Ranchi ready to paint a colourful picture

Organisational flaws might have left hundreds of media professionals struggling to get their accreditation cards but the sprawling Mega Sports Complex in Ranchi paints a different picture.

Most of the venues within the 300-acre complex look primed for action.
“The facilities are really good,” said Services gymnastics coach Dinesh Mohanty, speaking to Deccan Herald at the Ganpatrai Indoor stadium which will play host to gymnastics and handball. “The apparatus used are of latest standards and we are really happy to compete here.”

Venues apart, the city is abuzz with excitement with 18,000 tickets of the opening ceremony already sold within two days.

Banners welcoming the visitors are visible at every nook and corner of Ranchi.
Security can be a big concern in the Maoist hotbed but Special Secretary for the Games, Nitin Kulkarni, allayed any such fears.

“Nowadays security can be a huge worry for any sporting event. We are fully prepared and with 3000 forces manning the Complex and Games Village, I am confident everyone will have a safe journey.”

The opening ceremony, to be attended by Governor MOH Farook and Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi, will showcase the culture of the State with a tribute to the iconic Birsa Munda at the start.

Performances by Bollywood stars Amisha Patel, Sameera Reddy and Vivek Oberoi will be the highlight of the ceremony.

A special presentation will be made on Jharkhand’s famous sporting persons, with laser shows and fireworks applying the finishing touches.