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 on Thursday 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, said after the launch of the official Games' merchandise here.
"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.
Vuvuzela was criticised for its loud droning noise, that sounds like an angry swarm of hornets, during the FIFA World Cup by the players, who said it causes distraction.
Union of European Football Associations though today banned vuvuzela from all UEFA-sanctioned games such as Euro 2012 qualifiers and Champions League games, claiming it drown out the Europe's football culture and tradition.
"It is difficult for anyone on the pitch to concentrate. A lot of players don't like them, but they are going to have to get used to them," Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese footballer, had said.
Athletes may not like them but the Indian fans won't mind if they can blow it during the mega events.
"It is fun to play them. It is new and it is not difficult," said Saransh Singh, an advertising executive.
It remains to be seen if vuvuzela fans like Saransh will have a chance to use these during the Games.