Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi: Medals in Sight for Athletes as Arrangements Improve in New Delhi
After weeks of speculations, the Commonwealth Games looks to be heading in the right direction after the organisers succeeded in pulling up their socks in the nick of time and salvage the bruised and battered pride of the Indian nation.
Thousands of athletes from all over the world have arrived in the Indian capital in the last few days, as trouble subsided with reports that organizational chaos was taken care of at the Games Village.
There were concerns over filthy accommodation, a dengue fever epidemic and security at the accommodation for the players and officials set up in New Delhi, subsequently many of the participating nations were forced to lodge their athletes at various hotels
in New Delhi.
The organisers were not helped in their endeavours one bit when images of dirty apartments, stray dogs, beggars living by venues and workers urinating in public were splashed all over the internet bringing more embarrassment to an already struggling host.
The trouble was heightened when a footbridge collapsed near the main stadium, injuring 27 workers.
There have been concerns on the security arrangement also especially after two Taiwanese tourists were injured in a gun attack outside a prominent mosque in the host city two weeks ago.
There was some positive news for the organisers when Chris Jenkins, chef de mission of Wales – claimed that there have been significant improvements in the Games Village and leading sporting venues.
"We went public, but we had to, to force the hands of the OC (Organising Committee) and also of the Delhi Government to come in and throw the resources and that they have done. Obviously, we can see massive changes, a real step change in the last week,"
Jenkins said.
Jenkins also gave his nod of approval to the stringent security checks that have made the athletes feel more comfortable than before.
"We spent 20 minutes trying to get to the right gate and we had to turn around to go back and we did. The security works very well. We asked for tight security and we have got tight security," Jenkins added.
Meanwhile, some of the athletes from the host nation who have been accommodated in the Games Village in the last few days claimed that they are happy with the facilities at their disposal.
Harman Singh Sandhu, coach of the Indian weightlifting team said, "Whenever we wish we can go to practice venues and come back to the rooms. I don't think there is lack of the facilities, they are the best ones now."
The athletes have vowed to give their best in front of their home audiences who are expected to flock in big numbers at various sporting venues around the city.
"We will definitely perform well. I assure you that we will give our best to show," Sandhu said.
The Commonwealth Games, first held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930, are held every four years, former British colonies from around the world take part in the sporting extravaganza, which gives an ideal opportunity to the athletes of preparing themselves for
bigger international challenges.
While most of the contingents are now satisfied with the facilities at the Games Village, the Pakistani High Commissioner to India Shahid Malik felt that the arrangement at the Commonwealth Games Village needed to be improved further.
"There are many things, I can't pin-point. But authorities know about it and they have assured me that before the time our contingent arrives here, they will be able to put it in order," he said.
"The arrival of players should not be affected but once players have arrived, they should be provided with facilities, comfort and security.” concluded the diplomat.
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