New Zealand Indians excited about Commonwealth Games

HAMILTON - The Indian community in New Zealand is eagerly awaiting the start of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi Sunday evening, as many said it was a matter of pride for them that India was hosting it.

There is excitement in the air — and it can be felt more so in Indian families.

Most members of the Indian community are arranging their schedule in a way they can enjoy the live telecast of the Games.

“The opening ceremony is important and we do not want to miss it. How exciting it will be when the participating nations march in alphabetical order and India’s national anthem is played,” pointed out Jarnail Singh Rahuo, general secretary of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Society.

“Commonwealth Games is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. For the first time it will be held in Delhi. It is a matter of pride for Indians in New Zealand,” said Harkrishan Singh Kung, a former president of the Indian Cultural Society, Waikato.

Added Gurpreet Singh, another Indian: “I have swapped my shift with a colleague to make myself available at home to watch the Commonwealth Games. Everyone will be looking at Delhi on TV screens for a few weeks.”

SKY in New Zealand will dedicate five 24-hour channels to the Games — more than 1,400 hours of television coverage.

About 190 of the 290 New Zealand athletes and officials are expected to march in the opening ceremony.

The women’s hockey team has decided to miss the ceremony while swimmers in action on the first morning of competition are unlikely to participate.

The New Delhi Games have drawn about 7,000 participants from 71 countries and territories.

(Amandeep Kaur can be contacted at amisehmi@gmail.com)