Spectators had a tough time walking through the unsanitary lanes adjoining Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

While the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony was spectacular to say the least, many enthusiasts and even VIPs were left bruised and battered while traversing through the adjoining lanes of gate number 6 and 9 of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Reason: filthy open drains that attracted thousands of blood-thirsty mosquitoes. Incidentally, the Jangpura Metro station is located about 200 metres from the stadium. So commuters were compelled to wage a war that they couldn't win.

"What is this? This is an absolutely difficult situation; it has been half an hour since I started fighting these mosquitoes. They have been hovering all around. No movement in the lane traffic is compounding problems," said an irritated German dignitary.

The humid weather and unhygienic atmosphere was not helping matters. "My God I had no idea it would be this hot, but the flies are creating bigger problems. One can wait for long, but it's bad with the mosquitoes around here.

I think it's still fine; we can go through this as well. After all we are here for the event," said a lady who was holding a paper fan and mosquito repellent cream. The huge crowd queuing up at the entry gates was consisted of many expatriates. People were walking in hoards as if headed to a pilgrimage. The whole area on the way to the opening gates was a scene of confusion as no one had an idea where to go.

"I should have brought something to cover myself. The flies are irritating. It's quite hot here; we have been waiting for hours. The place is littered," said Frank Thomas, a French tourist.