Gold Coast, Apr 3:
Spooked by a needle controversy but in high spirits nonetheless, the jumbo Indian contingent would be aiming to make it all good with strong medal-winning performances when the acutely-low-on-buzz Commonwealth Games start tomorrow with an opening ceremony here.
It’s just a day to go before the Games officially get started but Gold Coast hardly looked like a city gearing up for a sporting festival.
There are signboards all across welcoming 71 Commonwealth countries for the 21st CWG but what’s missing is the festive spirit that usually comes with such a once-in-four-years extravaganzas.
The organisers, including Queensland Minister for CWG Kate Johns, were busy making last-minute appeals to the city — aptly called the ‘surfers’ paradise’ for its breathtakingly beautiful coastline — to buy the several thousand tickets that are still unsold across different sports.
“Go out and buy tickets, it’s a one in a lifetime experience. Don’t miss this opportunity,” said Games organising committee CEO Mark Peters.
For the Indians though, the mood-killer has been the needle controversy even though the Commonwealth Games Federation has not named the country.
The embarrassment of doping has been avoided as tests conducted after the discovery of syringes have turned out negative but the very violation of the ‘No Needle Policy’ is enough embarrassment. (PTI)
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