Cricket gets some competition as spectators throng Games

Guwahati, Feb 18 (UNI) For those who think only cricket fills up a stadium in India, its high time to pay a visit to Asom.

The gentleman's game has finally got some competition. The sports crazy Asomese, leaving aside years of frustration of living under the shadow of gun, for past ten days have been thronging almost every single venue of the 33rd national games.

''It is amazing. I have never seen such craze for any sports other than cricket in any parts of India,'' said a beaming Suresh Kalmadi, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

''I have seen people waiting on the queues for as long as two hours to see aquatic event. There are much more in the main stadium.

This is extraordinary. The crowd participation brings out the best in an athlete,'' said Mr Kalmadi.

Such was the craze that last night Nehru Stadium, at the heart of the city, was on brink of the stampede as Asom defeated Tamil Nadu in the football final.

''Where will you see Union Minister (Santosh Mohan Dev) charging and jumping like school kid after each goals were scored,'' asked the Asom Olympic Official Raj Kakati.

Last night Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Union Minister Santosh Mohan Dev were leading a 33,000-strong partisan crowd rooting for the home team.

When home team obliged winning the Gold, the whole of Guwahati erupted in joy sparking celebrations that continued till midnight.

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