We started from Rohini East metro station and proceeded towards Green Park metro station. The tickets had free metro passes which was really good initiative taken by the Delhi Govt to aid spectators. We got down at the Green Park metro station and took the bus to Siri Fort Complex. Yup the bus ride was also free :). We reached Siri Fort Complex and after going through the security checks finally reached the stadium. We went inside and there it was in front of us - the beautiful Badminton courts. First glance and I knew it was going to be amazing. And I was right. As we entered there was a mixed doubles match going on involving India. Every single point was cheered liked India had won the match; and India did win the match.
The stadium had 5 courts and we switched between courts to watch the matches of interest. There were some closely fought matches as well as many one-sided matches, but every match was enjoyed. When India wasn't playing some other teams got the support of the entire crowd and was duly appreciated by the players. And finally we got to see the badminton queen of India Saina Nehwal in action. The long wait was worthwhile as Saina demolished her opponent quickly and the roar from the crowd was deafening. That was the last match we saw there and started for our next stop - Major Dhyanchand National stadium.
We took metro and then shuttle to reach the stadium to watch the big match India vs Pakistan. After a thorough security check we finally entered the stadium. And one glance of the stadium from one of the open doors and I knew it was going to be amazing. And when I entered the stadium the feeling was simply unbelievable - you have to be there to feel it. There was still more than 30 minutes for the match to begin but the stadium was jam packed. In fact there were more people in the stadium than the no of tickets. Despite having a ticket we had to sit on the stairs; not that we minded :). The view was spectacular to say the least. The floodlights had illuminated the field as if it was midday. The Indian flag could be seen everywhere. The Pakistan team was 1st to arrive for warm-up greeted by a decent cheer. And then when the Indian team came to the field you couldn't hear your neighbour.
With 5 minutes to go before the match started the two teams lined up for their respective national anthems. And when the Indian national anthem began the entire stadium was singing the anthem. Never before had I witnessed so many people singing the national anthem and one could feel the pride everyone was feeling.
The match started and quickly India got their first penalty corner which lead to their first goal. Every time India went into the offence the noise levels increased. Every pass, every dribble was cheered with a loud roar and when India scored the entire crowd was on their feet. You could here people chant - "Bharat mata ki jai", "1 2 3 4 we want one more", "Jeetega bhai jeetega India jeetega" and many more. And there was not a single person who wasn't participating. India won the match convincingly 7-4 and moved to the semis. Many people left the stadium as the match was ending but the majority of the people stayed back for the victory lap. And when it happened the crowd cheered as if India had won the tournament :).
As we came out we had to take the shuttle to the metro station. As I had to go the opposite direction of others I took the 1st shuttle. It was full and people were still trying to board the bus. And inside the bus the chants were still going on as if the match was still on. And the people who were walking along the road towards the metro station also joined in chorus. Finally the metro station arrived and everyone de-boarded the bus. The day was comming to an end.
But overall it was a wonderful experience - something which is hard to describe in words and needs to be felt. Its a shame that so much controversy surrounded the games which kind of makes it certain that such events won't happen here in near future. But then again the organizers, volunteers, spectators and the players have given their best to make sure each event is a success story and Delhi has once again proved that when it comes to participation they are always game. I wish such events happen in future and I would definitely like to go there :)
As we came out we had to take the shuttle to the metro station. As I had to go the opposite direction of others I took the 1st shuttle. It was full and people were still trying to board the bus. And inside the bus the chants were still going on as if the match was still on. And the people who were walking along the road towards the metro station also joined in chorus. Finally the metro station arrived and everyone de-boarded the bus. The day was comming to an end.
But overall it was a wonderful experience - something which is hard to describe in words and needs to be felt. Its a shame that so much controversy surrounded the games which kind of makes it certain that such events won't happen here in near future. But then again the organizers, volunteers, spectators and the players have given their best to make sure each event is a success story and Delhi has once again proved that when it comes to participation they are always game. I wish such events happen in future and I would definitely like to go there :)
