Wembley Wonder

Today was a double header. First the India - New Zealand hockey match at the Olympic Park and then a rush across town to the football at one of the world's most famous stadia, Wembley Stadium.

One went with a spring in one's step to the Riverbank Arena to watch our hockey men. After the memorable fight back in the second half of the previous match against Holland, us India supporters were encouraged to expect India would put it across the higher ranked Kiwis. All went according to the Indian script as we scored in the very second minute. 1-0 to India and the promise of more to come. Alas, it was not to be. In a disappointing performance thereafter the spoils of the day were taken by the Kiwis with a 3-1 score line.

I make a quick dash immediately after the match from the Olympic Park deep in East London to the Liverpool Street station where Rati meets me. After a hug and another, "Happy birthday Rati", we set off by Tube to the outer reaches of North West London and the Wembley Stadium. Miraculously we are in our seats for the start of the South Korea - Gabon football game. And what seats they prove to be! What a stadium we are in! Without doubt the best stadium I've ever been in. The spectator attendance at the match, in true Wembley Stadium tradition, is flashed on the giant screens during the second half of the game. 76,927 is the spectator count for the game.

The fabulous Wembley Stadium. The best stadium I have ever been in.

How the 76,927 were controlled post the match and found themselves home provides another example of how well organised these Games have been. Wave after wave of humanity find themselves lead into the Wembley Park tube station without any hiccups. Event after event the stadia have matched the superb way the crowds have been managed.

Post match most of the 76,927 spectators are lead into Wembley Park tube station - orderly and organised.

Although our World number 1 archer, Deepika Kumari, fares miserably in her first round today, our badminton singles flags are flying high. P. Kashyap has probably surprised himself by reaching the quarter finals whilst Saina Nehwal surprised no one by doing likewise.

I am eagerly looking forward to being at the Wembley Arena to cheer Saina along.....