Foreigners savour Games and the Indian experience

It was a touching moment for David Reid-Ross as he witnessed his son Justin score two goals,contributing to South Africa’s stunning victory over Canada in men’s hockey. Having represented South Africa himself,he has come to witness his son play,and root for his country’s team.

From exploring Delhi to savouring traditional Indian dishes at a local acquaintance’s house and visiting the Taj Mahal,the Commonwealth Games has a lot to offer first-time visitors. John,a former Royal Air Force pilot,says,“I was born in British India. My parents used to work here and I am visiting India after 50 years. The country has seen a lot of development. Gone are the days when the streets were full of mule-driven carts. I travelled by the Metro today and absolutely loved it.”

Visitors were unanimous in their appreciation of Indian hospitality. Di from South Africa spoke enthusiastically about how Indian women “fret over their guests”. Oliver Rogers,working with BBC Radio,feels Indians have been extremely helpful and friendly so far. The Games,he claims,has given him an “excuse” to come to India and enjoy its culture,colours and vibrancy.

“The opening ceremony was fabulous”,says Alastair,who decided to break his journey in Delhi on his way to London from Indonesia for the Games. “Security is tight. I wasn’t allowed inside one of the stadiums yesterday as I had an umbrella with me.”

(Reported by EXIMS students L Ramakrishnan; Atikh Sheikh; Prakriti Bose and Anmol Arora)