By Rahul Vaishnavi, IANS,
New Delhi : If the proof of the pudding is in the eating, then athletes and officials at Commonwealth Games Village are not just relishing the fare served at the Village but are raving about it. They are also overwhelmed by the warmth of the welcome extended to them as they troop into the Village, which many were not willing to enter till a few days back.
“It’s a brilliant place this Village and the welcome we got…it was just amazing,” said Amy Monkhouse, member of the Lawnbowls team from England.
“We arrived here yesterday (Monday) and are loving our stay in the Village, particularly the delicious food on offer,” he said.
Chris Nelson, the 25-year-old captain of the Scottish hockey team, echoed the view.
“Our rooms are spotless and the beds are very comfortable… the Village is just perfect. Our team arrived here yesterday (Monday) and since then we have had no issues here. But I guess we’ll have more fun as more athletes start arriving,” he said.
“The place is quite different from back home as there is a lot of hustle-bustle here but we are liking it very much,” said his teammate Iain Scholefield.
Agreed Laurence Jupp II, a cyclist from the Bahamas, who, on his first visit to Delhi, was mesmerised by it and its food.
“The Village is excellent and so is the accommodation. The environment here is very spirited and colourful. I’ve tried the chicken biryani and mutton kebabs and just loved them, they are delicious,” said the 18-year-old.
“I particularly like the breads here, which are thin and light,” added Jupp.
“It’s quite good here and the people are very warm and friendly. Our rooms are clean and tidy, and everything is ready here according to me,” said Kenyan para-athletic Henry Calebodiyo participating in the 1,500-metre wheelchair race.
“We have been here since Sunday but I haven’t tasted Indian food yet. I am on my way to have lunch and would definitely be having Indian food today,” the 33-year-old added as he joked around with with people passing by.
His partner, Mathews Mugenya Olum, was equally fascinated by the village and termed it “wonderful”.
Omojola Olarinde from Nigeria arrived at the Village Monday and was content with the amenities provided. “The food is very tasty here and I get whatever I want very easily,” said the wheelchair racer who will compete in the 500m race.