Most of the Indian contingent have started arriving in Rio de Janerio in batches, hoping to get accustomed to the surroundings in the Brazilian capital before the real action commences at the end of this week.
However, all doesn't seem to be okay with the team away from the playing field with the Chef de Mission to Rio, Mr. Rakesh Gupta stating that members of the contingent have faced issues related to transport and language in Brazil. He also added that since the holiday season in the country begins only from the 1st of August, and so there has also been a shortage of volunteers.
“We have faced some problems in transport, particularly the drivers who have language issues, and they don't know the routes very well. The biggest issue we are facing now is the language problem. The volunteers that are engaged, belong to schools and colleges. But the holidays only start from 1st (of August), so there is a shortage of volunteers. They are hoping more volunteers will be available, especially English speaking volunteers, after the 1st (of August),” Mr.Gupta said.
He further added that emails were sent to the Organising Committee for the past year with regards to providing athletes with vegetarian food and expressed happiness about the fact that athletes demand in that aspect was met with.
"I have been regularly emailing the Organising Committee (Of the Rio Olympics) for the past one year, requesting them to provide Indian vegetarian food. I am very happy that they are offering vegetarian food for us in every meal. Everyday, there is a dish of daal. For breakfast and dinner, there are two vegetable dishes. There was aloo gobhi on Friday. So, both the athletes and we are happy that at least we are getting something good to eat,” he said.
India begins its campaign at Rio on the 6th of August.
