Vuvuzela may make its India debut at CWG

New Delhi: Major sporting events, including tennis major Wimbledon, made it a point to ban vuvuzela but the organisers of the Commonwealth Games are keen to introduce the noisy plastic horn during the mega event.

Vuvuzela was introduced as one of the merchandise of the October 3-14 Games but the OC is yet to get clearance on its entry into the stadium from the police. Vuvuzela was a hit with fans during the FIFA World Cup in South Africa but it proved a headache for most of the footballers. However, Premiere Brands, official merchandise partner of the Games, insists that India is a different case."You are criticising it from the noise point of view. But we Indians have always liked noise. When our families get together, our neighbours can hear us (talking). We are not Europeans," Suresh Kumar, chairman of Premier Brands, told reporters after the launch of the official Games` merchandise. "Vuvuzela is one product which has been very successful in merchandising in FIFA, South Africa. This is the next international event and we hope the same," he said.Asked if fans will be allowed to carry inside the stadium, OC treasurer, A K Mattoo said, "We have requested Lalit Bhanot to put in a request to the Delhi police to ask them which merchandise can be taken inside the stadium." Bhanot said he was in touch with security personnel to get the clearance. PTI