When performers were bugged

The closing ceremony was mobbed by moth

Several animals, from various species, have been spotted in and around the Commonwealth Games venues, sometimes bugging players or spectators and at other times giving anxious moments to security personnel. Thursday's closing ceremony was no different.

Performers, especially the ones performing at the corners, complained they were kept busy by a swarm of moth and other insects present at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Kanwaljeet, a dancer, said backstage: "I was performing at the extreme corner, and was standing very close to the lights. Insects were entering my mouth, nose and ears due to which I was not able to concentrate on my performance. The authorities should have done something to stop them beforehand."

"One of the insects entered my mouth and I started coughing. It got so intense that I fell down. By the time I recovered, I was lost. The rest of my team members were already ahead. Thereafter, I could not concentrate," said Deepak, another dancer.

Earlier, Sania Mirza, who missed out on a Gold Medal, also complained she was distracted by a huge swarm of insects present on court during the match. "I have never seen so many insects flying around at the tennis courts. I have been playing in Delhi for a number of years now. A swarm of moths and other insects kept bugging me during the match."

Even Mahesh Bhupathi had a tough time when a fly entered his eye and he had to ask his partner Leander Paes for help. Playing against Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna for Bronze, the Indian Express had to take a small break from the game to take out the intruder.

Apart from insects, reptiles and animals have been troubling Games officials and athletes. Two cobras were rescued from the Commonwealth Games Village last Friday night.