India defiant despite Commonwealth Games controversies
The Commonwealth Games continue to be plagued by one controversy after another as the organizers battle to save the reputation of their committee. More importantly, India needs to be prepared as the Games fast approach with only less than two months away.
The Games have been hampered by one controversy after another as the allegations of irregularities and misuse of funds hit the headlines. Life for the organising committee has been made difficult.
But despite the problems plaguing the sporting extravaganza, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee (CGOC) Suresh Kalmadi claimed, the event would not be stopped under any pressure.
Kalmadi made the announcement to local media after he attended a meeting chaired by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at New Delhi on Saturday.
The high level meeting was attended by some of the leading members of the government and parliamentarians.
These included Federal Ministers such as M S Gill of Sports, S Jaipal Reddy of Urban Development and senior officials concerned with Commonwealth Games.
These officers who gave their insight into the preparations of the Games included federal Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar, Lieutenant Governor Tejender Khanna and Chief Sheila Dikshit of Delhi.
At the meeting it was decided that the smooth organization of the Games was a top most priority and all efforts would be made to ensure that the event showcases the tradition of India. Also, ensuring tourists have a memorable time during the event.
At the meeting, discussions about progress and other issues surrounding the preparations of the games took place. The Games are slated to run for 12 days between 3rd and 14th October.
Meanwhile, the government has vowed that they are going to ensure a probe into the allegations of irregularities and misuse of funds levelled by the media.
Over the course of last few months the local media has taken a dig at their poor organization and vulnerable infrastructure that greatly jeopardized the showcase event. It is set to be the biggest sporting spectacle in the country since the 1982 Asian Games.
Amid the chaos Suresh Kalmadi told the media that no stone would be left unturned to ensure a memorable event. He ensured that the government was keen on addressing all issues regarding the Games as soon as possible.
"There is no pressure from anybody. We are moving on with the games," said Kalmadi.
Kalmadi has had to stave off pressure from all quarters and on Friday some of the opposition parties led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded his resignation.
They added that Kalmadi owed an explanation, and the Prime Minister Singh ought to take the bull by the horns and avoid a national embarrassment.
Kalmadi is willing to answer all the queries by the media and the opposition, and pleaded his innocence throughout.
The host nation is expecting a massive turn out of about two million tourists for the event. Also, some 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states are set to participate in the Games
The spotlight would be on the government to ensure that an incident free event is held which is aimed as country’s answer to the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
The Beijing Games were regarded as one of the most successful Games ever and hailed as a success for the economic growth of the country.
Tags: