2 Indian athletes miss bus,take taxi instead

The two finally managed to join the Indian contingent. “We got late and missed the team bus. Therefore,we came by a taxi and got dropped near this gate. Here,security would not let us pass,” said Vij. The 23-year-old said he was not briefed about the schedule for the opening ceremony as he joined the Village late. Dharambir refused to comment.

The two men trying to reason with policemen would not have been noticed if it were not for the burgundy sherwanis they were carrying. After all,tempers flared up by the dozen near Gate No 6,the most isolated of the JLN Stadium gates located near the Barapullah Nallah flyover. None seemed concerned about the safety of these athletes,who are otherwise escorted by armed guards whenever they go.

Vij tried calling his team members,but all phones were switched off. After a long discussion,a volunteer accompanied them to the Bailey Bridge built across the nallah,from where both tried signalling to performers and volunteers waiting for the opening ceremony to begin,but to no avail.

Both athletes then walked back to Gate No 6 and had a ten-minute discussion with police officials posted there. Senior security staff were summoned,and it was decided that two other volunteers would accompany the men to Gate No 3 through a shorter route. Last seen,the athletes were hurrying towards Gate No 3.