Last Updated: May 14, 2023, 22:48 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 have been being handled like royalty in a five-star resort in Lahore.
Part of a 32-member Indian bridge contingent have 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 world wide, 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 successful all 4 gold medals on supply.
With Pakistan witnessing nationwide violence following Khan’s arrest earlier this week, a number of nerves in the visiting Indian crew’s camp have been anticipated however talking to PTI, Tiwari stated the organisers made positive they felt fully protected in the confines of the Pearl Continental resort.
“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 we’ve had out of all of the abroad tournaments we’ve taken half in.
“We too are identified for our hospitality in India however after 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,” stated 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 have been going to Ghaziabad from Delhi. Culturally, there are some variations however, by and enormous, you’re feeling at house solely,” he added.
(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed)
