Stylish, cute and a little shy. This is what Glenn Warfe — the 26-year-old Australian badminton player is like. We met this affable player on the third day of the Commonwealth Games Badminton competition at the Siri Fort sports complex. Soon after his Men’s Double game, Warfe came to the mixed zone, the place where the player interacts with the press.
Drenched in sweat and catching on his breath, Warfe started a little hesitantly, “It’s not my first trip to India. I visited Hyderabad in 2008 for a tournament.” That was however, just a four-day trip and Delhi was not on his agenda then.
Wiping off his sweat from his T-shirt, Warfe, a Melbourne resident, says, “My city is a multi-cultural city and we are very open to other traditions and customs.” But in 2009, many Indians were racially abused in Australia. So what are his views about those racist incidents?
“Our city is very welcoming. But sometimes, things are blown out of proportion and then they take a bad shape,” he said defensively.
So did the Australian find Indians welcoming here in Delhi? “Oh, we are so happy here. A lot of negative news was doing the rounds before we came; but here, everything is just perfect. The opening ceremony was awesome,” he replied.
A Games volunteer came to assist Warfe as the stipulated time to interact with the press was getting over. But the player asked for a couple of more minutes and quickly gave his last comments. “I am enjoying my stay at the Games Village. We bond with players from other countries in the lounge area at the international zone. We even have spa treatment, which is cool.”
A Games volunteer came to assist Warfe as the stipulated time to interact with the press was getting over. But the player asked for a couple of more minutes and quickly gave his last comments. “I am enjoying my stay at the Games Village. We bond with players from other countries in the lounge area at the international zone. We even have spa treatment, which is cool.”
After the Games get over, Warfe plans to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra.
As for now, he is savouring the Indian food served at the Village. “I love the lamb curry.
Dal
and
rice
, too, is a good combination. But I want to try more spicy dishes.” Pointing towards his tummy, he added, “But only after my competitions get over. I can’t take any chance right now.”