Last Updated: May 14, 2023, 21:46 IST
Indian bridge crew handled like royalty in Lahore after Imran Khan’s protest (PTI)
After the arrest of Imran Khan, the Indian bridge crew was advised to remain indoors however they received a number of sightseeing alternatives in Lahore
When the entire of Pakistan was on the sting following the dramatic arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, bridge gamers from India had been being handled like royalty in a five-star lodge in Lahore.
Part of a 32-member Indian bridge contingent had been well-known philanthropist Kiran Nadar, spouse of HCL founder Shiv Nadar, and one other veteran in the game, Rajeshwar Tiwari.
Tiwari, who has additionally taken half in the Asian Games amongst different worldwide occasions all over the world, was in the crew that gained the gold in the open class of the Bridge Federation of Asia and Middle East Championships. India swept the occasion by profitable all 4 gold medals on provide.
With Pakistan witnessing nationwide violence following Khan’s arrest earlier this week, a couple of nerves in the visiting Indian crew’s camp had been anticipated however talking to PTI, Tiwari mentioned the organisers made positive they felt utterly protected in the confines of the Pearl Continental lodge.
“They made us really feel particular ever since we crossed the Wagah border to enter Pakistan. The president of Pakistan Bridge Federation got here to the border to welcome us.
“The competitors was not of the best requirements however in phrases of hospitality, that is the most effective expertise now we have had out of all of the abroad tournaments now we have taken half in.
“We too are recognized for our hospitality in India however once they come right here, it is going to be tough for us to match them,” Tiwari told PTI before boarding a flight from Amritsar airport.
The contingent had reached Lahore on May 4 and majority of the members returned home on Sunday. A batch of seven including Kiran Nadar had returned on Saturday.
After the arrest of Khan, the Indian team was told to stay indoors but before that Tiwari and his teammates got multiple sightseeing opportunities in Lahore.
The Indian team members visited the Lahore Fort in the walled city, explored the famous food street and dined at restaurants close to the Badshahi Mosque and the Samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
“All of our needs were taken care of. They had appointed a guest relation manager to take care of us of even the little things. Safety was also not an issue as the commandos were escorting us wherever we went.
“We must have gone out 3-4 times in our stay in Lahore. Only on Thursday and Friday we were told to stay indoors as per the directive of the Indian High Commission. Overall, it was a memorable experience,” mentioned Tiwari, who’s an IT skilled on the HCL.
Besides hosts Pakistan and India, groups from the UAE, Jordan, Bangladesh and Palestine additionally took half in the occasion.
Tiwari added that the expertise will stick with him for a very long time.
“It didn’t really feel a lot distinction there ever since we crossed the border. I keep in Delhi and crossing the border from Wagah felt as we had been going to Ghaziabad from Delhi. Culturally, there are some variations however, by and huge, you are feeling at dwelling solely,” he added.
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed)
