When the Indian flag went up at the Games Village on Friday afternoon, there were more onlookers present than members of the Indian contingent itself. The home squad, boasting of 619 athletes, hardly showed their numbers at the flag-hoisting ceremony with most star athletes choosing to stay away citing reasons like practice and rest.
While the swimming contingent came out in full force, it was the boxing duo of Vijender Singh and Akhil who were the star attractions. Most of the other prominent athletes, like Sania Mirza, Olympic gold winner Abhinav Bindra, the men’s hockey team, the squash squad and the shooting contingent gave the ceremony a miss.
A prominent Indian athlete at the event said, “It is a pity that most of the stars chose to stay away from the ceremony. What they don’t realise is the fact that this is bigger than the opening ceremony itself. This is when we are formally identified as the residents of the Village. Considering we are the host country we should have led by example and been here in good numbers. This, I believe, is as good as showing disrespect to the national flag.”
A few athletes also complained of lack of communication between the athletes and officials. “We were asked to be ready by 11.30 am for a ceremony which happened at 1 pm. It was very hot and we had to wear blazers and be out in the sun. Some left after waiting for a while. They should have planned it better and spared us the trouble,” said a member of the aquatics team.
In contrast, athletes from other countries have been turning out in good numbers to be a part of the ceremony, some even squeezing in time in between practice to be there, and, of course, braving the heat.
Sarah Borwell, one of England’s tennis doubles hopes, said, “I won’t miss this event unless it is unavoidable. I mean when we see our national flag going up, it still gives me goose bumps and it is a matter of great pride.”