Athletics Nationals end in utter chaos due to power blackout

Image
Press Trust of India Ranchi
Last Updated : Sep 10 2013 | 8:16 PM IST
The 53rd National Open Athletics Championships ended here today in utter chaos with the closing ceremony, attended by state sports minister, being held in complete darkness for the entire period after a power blackout.
Power went off as soon as the closing ceremony began at 6pm and the entire Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium descended into complete darkness.
There was no alternative arrangement made for such an eventuality by the organisers and the ceremony, which lasted a little over an hour, continued with the state sports minister Geetashree Oraon being shielded by her security guards by forming a circle of human bodies around her.
With the mike not working, the minister declared the Championships closed at the top of her voice and one official announced that Railways were the women's team and overall champions. Services were declared men's team champions.
In bizzare scenes, the organisers were seen using their mobile phone headlights to read papers while making announcements.
Today's chaotic scenes at the closing ceremony would add to the discomfiture of the organisers with the Championships which have been hit by controversies ranging from a national record being questioned by its previous holder and medals being received by athletes who had not won them during the victory ceremony.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Sep 10 2013 | 8:16 PM IST

Next Story