cab has sent wrong signals across the world on the safety of women in the country. The reason was enough for Yvonna Charter, mother of Australian goalkeeper Andrew Charter to think twice before coming to India to watch her son play in the Champions Trophy.

“It is my first visit to India. Honestly, I was scared to come. You know the reasons, don’t you? I am 54 year old and I did not feel safe to come to India. But then, I decided to take a chance. After coming here my perception has changed. India is a nice country,’ says Yvonna.

“In fact, I feel safe here in the stadium. The people are friendly as well. An Indian I met in the stadium had predicted that Australia would win. He came over to me and shook hands when it happened. That was a sweet gesture,” she says after Australia scripted a win against Argentina, becoming the second team to qualify for the semi-final after Pakistan.

Yvonna is one of the few foreign faces visible in the thousands that throng the stadium for the match. She herself notices the difference and points out. “I usually like to see the matches my son plays. But, never before have I seen this type of crowd. The stadium is totally full you know,” she says with her eyes clearly reflecting here excitement.

“I have never ever seen so much people. No, not even Australia has such kind of crowd,” she admits.

So, what is her plan for the maiden India trip? “Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Chandigarh and Shimla – we plan to visit these places,” she says after taking help of her second son to remember the names of the cities. “Here, I have been for shopping and have purchased some silver ornaments and an Indian kurti,” she reveals.

Heading back home after the break, does she expect to carry the Champions Trophy as well? “You want me to be honest? I think India has the best chance this time,” she whispers.

“The crowd support will help them a lot. But, I will not mind an India versus Australia final.”