From Mumbai to Delhi, veteran fan makes it two in two

L.Mathias of Hyderabad drew suspicion from policemen with his frequent trips around the Major Dhyan Chand stadium. He stood at every small gate from three to five, gazing at the newly structured walls with wide eyes, even as thousands around him moved frantically to reach in time and grab their seats for India’s classification match against Argentina. He seemed to be in no hurry and threw a bewildered look.

Asian games – a huge success

“The last time I was here, I could see action from a distance, but now it has been replaced by these magnificent walls overlooking the hallowed playing area,” he says admiring the architecture. He is referring to his last visit, which was nearly three decades ago, when India were thrashed by Pakistan 1-7 in the finals of Asia Cup. The gaze quickly gives way to glow as he goes about sharing stories of ‘the best days of his life.’ “India Gandhi (India’s PM in early 80s) was adamant and wanted to host Asian Games at all cost. The response was dull initially but it picked up and reached a stage where people were ready to pay any amount to watch India play. I was lucky to get a ticket for 10 rupees.”

World Cup almost like a pilgrimage

However, the ticket that he is most proud to posses is the one that has let him entered the National Stadium to renew the golden days all over again. “I set off from Hyderabad, my hometown, without much planning. I did not know that procuring a ticket in Delhi will take me same amount of time, it took me to reach here,” he says with a chuckle. “Bhaiya mein to budha ho chukka hoon, internet ka mayajal kahan se samoonga, (I am too old to understand the online booking process).He got some aid from his tech savvy friends, who booked online tickets for him, but it did not meet success. It led him to a small sight-seeing trip around to Delhi which included visits bank branches that sold tickets and coffee joints.” The bank staff did not have tickets, so I asked for coffee outlets as they too provide tickets. The staff could not understand and instead offered coffee, may be because of my age,” says the 70-year old. The hard work paid off at the Café Coffee day outlet and it was an overwhelming moment.” I was so happy after getting the ticket that I missed the glass door and banged straight into it. Some young boys came running to help me but I was never hurt!” he says proudly about the pain that was dissolved in joy.

The die-hard fan from Hyderabad was even present for the first hockey World Cup that India hosted back in 1982. “There was a great danger of tickets being stolen as the crowd interest was tremendous. My friend in Mumbai had bought tickets and kept it with him,” he says, reminiscing about the time when hockey was still popular. “We wanted to see the opening ceremony but a sudden strike and I was left stranded at the Grant road station. I somehow managed to reach but my friend was already inside the stadium and after lot of cajoling, I could convince the cops and made it just when the ceremony was about to start, sitting alongside my pal,” giving us an example when cops were more considerate and less suspicious.

He is saddened with over the top security arrangement in place for the ongoing World Cup. “I was looking for some photographs of the tournament but guess the only way it can be done is through a mobile phone with camera facility. The security system that is in place here, rob you of the excitement.”

The excitement may have dipped but it has not hindered his enthusiasm. He signs off by asking whether the tickets for the Commonwealth Games be available at the venue too apart from the online system. It is clear that his next visit to Delhi will be in October. The game needs such pure admirers.