Date:04/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/08/04/stories/2005080414360300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

US team welcomed to city

Special Correspondent

CHEERS TO VIZAG: Members of the US team enjoy a sip from tender coconuts offered on their arrival at a city hotel on Wednesday. — Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

VISAKHAPATNAM: The team was expected to reach here on Monday but was forced to spend a couple of days in Hyderabad, thanks to the disruption in flight schedule and the city airport not being able to receive flights after dusk. The young players of the US volleyball team seem to be happy lot as they moved into Hotel Green Park on Wednesday afternoon.

At last they are in the city where they play the World Under-21 Men's Championship from August 6.

The Americans were given the traditional Indian welcome of garlands, harati, etc. The tender coconut water, offered to them on arrival, made them more playful as they offered `cheers' to each other.

They spent some time in the lobby before moving into their respective rooms. After some rest they boarded a bus to the Ukku Stadium for a practice session.

The Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, and the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, are participating in the inaugural function on Friday.