The Enthusiasm Of The Travelling Fans Is Making Up E Relative Disinterest Among Russians.
My first impression of Moscow was one of denial. Barring a few banners and signs, the city seemed to be unaware that it was hosting a tournament of the World Cup’s magnitude. Stony-faced commuters seemed to be avoiding tourists, almost as if the Russian public were inconvenienced by this sudden influx of foreigners. In fact, some locals are going on month-long holidays to avoid the expected one-million plus tourists. The festive mood is restricted to certain areas like the metro, Fan Fests (free public screenings by FIFA) and the Red Square.
Yet, for a country that has a love-hate relationship with the English language, local authorities have done their best to make the city tourist-friendly. Moscow’s metro system now has directions in both English and the Cyrllic alphabet. English lessons were arranged for a host of locals who come into direct contact with the fans, like doctors, taxi drivers, metro workers and bartenders.
With Russia at the receiving end of much criticism for the lack of law and order during sporting events, there was heightened security around the Russia Day celebrations two days before kick-off. The Russian Football Union (RFS) had also blacklisted scores of “ultras” and hooligans to prevent them from creating trouble during World Cup games, though some of them, reportedly, still got tickets. However, it would be a different matter altogether to cause trouble at the stadiums. A local fan in Moscow said that the Russians normally would not be afraid of causing trouble at World Cup games, but since the Federal Security Service (FSB) has been brought into the matter, they are scared out of their wits. About 1,300 cameras have been installed in the Luzhniki Stadium alone. Even the slightest act of trouble could be picked up and, this, said the fan, would be noted by the FSB, who would take strict action and bring the persons in for interrogation. Horror stories of state-related abductions are common here.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Themes Of Choice
As Savvy Investors Seek New Avenues, Thematic Mutual Funds Are Gaining Popularity
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict