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Security is tight in Delhi as ONE News Jack Tame (left) and NZ athletes have discovered - Source: ONE News/Reuters
It was a bit awkward the first time, really.
It wasn't that I hadn't expected security. I knew every last possession I packed for Delhi would be x-rayed until it glowed. I knew every time we walked into a stadium someone would check my access pass, and on every corner of the central city a semi-pubescent soldier with questionable training would wave an enormous assault rifle.
I just didn't expect the body checks to be so thorough.
Central Delhi is surrounded by a security bubble. We have checkpoints at every Commonwealth Games venue, every official building, even at the front doors of our hotel.
It can be frustrating. It can seem unnecessary. And as our team has discovered, it can also be a very personal experience.
First you take off your sunglasses. You empty your pockets, throw your trinkets in the tray. A man scans your pass, you walk through the turnstile. Backpacks off, and a sweaty shirt clings to a sweaty back. Ewww.
Then it happens. You stride through the frame of the metal detector, and even if the siren doesn't sound, you spread. Arms out. Legs apart. Sheepish grin.
He starts on your chest. Pat pat. He moves to your pits. Pat pat. He brushes your arms and sweeps down your legs. Pat pat.
Then he moves inland. Hmm. From the ankles up, it's a subtle shift, but you notice every centimetre. Hmm. He drifts north& north.. north. Ooop. Hello.
Clear.
I'm officially not a threat. A security threat, anyway.
But everyone working at the Commonwealth Games can say with confidence, India takes security VERY seriously.
You take what you get I guess.
