Stifling security can sometimes lead to problems on other fronts. The curfew-like conditions for the Commonwealth Shooting Championships, which were officially opened on Thursday, left many parched and hungry. The overzealous security personnel did not differentiate between competitors, workers, reporters, organising committee officials and foreign competitors, and all of them were subjected to the same treatment.
No water bottles, food packets, laptops, the list was endless, and it left those who had come prepared for a long haul high and dry. Obviously, the home team shooters were fuming. “Somebody tell the security officials that we are shooting from tomorrow. At least allow us to carry our water bottles, energy drinks and food packets,” said a skeet shooter.
The condition of the daily wage labourers and private security guards was worse. A group of 40-odd unskilled workmen sat at the shotgun ranges waiting for lunch and water. When food finally arrived at 4 pm, it comprised of two bananas and a glass of water. However, the foreign teams had a different take and preferred to “overlook” the shortcomings despite suffering as much. The England shotgun manager, Joan Watts, said, “This security is for our safety. It’s making us feel secure,” she said.