After the bomb scare just about a kilometre away from the football venue at the Maligaon Railway Stadium where Punjab were playing Meghalaya in the opening Group A encounter this morning, the 33rd National Games are again back on track. And so is Assam’s campaign in football as they thrashed Maharashtra 4-0 in the opening tie at the Nehru Stadium today. However, the bomb blast where no one was injured, couldn’t in any way dampen the spirit of the players as Meghalaya scraped past Punjab 2-1 in a very close encounter. Though security was the talking point of the day as one could see gun-toting policeman at all roads leading to the different venues, there were many positives for sports and sports lovers of the state. Speaking during the glittering opening ceremony where the rich diversity of the Assamese culture was displayed at the Sarusajai Sports Complex, the Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi today promised many more international events to Guwahati in the near future. Kalmadi also said that if India were to attain higher levels in sports the government will have to spend more funds on the development of proper infrastructure, training, accommodation, scientific research and on foreign coaches. “See what Guwahati has achieved today,” Kalmadi said.After all the initial hurdles the Games are finally on and though the non participation of some of the top stars have dampened the spirit, people are eagerly waiting for rest of the events to unfold. From tomorrow, boxing, aquatics, shooting and tennis will be some of the main attractions as 11 disciplines will take place. In the absence of top stars like Dingko Singh and Mary Kom, Manipuri boxer L Sarita Devi is likely to be the star attraction in the boxing ring. Shikha Tandon’s presence in the pool is also a welcome relief. But all cheers for the local girl Faria Zaman who shot into limelight after her four-gold haul at the SAF Games recently.The other noteworthy name who is eagerly awaited by fans here is the latest badminton sensation Saina Nehwal.
