The Hindu : Games hype fails to enthuse crowds

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 16, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

Games hype fails to enthuse crowds

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD Dec. 15. The euphoria whipped up by the National Games failed to translate into spectator strength at the Lal Bahadur Stadium in the City on Sunday. Despite it being a holiday, none of the games venues managed to draw a big crowd.

The main stadium where various States are vying for the football honours in keenly fought contests, attracted a small group of spectators who spread out thinly across the galleries and cheered the players. Some City schools, which brought their students in buses to watch the games proved to be the saving grace at L.B. Stadium. Some policemen posted for security arrangements also sneaked inside to catch the action. At the boxing contest a motley crowd gathered around the ring to cheer the competitors.

However, the venues at Gachibowli had the holiday crowd descending on the main stadium in sizeable numbers. Ditto with the indoor stadium at Yousufguda.

Meanwhile, the State Government on Sunday appealed to the people to attend the ongoing National Games in large numbers. "Sports lovers can watch the games in all the stadia free of cost," an official spokesman said.

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