England arrives for Commonwealth Games, Kiwis and Aussies confirm participation
Lady luck may finally be smiling over India as after serious concerns were raised about athlete accommodation and security, teams have finally agreed to participate in the Commonwealth Games with Australia and New Zealand confirming their participation.
Some of the England team members have also landed in the Indian capital bringing some relief for the organizers as their arrival would attract smaller nations to attend the games, who were thinking of pulling out of the event.
Scotland and England jointly announced yesterday that they were seriously thinking to opt out of the Commonwealth Games. But the surprise arrival of some of their athletes may well bring some glamour back to the tournament, which has already lost a host
of stars due to poor conditions and security concerns.
It looks more like a diplomatic move by the England team, who twenty-four hours back were not willing to send their team members but suddenly there athletes have shown up at the New Delhi airport. May be the Indian government would have pressurized them,
or financial commitments to India, one of the biggest markets in the World, were at risk.
The emerging super power of the world, India as they say, may very well have thrown in some more money or incentives for the participants even doubling or tripling the prize money who knows?
Furthermore, the change of heart from Australia, and their neighbours, New Zealand, looks quite surprising, as the two nations were very much indecisive about sending their teams to the Subcontinent. After several days of hesitancy, the Kangaroos and the
kiwis have nodded positively confirming their willingness to allow their squads to participate in the event, which starts on 3rd October and concludes on the 14th of the same month.
Both New Zealand and Australia previously termed the Athletes village as, “filthy and uninhabitable”, and now they feel that it is fit for its athletes. What could have made them change their minds is a big question?
The affirmation of these nations comes just after the inspection of Mike Fennell, Chief of the Commonwealth Games, alongside Suresh Kalmadi, who is the chairman of organizing committee and a few others.
The good news was also accompanied by some bad news as the individuals are regularly pulling out, citing health and security concerns, with cyclist, Geraint Thomas, pulling out, who is the current World and Olympic champion. In addition to the Ben Swift
and Ian Stannard duo from England, alongside Kiwi Greg, rider Henderson has also opted to remain at home.
In the midst of the withdrawals, the first group of participants from England has landed in the host city. The initial batch comprised of the players from their hockey team and the Lawn bowling but they were forced to move to hotels as their living area
in the Village was yet to be completed. Once the Village area is completed the athletes will move into the village.
Astoundingly, few of the initial Aussie athletes, who have flown in have already started to live in the inappropriate living area of the athlete’s village despite previous issues of health hazards. This is a great show of sportsman spirit from the athletes
of Australia, who are also trying to set up a verdict that if they can live in the inappropriate living then why can’t others?
Indian organizers owe thanks to the players from Australia as this gesture will help the Indian officials appease fears regarding the athletes village in New Delhi.
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