By IANS,
New Delhi: After long hours of work at the Commonwealth Games Village, some tired Delhi policemen thought of indulging in retail therapy to relax. But it soon turned into window shopping.
The policemen dropped in at the merchandising shop in the international zone of the Games Village, looking at various exhibits — badges, Shera mugs, sports caps, bottles, pens and many other things.
Policemen being policemen, they checked with the manager if there was a discount. “You get this sports cap at Sadar bazar for Rs.15 and here you are selling it for Rs.50?” one of them argued.
“No sir, our rates are fixed,” replied the manager with a sheepish smile. Of course, that meant no sale.
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Sania’s sister a Gagan fan
She may be tennis star Sania Mirza’s younger sister, but she is actually a fan of Indian shooter Gagan Narang, who has won four gold medals in these Games.
“My sister Anam is into shooting and she is very fond of Gagan Narang. She went to watch one of his events in which he picked up a gold,” Sania said.
She herself was full of praise for the ace shooter. “He deserves all that he’s got, and I hope he continues to do well,” said Sania, who picked up a silver medal for her performance.
Like the Mirza sisters, Narang also hails from Hyderabad.
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Gays gear up to cheer
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community is mobilising mass support for openly gay athlete – Matthew Mitcham – when he participates in a swimming event Wednesday at the S.P. Mukherjee Swimming Complex.
The community, which showed its support to the athlete Sunday when he participated in another event, is now planning to go all colourful and turn up in even larger numbers.
“We want to let him know that we appreciate the fact that he had the courage to stand up and be open about his sexuality,” a community member said.
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Paid in kind
If you thought the red and white uniform clad Games volunteers would have to make do with just certificates at the end of the event, think again. Many have been seen requesting the players and delegates for gifts.
The volunteers, mostly college students, are happy to be paid in kind. Bags, caps, T-shirts and jerseys of foreign teams are being openly flaunted. Badges are a sought after item.
One volunteer even asked for a player’s digicam – without success, of course!
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Mosquito repellent for Aussies
After snakes, rats and dogs, now mosquitoes are causing concern to the Australians.
A group of Australian journalists watching Sunday’s India-Pakistan hockey match kept complaining about mosquitoes and wasps entering the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium due to floodlights. Not willing to take a chance, they took out some mosquito repellent and sprayed it on.
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A full house
The press gallery seldom looks so full. But with India taking on archrival Pakistan in hockey at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium Sunday, journos were not about to miss it.
Many journalists hunted for seats. There are three stands for the press and all were occupied. Many had no option but to sit on the steps and watch. Volunteers soon requested them not to do so and many scribes ended up standing throughout the thrilling match. But no one complained – India won 7-4 after all!