Saris tie up players in knots

The Indian women are looking particularly stressed. So what’s got them so fidgety on the eve of the opening ceremony of the Games? No, it’s not stage fright --- nor do they have doubts about their stated of preparedness.

Hours before the country’s biggest event, the Games Village is abuzz with activity and, to some extent, nerves.

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In the Indian quarter, some are praying, some talking too fast, some are putting in some intense last minute practice.

The Indian women are looking particularly stressed. So what’s got them so fidgety on the eve of the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games?

No, it’s not stage fright --- nor do they have doubts about their stated of preparedness. Actually, most of them are completely frazzled over their clothes.

Most haven’t worn a sari before, and because that is what the women have to wear for the opening ceremony, it’s tying them up in knots — literally.

“I have never worn a sari in my life, so tomorrow’s a first,” says a stressed Geeta, an Indian hope in the 55kg wrestling event. “I am trying to quickly learn how to walk in one so I won’t trip.”

On Friday, she tried to tie a sari herself, and couldn’t, but was finally rescued by the team physiotherapist, Perivinkel Kaur.

Fellow wrestler Alka Tomar wore a sari during the Arjuna Award function in 2008, so she’s a veteran, in comparison. Five of the seven-member Indian women’s wrestling contingent has ever worn a sari.