The host nation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, India, is reeling under heavy criticism from the international sports community over unruly media reports of incomplete sports complexes, scattered debris in the heart of the Games venue and lately, the rapid spread of dengue. It being one of the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever, the embarrassment for the Indian Union Government knows no boundary.
The Commonwealth Games is a prestigious multi-sport event held under the aegis of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) who controls the rule and regulation of the sporting events. In retrospect, the history of the Commonwealth Games dates back to 1930 when it was known as the British Empire Games. As the name suggest, these Games are held among the Commonwealth nations in which nearly 5,000 participants or athletes take part in these events. Melbourne, Australia hosted the previous Commonwealth Games, in the year 2006, successfully with grandeur and exemplary sportsmanship.
Coming down to the Indian continent, it will be one of the largest international sports events to be held in the country with the participation of athletes and sportsmen from 72 nations across the globe in 17 games. Shera, from the Hindi word ‘Sher’ for tiger is the official mascot for the Games that will begin from the 3rd of October to the 14th October. In its bid to make the event it an incredible international sports event, “Jiyo Utho Badho Jeeto”—will echo the stadiums on official Games ceremony. The song is sung by none other than the famous Indian Oscar Award winner A.R. Rahman. The Organizing Committee (OC) of the Games has formally announced Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, with a sitting capacity of about 75,000 spectators, to be the final venue for the opening and the closing ceremonies of the Games. In mark of respect to the environment, the OC of the Games vowed allegiance to environment-protection and show intention to host a “sustainable games.”
As the number of days narrow down to the D-Day, the city of Delhi has undergone a drastic make-over and remarkable developments in roads, airways, transportation systems, hotels and sports complexes can be spotted by local residents. The hosting of the prestigious international event has come at a time when India is being looked upon by nations of the world as a fast-growing economy. Security settings have revved up in the capital city of the country ahead of the Games. The OC of the Commonwealth Games has downplayed the chaos and panics that are doing rounds among the people and assured against anything that will dampen the enthusiasm of the people. India, home to nearly 15 million people, is ready to present the vibrant cultural and rich heritage of the nation to guests from around the world.
