07 October,2010 09:30 AM IST | | Shashank Shekhar
Crowds pour in at shooting range, lukewarm response to hockey
There's room for improvement, but things are looking up. As India regained the second spot in the medals tally with 11 gold medals, ten behind leaders Australia, enthusiasts began gathering in numbers at various venues. Shooting, gymnastics, wrestling, weightlifting and boxing turned out to be crowd-pullers on Wednesday while swimming, cycling, tennis and athletics witnessed moderate turnout.
Grab a chair: The Australia-India hockey group match (above) had few
takers but Gagan Narang and Abhinav Bindra (right) pics/imtiyaz khan
As World no 3 Gagan Narang pipped Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra to the top spot in the 10m Air Rifle event, crowds started pouring in at the Karni Singh shooting range located on the outskirts of Delhi.
The shooters themselves were surprised to see a huge crowd, which otherwise is a distraction to them.
"When we shoot we don't want anybody around. We hate people watching us. But today it was a great feeling. I have never witnessed such scenes in my life in India. Today it was as if the whole world was staring at us," said an overwhelmed Bindra, who is India's only individual Olympic champion.
Similar was the response at the wrestling venue with spectators chanting "India, India" and "Come On India". The stands were almost full and people from far flung areas came to the Nehru Stadium to see India doing well.
Badminton too is garnering attention with India expected to do well. With big names like Leander Paes and Sania Mirza there are lots of expectations from tennis as well.
Even the parking area for Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium near Rajghat was jampacked with visitors coming in for gymnastics and cycling. But hockey hasn't had much luck.
Officials pointed out that while athletics was drawing more attention, it's improbable that the JLN Stadium, with a capacity of about 60,000, would fill up. But with tickets being priced moderately - the more expensive ones cost Rs 750 - the crowds should come in. With the weather expected to be pleasant watching track and field events could be an attractive option.
The OC has also been encouraged by the queues at box offices selling tickets at designated points in the city. Daily sales are likely to remain brisk.
| Well begun is half done |
| Sources attributed the jump in sales to the opening gala going off well and also due to the public being finally convinced in the last week or so that the Games will indeed rollout properly. Sunday's ceremony has given a leg up to the Games. "The opening event is the most watched event of any Games millions worldwide. It sets the mood for the Games," said an official. |
