Gave 'Dil' to Hockey: Part 1 of 2

When I trumpeted on Facebook that I am going to watch India Pakistan World Cup Hockey Match Live at the stadium, I got many eager responses. Though I did not get the ticket of that match, I resolutely promised to give my ‘Dil’ to hockey by watching upcoming matches. It was any how important to have an in stadia hockey experience in order to find a nice spot between embarrassment and boasting; among my colleagues.

The ticketgenie (online ticketing website) is lazy, stubborn and useless. India versus Australia tickets were not available through internet. India versus Spain match, bang in the middle of the week; in the middle of the evening made little sense and required huge planning and luck.

I raced my work like a swift center forward throughout the day to ensure timely departure from office. My last pit stop at office, before driving off to the stadium was the washroom. Asking directions over the phone, I bumped into the company’s COO. Animated he was…and guided me to the National Stadium – ‘behind the canopy which is behind India Gate’. I had permission.

We parked our cars at Connaught Place and took an auto to the stadium. As we approached the venue, I felt more and more apprehensive. I thought that pushing and shoving, hunger (with no food stalls or hawkers) and exhaustion would reign supreme. The entry into the stadium was in fact pretty smooth. At the entry gate, the security officers took away all the coins that we had. I don’t know if it was an innovative way to collect money or to prevent rework by metal detectors. Women folks with heavy bags found themselves looted as even their pepper sprays were knocked out at the check point.

You don’t expect much from a 100 Rs. ticket. However, bright magnificence left us spellbound as the renovated stadium circle with nicely done interiors ushered us in. It seemed four suns shone heavy on a green patch of earth; the white magical light was sufficient to spot the tip of the needle on the hockey turf. Sitting behind one of the goal posts, we had a straight view of the giant screen, cameramen, cheer leaders and Spain’s boys. My fellow friends were dressed in Saffron and Green ‘Kurtas’ while I tried to complete the National Flag with an off white shirt.

As soon as the players came into the stadium in a serpentine row, the spectators went berserk. We and ALL stood upright and uptight as the national anthem played on. When the last two lines of the anthem were chanted, I thought we had already won the match. The uproar was deafening and the air of jingoism made me feel that I have been transported back to the days of Roman Empire; inside the Colosseum to witness epic gladiatorial combat. Jaye Jaye Jaye Jaye He!

To be continued...Watch this space coming Saturday Morning