The Hindu : In sync with the spirit

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 14, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

In sync with the spirit

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD Dec. 13. By the time the drums of different kinds created a euphonious crescendo, the packed G.M.C. Balayogi Stadium was transported into a different world.

It was sheer ecstasy for the sportspersons, officials, politicians and the general public as Sivamani, Selva Ganesh, Vikku Vinyakam with their ensemble got into a cadence.

And, there was more as the diamonds lit up the sky, a never-ending sequence of fireworks coupled with strobe lights dancing crazily on their own. The National Games got off to a spectacular start at Gachibowli here on Friday.

Even as people trooped into the stadium looking at the amazing new structures that rose out of wilderness very few had an idea of what was to unfold later. The President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and the Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, were warmly welcomed.

Initially, half the stadium was empty, but that was only for a while as it got filled to capacity soon. Young volunteers smartly attired in white coats were at hand guiding people to their seats, supplying water and other sundry things in an efficient manner.

There was glamour too in the VIP stands in the form of Bollywood stars Mahima Choudary and Namrata Shirodkar. Social activist Nafisa Ali too was there. Chiranjeevi filled in the role for local stars. There was his father-in-law and veteran comedian Allu Ramalingaiah who was in his elements when the music encompassed everyone. Several State Ministers were smartly dressed for the occasion wearing peach colour suits.

Air Force choppers and Surya Kirans set the mood so did our very own S.P. Balasubramanium with his mellifluous `Vandemataram'.

Dhanraj Pillay, the flag bearer for Maharashtra and the State team drew the loudest cheers during the marchpast while the best dressed was the Jammu and Kashmir contingent with their brown suits.

The force behind the games, Mr. Naidu, had the gathering literally eating out of his hands with his call for organising Olympics. His advice to the guests was not to "miss Hyderabad biryani''!

A magnificent tune of maestro A.R. Rahman got everyone to feel they were holding the torch, as it was lead into the stadium. Superstar Amitabh Bachchan sat till the end along with Mr. Naidu and his message was heard in absolute silence. His promo of the games telecast on the giant screen was superb.

The electronic screen and the splendid camerawork by Doordarshan ensured that none missed the action either in the stadium or anywhere else in the country. Remo, Usha Uthup, Ila Arun, Sukhwinder et al had the sportspersons dancing and others humming but the crowd rarely responded with the sticks or colour clothes given to all.

School children who took part in the dances and callisthenics showed that all the hours of practice was worth the effort and `Veera' was so cool! "Khelo'', the games song by Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy was as catchy as they come. Take a bow, organisers.

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