Chandigarh: The atmosphere was joyous, the occasion truly memorable. It was the much-awaited dinner hosted by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for Olympic medallists and participants from the state, and some others, including gold medallist Neeraj Chopra.

Pleasure intermingled with pride, as India’s celebration of the Olympic glory continued days after the return of the heroes. The lawns of the chief minister’s farmhouse in Mohali were lit up with the spirit of revelry and the aroma of the savouries that Capt Amarinder had painstakingly prepared for his cherished guests.
Capt Amarinder’s special touch was unmistakable. It could be seen (and tasted) in every dish of the lavish spread on the table. And the smile of satisfaction on his face, even after hours of hard work as the chef of the moment, was enviable.
“I started at 11 in the morning. Most of it was done by around 5 pm, and then it was time for some final touches. But I loved every minute of it,” said the chief minister, with the enjoyment of it all sparkling in his eyes.
“They (the sportspersons) worked so hard to win us glory, what I have done for them is nothing in comparison,” he remarked, looking his usual dapper self as he greeted the guests personally, with no sign of fatigue from all those hours of cooking and supervising the arrangements.AGENCIES