The initial report from the Athletes' Village does not seem too encouraging. The Indian contingent is finding it tough to adjust to the food and accommodation. There is very little choice for vegetarians, says the chef-de-mission, Raj Singh and another official mentioned that the accommodation was cramped.
With nearly 12-14 athletes housed in each apartment with around five rooms on three levels, the biggest problem for the athletes seems to be not only the size of the rooms, which is rather small, but also usage of bathroom facilities.
Many of the apartments have three levels with each level having two or three rooms and each room having at least two beds. "So the total is anything between 12 and 15," said an officials.
"For each one of the sportspersons to get ready in time, we really have to do it fast, simply because too many people are using the limited facilities," said one of the officials.
The Indian sports persons are also facing problems with food. "There are very few choices for vegetarians and many of our contingent members are vegetarians. There are pizzas and McDonald, but that is not good for athletes," said Raj Singh. "The food at the Olympic Games with an Asian Food Court was way better. And if you remember we have 200-250 kinds of food items in Delhi for last Commonwealth Games."
Meanwhile, with late clearances and athletes coming in numerous batches, the Indian officials are still unsure of the exact numbers of their contingent.
As Raj Singh, the chef-de-mission said, "I have been here for a while, and so am not sure of the exact numbers, the news for which should have come from India. But I think there are about 224 athletes and 100 officials, making it about 320 or so."
The numbers are difficult to track because many officials are here presumably on "a no cost to government" and some participants may have been cleared at the last minute, which is a 'normal' practice in Indian sport.
Kit for Opening Ceremony still not fully ready
And yes, as usual the kit for the Opening Ceremony is not in a state of full readiness. Some of the athletes have not got the kit, which is different from the past. The blue colour has been discarded in favour of grey for shirts and the men will have black trousers, instead of dark blue. The men will also wear the traditional Indian headgear, pagris'. The women will wear sarees.
"As part of a three-member committee for the purpose of the Ceremonial kit, we had decided on the colours, designs, etc around three weeks ago, but it got delayed further and we are hoping things will be ready in time for the Ceremony tomorrow," said Raj Singh.
One of the other officials mentioned that unofficially some of the athletes have been asked to skip the Opening because their kit may not be ready, but the excuse to be touted will be 'training' sessions.
Two athletes to return
Two members of the Indian contingent Sachin Roby, a part of the 4 x 400m relay team for men, and Sachin Chaudhary, a powerlifter in Para sports, are going back home early. While Chaudhary is returning home because his father is seriously ill, Roby is going back as he is down with jaundice. "I have asked the doctors to tell me when he can declared ready to fly and we will send him," Raj Singh.
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