Tendulkar stars as chaotic National Games kick off

January 31, 2015 22:34

Sachin Tendulkar was there to bring a capacity crowd on its feet and the cultural splendour was there for all to see as the 35th National Games were declared open in Thiruvananthapuram today with a colourful opening ceremony even as organisational chaos continued to take sheen off the event.

The Greenfield Stadium on the outskirts of the city bathed in spectacular colours to welcome the athletes, quite a few of whom were, ironically, still not staying in the Games Village owing to the last-minute finishing touches.

"I am sure the Games will be a huge success," said Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in his address at the ceremony, the comment coming despite the clearly visible poor state of the state's preparations as the venues can still not be called fully ready for competition.

The chaos outside was, however, hardly noticed in the way the ceremony was conducted inside the stadium where the loudest round of applause and cheers went out for Games Goodwill Ambassador Tendulkar, who got up twice to acknowledge the adoring fans.

Flanked by Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy, Sonowal and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, Tendulkar sported a wide grin all through as he applauded the marching athletes from 30 states, five Union Territories and one Board.

"A big thanks from the sports fraternity of Kerala to Sachin Tendulkar," Chandy said in his address to a crowd which went delirious at the mere mention of the now-retired cricketing icon's name.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Hardik blames early collapse for Lucknow loss

Mumbai skipper Hardik Pandya was visibly disappointed with the outcome.

KL Rahul offers update on Mayank Yadav's injury

LSG skipper KL Rahul said Mayank had complained of slight pain in his sides.

SIT issues notice to Revanna, Prajwal in sexual abuse case

They have been asked to appear before SIT for investigation, they said.

Licences of 14 Patanjali, Divya Pharma products suspended: U'khand to SC

In an affidavit filed in the top court, the SLA has given details of the steps taken by it against Patanjali and Divya Pharmacy.

2 Indian spies expelled from Aus for trying to 'steal secrets' in 2020: Media

While The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald said two Indian spies were booted out, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation did not mention any number.