Spectators Excluded from Commonwealth Rugby 7s Test Event

The Challenge of Accommodating Spectators

The Commonwealth Rugby 7s championships, a significant test event leading up to the Delhi Games, has hit a snag as fans are barred from attending. The absence of a temporary stand has led to this decision, with authorities emphasizing the need for such infrastructure to manage the crowd and ensure safety.

Organizational Hurdles

Rugby India President Pramod Khanna has voiced his support for the police's stance on the matter, stating, "Police have been clear from the start that spectators will not be permitted to watch the Rugby 7s test event unless a temporary stand is constructed at the venue. Unfortunately, no such provision has been made." The police have also pointed out that the pavilion is reserved for dignitaries who require accreditation, further complicating the possibility of public attendance.

The Teams and the Tournament

The tournament will feature a compelling opening match between hosts India and Pakistan. Other participating nations include Sri Lanka, Iran, Malaysia, Brunei, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Despite the excitement surrounding these matches, the lack of spectator accommodation has dampened the spirits of many fans.

Khanna has downplayed the impact of the exclusion of spectators, suggesting that the test event's primary purpose is to gauge the players' readiness for the Commonwealth Games. He questions the public's interest in the event, although this stance may not reflect the enthusiasm of the broader rugby community.

Venue and Event Details

Delhi University's Hindu College is set to host the eight-nation event, which serves as a critical test for the upcoming Commonwealth Games scheduled from October 3-14. However, the city police have reiterated their position that the public will not be allowed entry without the erection of a temporary stand.

The Broader Impact on Sports Events

The exclusion of spectators from such a test event raises questions about the preparedness and infrastructure planning for major sporting events. It also highlights the importance of considering fan engagement and experience when organizing these events.

A Look at the Numbers

While specific attendance figures for rugby events in India are not readily available, the global popularity of rugby is on the rise. According to World Rugby, the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan saw a record-breaking attendance of over 1.84 million people, showcasing the sport's growing appeal. This incident in Delhi may represent a missed opportunity to capitalize on rugby's increasing fan base and to promote the sport in a country where it is not traditionally a major pastime.

Conclusion

The Commonwealth Rugby 7s championships test event in Delhi presents a missed opportunity for fans to connect with the sport and for players to experience the atmosphere of a live audience. As the city prepares for the Commonwealth Games, the need for better infrastructure and fan accommodation is clear. The hope is that future events will better address these needs, ensuring that the excitement of sports can be shared by all.

For more information on the Commonwealth Games and the sports involved, visit the official Commonwealth Games website. To learn more about the growth of rugby worldwide, check out World Rugby's official site.