In India, cricket
is played everywhere, from cricket clubs to the grassy spaces
of New Delhi and in the streets. The national side is followed with
a loyalty that's almost fanatic. India is a consistently strong
team, skillfully battling its mighty Antipodean, UK and South African
rivals.
Test Matches are played at Ferozshah Kotla Stadium, in Dehli,
on Bahadur Shah Zhafar Marg, between September and March. Attending
a test match here is very exhilarating, but not for the faint-hearted.
Additional popular Indian games include kabbadi, a team sport
mixing the characteristics of rugby, wrestling, and kho kho,
an evolved game of catch and hockey, in which the Indians consistently
produce sides that challenge the finest in the world. There are
also facilities in Delhi catering to the elite, for a good selection
of sports, including gyms, golf, tennis, and swimming.
Bowling
Like many Asians, Indians seem to enjoy bowling. There's is a popular
bowling alley at the Qutb Hotel, off Sri Aurobindo Marg (telephone:
(011) 652- 1234).
Fitness centers
In Delhi, fitness centers signify status and the well-groomed keep
fit at Arya Vaidya Sala, South Extension (tel: (011) 462-1790),
and Nelson Health Club, Hotel Samrat, Chanakyapuri (tel:
(011) 611-0606). Several 5-star hotels also provide fitness facilities
for their guests.
Golf
Delhi’s most popular golf course is the Delhi Golf and
Country Club, Dr Zakir Hussein Marg (tel: (011) 436-2768). It
boasts a 9-hole and an 18-hole course, both are dotted
with Mughal mausolea. The timid should be advised that cobras reportedly
lurk in the rough.
The 18-hole course is open to everyone on weekdays but restricted
to members and their guests at weekends. The 9-hole course is open
to all throughout the entire week. Green fees are Rs 1950 (US $40)
and golf clubs can be rented for Rs20. Ball-spotters and caddies
are available.
Horse racing
Delhi Racecourse, off Safdarjang Road (telephone: (011)
301-2943), has regular meetings during the racing season (October
to April). The racecourse is an informal, almost provincial course,
in noticeable contrast to Mumbai’s grand stands and sprawling
lawns. There is a large covered shed, which contains the bookies’
pitches. Cost for Admission to the Members’ Enclosure is Rs50.
Horseriding and polo
The Delhi Riding Club, Safdarjung Road (telephone: (011)
301-1891), and the Polo Club, Cavalry Cariappa Marg, both
provide equestrian sporting facilities. The polo season is from
October through March.
Swimming
The safest swimming is at hotel pools, including Hotel Imperial,
Janpath (telephone: (011) 334-1234), Ashok Hotel, Chanakyapuri
(telephone: (011) 611-0101), Hotel Samrat, Chanakyapuri (telephone:
(011) 611- 0606), Hotels usually charge non-residents for entry.
Public swimming baths are located at NDMC Pools, Nehru Park,
Chanakyapuri, Talkatora Pool, Talkatora Road, and
National Stadium Complex, opposite India Gate.
Tennis
Tennis is another sport said to have originated in India. There
are tennis courts at Delhi Lawn Tennis Association, Africa
Avenue; Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Bhishama Pitamah Road,
and the National Sports Club of India, Mathura Road (telephone:
(011) 338-5564).
Water sports
Water sports at Bhaleswa Lake, and other adventure activities
– local and further a field – are at one's disposal
through Delhi Tourism’s Adventure Tourism Division
(telephone: (011) 336-3607).
Yoga
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Nataraja Center, Community Centre,
East of Kailash (telephone: (011) 648-0869) offers yoga instruction.. |
