Pakistani fans add spice
The Pakistani fans made a grand entry with a huge placard ‘wishing all Indians a happy holi,’ with 20 minutes to go for the Australia-England match. The goodwill gesture pleasantly surprised the home crowds and they appreciated the effort with a huge round applause. With the opening duties wrapped up, it soon turned out to be a ‘cheering match’ among the fans. The police officers were on guard and made a cordon around the Pakistan’s group of supporters. With India three goals up and almost certain to win the match, the boisterous overseas supporters made one last effort to pep up their boys with one eye constantly on the timer. Once the referee blew the final whistle, the Indian contingent went berserk and started dancing wildly as the disc jockey got his act together. It was unusual but heartening to see even the Pakistanis doing Bhangra and making it a memorable evening. “Yes we are disappointed but enjoyed every moment of the match. We tried our best to support Pakistan from the stands, but India played far better. We were slow in picking up their strategy and did not generate enough penalty corners,” says Shoaib, who works in the embassy. The lively atmosphere in the stands was exactly what he had hoped for. “We had no trouble whatsoever and loved the atmosphere. It was great to mingle with our Indian brothers and would like to congratulate them.”
Love hockey
Hockey India may have been lethargic in preparing for the World Cup but a bunch of fans in Delhi were gung-ho about the event. Dressed alike in white-tee with a big map of India proudly taking the centre space, the boys could be easily spotted through a distance. It was quite natural that they did not want to miss the opening day of the action and the preparation had begun one month in advance. One of the boys had gone to Janpath to design t-shirts especially for the big opening day. The t-shirts were so eye catching that even a policeman on duty enquired about it. The Delhi lads cheered their lungs out and happily posed for the shutterbugs. We also spotted a gentleman, who had both India and Pakistan’s flag painted on his cheeks. “I am here to support the cause of friendship and peace between the two nations. I also wanted to carry flags, but I could not get Pakistan’s flag, so dropped the idea,” says Rajender Negi, a Delhi High Court advocate.
Black marketers have a field day
With tickets for the first day sold out well in advance, there were few interesting scenes outside Gate No.5 of the National Stadium on the opening day. Tickets were available in black and they were being sold for anything between 300 to 500 rupees, depending on your bargaining skills. Plenty of tickets were handed out to employees of the sponsors and it was here where the leak creped in. The fans in turned did not mind spending little more, as they were well informed about the momentous occasion. Some policemen too were seen making deals and bargaining, albeit for their family members.
You better be careful
One hockey lover rode out of luck, when he unknowingly bumped into a policeman dressed in civil uniform, suspecting him to be a black marketer. All the excitement of watching India in action had evaporated in minutes as soon as the fan found out that he had made a big blunder. A lot of pleading and prodding later, and the fan was finally allowed to go without the ‘ticket’ being issued.
No Super Sunday for Australia
Earlier in the day, the Australian cricket team lost the 2nd T20 international to New Zealand in a super over and capping of a disappointing day Sunday, their hockey team went down to England. Regarded as one of the favourites to win the Cup, the Aussies were upset 3-2. Both Indian and the Pakistani supporters for once, cheered for the same team.
Khelo Holi dil se
A victory can have magical effects. Controversies and infightings later, India gave a stunning performance in the very first game that they played. It has nearly erased memories of the bitter recent past. India’s 4-1 triumph has not only given hockey fans a big reason to cheer but also given the nation a timely Holi gift.