Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010: Story till now...

The official logo for the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010

November 2003: New Delhi, India wins the bid to host the Commonwealth Games 2010 by defeating Hamilton, Canada by 46 votes to 22 at the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly held in Montego Bay, Jamaica in November 2003. India shifted the balance in its favour in the second round of voting with a promise that it would provide US$100,000 to each participating country, along with air tickets, boarding, lodging and transport. It was the third time India was going to held such a huge event (earlier being Asian Games in Delhi in 1951 and 1982). Also, India was soon to become the second country in Asia to held Commonwealth Games after Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1998. 

The flag handover ceremony at Commonwealth Games 2006, at Melbourne.

46 Commonwealth countries entrusted India and hoped for a good show ahead in 2010. But, the present conditions don't say so. 

It was in 2003, when India was given the responsibility. India was given about a span of 92 months to complete with the venues, infrastructure etc. But, the work started in mid-2007 because of which we are facing the present situation.

It was obvious, if the work starts late, it is going to end late. In January 2010, Indian Olympic Association Vice-Chairman Raja Randhir Singh expressed concern that Delhi was not up to the mark in for building up the required infrastructure, following a 2009 Indian Government report showing that about two-third of the venues were behind schedule. Later, Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Mike Fennel, stated that slow process of preparations posed a threat to the games. After such warning, and appealing by our Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh to the laborers to work day and night in order to complete the basic venues, we were able to complete the venues. But there was more to come. Completion was one thing, and strong build was another. There were news of poor building and chaos around the venues. 

The whole event has been surrounded by controversies. Right from the poor quality stadiums to delays to security issues to labor violations to corruptions. Incidentally, an Australian TV crew from 'Seven Networks' walked passed security with a dummy bomb and it's detonator on 18th September, which led to famous players dropping out of the games (however, now almost all countries have confirmed of coming to the mega event). When the first lot of guests arrived, there was a ray of hope. They were quite happy with the games village and stated that this is the best games village they have ever seen in any sporting event. There was a ray of optimism. But this was short lived when two Taiwanese tourist got shooted outside Jama Masjid. And when later in the evening a blast took place by a pressure cooker bomb. Ironically, there were around 17 CCTV camera's outside the gate number 3 of Jama Masjid, but none of them were working when the incident took place. The officials showed quickness to keep the guests calm and show that everything is alright, but again to their unluck the next day the walk-away bridge, connecting parking area to Jawaharlal Nehru National Stadium, collapsed injuring 27 people out of which 5 are seriously injured. It is said that this bridge was constructed by the same firm which was blacklisted by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation last year. The worse was yet to come. Falling of the false ceiling in one of the stadiums, however none were injured. 3 days of continuous rains and flood in yamuna river posed more problems. The water has reached to the boundary walls of the Games village and the stagnant water poses threat of dengue. Many are complaining of the present situation of the games village and talk about the un-hygiene accommodation. When the Delhi government ordered Municipal Corporation of Delhi to clean up the mess at the games village, they refused! Now, the New Delhi Municipal Concil has been given the responsibility. Australian prime minister said that they are concerned about the security and hospitality issues in the country and it is the individual choice of athletes to go for it or not. Ironically, the same day, Ricky Pointing, Australian cricket captain said that they feel very much secure here and has no fear of any kind.


Pictures released by the British Broadcasting Corporation about the games village, caused a fuss in the commonwealth countries. Many countries refused to come to the games, saying the conditions were horrible and not suitable for habitat. Here are the pictures released.

The conditions are usable according to authorities. Really?

And they call this clean.

The paan and ghutka thrown about.

The un-hygiene toilets. Lalit Bhanot says the toilets are hygiene for you and us, but western countries and different standards. Oh, is this hygienic for you then?

This looks potentially dangerous in the area.

With only 10 days left, the finishing work is still not complete.

The area doesn't seems to be maintained and looks like a mess.

Some of the walk-ways look potentially dangerous.

Pug marks on the mattresses, probably of the dogs roaming around in the games village area!

Still the work is going on, and the places are not clean.

Area is still corded off which poses a threat in rains.

Construction still going on with wires laid here and there.

Glass barrier shattered in the balcony!

However, when the guests from England arrived on Friday, they were quite happy with the games village and urged the commonwealth countries not to go with the hyped media news. 

It is worth mentioning that the Commonwealth Games 2014, to be held in Glasgow, Scotland is already complete with the preparation and all the stadiums and infrastructure is ready. That is preparations!

National Indoor Sports Arena, Glasgow, Scotland

There was another concern for the organising committee, apart from just completing the venues and receiving the guests. There was widespread anger among the people of Delhi and India that even after wasting their hard-earned money, they are not able to give a big show. They complained of mess, traffic jams etc. all over the city. Many parts of the city were in horrible conditions. The roads were under-construction. There was a question raised among the people, is it all justified for the games. A day before yesterday, Delhi's Chief Minister, on the Hindustan times, appealed to the people of the country, that these games benefited the country and it was for the people of the country. She was able to console to everyone that after the games are over, the infrastructure built up for the games would be put up to good use and for the betterment of the common man. She urged everyone to take the games as festivals and maintain the spirit of the games.

So many controversies, worries, tensions, anger going in the country. But we need to realize, that this is not the right time for it. Everyone is blaming the organizers. But we need to understand now that nothing can be done now. What has been done, has been done. We now need to go forward with whatever we have. Prime Minister has called a meeting (not inviting Suresh Kalmadi), to discuss the situation. All the controversies can be discussed after the games, but now our primary concern should be the games. The major difference which I see between us and the Chinese people is that they took the Olympic games as festivals and not merely games. There is should be a kind of joy and spirit of games in people's mind which is missing. China had that, and so the world looked at them with astonishment in 2008. They showed that they are something. We were also given a chance, but we wasted 4 years. But still we have time. Although, it may not be as good as expected, but enough to give a message to the world, "Watch out! India is emerging!". We are doing well. The Prime Minister has urged everyone responsible for the preparation to let out there heart and soul for the success. Mr. Suresh Kalmadi has promised, no team will back out. We are all ready, and the best proof is Google! Yes, in the following picture you can see, according to Google all the stadiums are complete!

When searched about 'incomplete stadiums', Google returns 'did u meant complete stadiums'.This is the best proof to tell anyone, that India is all set!

What we are lacking behind is not the stadiums, but the spirit in the people's mind. According to a poll conducted by Hindustan times, almost 68% of the people believed that commonwealth games is a shame for them! Only 48% said that they are willing to go and see matches. The spirit should not lack behind. The world is watching us. The time has come to show everyone who we really are. We are given a chance. It all depends on us how we take it. We still have time. And anything can be done. What we need is spirit. What we need is joy. If this joy and spirit comes in each of us, I am sure we will be able to pull out a great show! The authorities can just give accommodation to the guests, but it's we who can make their visits here memorable. Authorities are not whole and sole responsible for the games, the responsibility was given to India, which includes the citizen on India. What I urge to you all is not to pay attention to the un-necessary hyped news of media these days. The authorities are doing their best. Let us show our best. We are doing well. We are all set.

Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex

Thyagaraj Sports Complex

Indira Gandhi Sports Complex

Dr. S.P. Mukherjee Swimming Stadium

Talkatora Indoor Stadium

Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium

Siri Fort Sports Complex

Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range

R.K. Khanna Tennis Complex

Yamuna Sports Complex

Delhi University

CRPF Shooting Range

Organising Committee Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 Headquarters

Main Media Center

Indira Gandhi International Airport

As you can see, we are all set for the games. There is no need to panic. We are almost complete. It was just due to the un-necessary panic created by the media, that there was a little confusion among the commonwealth countries. However, whoever comes here, could not stop appreciating the arrangements. There are just a few small things to be cleared out, which I am sure will be sorted out. But for now, let the games begin with a bang, let the world watch us. Take pride! Be a part of it. A lot is on stake, and we are the ones who are going to give the final touches by giving them a nice stay in the best country of the world! 

Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 mascot, Shera

Visit here the official Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi website.


Visit here the official Commonwealth Games Federation website.


Visit here the official website of Indian Olympic Association.


Visit here the official website of Glasglow Commonwealth Games 2014.

Visit here the official YouTube channel of Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi.

Visit here the official Facebook Fan Page of Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi.


Visit here the official Twitter page of Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi.


Download here the official theme song of Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi.

"Jiyo Utho Badho Jeeto"

"Come Out And Play"

"Take Pride!"

Is Google cheating with us???

Quite a few days back, I was just going through Google maps and found a strange thing. That was really shocking. Anyone would feel cheated with that.

We all know that Anurachal Pradesh is a part of our country. But there have been disputes among India and China, the latter claiming it to be a part of theirs.

If you happen to see Anurachal Pradesh through Google Maps - Indian Server (http://maps.google.co.in/), they show Anurachal Pradesh as a part of India.

Now according to this picture, Arunachal Pradesh is a part of India, which is correct!

But, if we see through the americal server (http://www.maps.google.com/), Arunachal Pradesh is depicted as an independent country.

And now, if we see it through the chinese server, (http://ditu.google.com/), it is shown as a part of China.

Here, Arunachal Pradesh is shown as a part of China. Even some part of Jammu & Kashmir is shown as a part of China.

The same place is shown as three different things from three different servers. I just wanted you all to know about this. Now, it's upto you to decide if this is cheating or not...

Why food prices will not come down?

One complaint against the present government and the hottest topic for the opposition these days is the food prices. News channels, newspapers, magazines, almost everywhere you look you come across the problem of food prices. Everyone is waiting when the food prices will come down? Everyone's hoping. I'm not, because I know it will now never come down. Surprised?

Okay, I ask you a completely out of topic question, how many of you would like to see India as a country without any poverty, as a developed country, huge skyscrapers as in Manhattan? I am sure, almost everyone of you would like India to be like that.

So, what is necessary for eradication of poverty from our country? First and foremost is the family income. An average farmer with a 2 acre land in India is about to earn just `32.2 per day or `969 per month. And let me tell this is not enough for a family having on an average 5-7 members. So, the point is, to make India develop, or to eradicate poverty in India, we need to increase the income of the low-income group people, which mostly include farmers. Of course, there are numerous 'yojnas' but they are not effective, they are done just on the papers. Even after more than 62 years of independence, India is not able to become a poverty-free country. 62 years is not a small period of time. Malaysia got independence in 1957 and we all know where does Malaysia lies and where India lies. We  cant just sit aside and say "Let the government do it", it's time we should take an initiative and help India become a poverty free country. 

Even the agricultural minister, Shri. Sharad Pawar has said that the food prices will not come down. The reason is that, there is an increase in the income of the farmers, hence the end product price has gone up. It's all in a cycle. If the prices increase from the first stage, then the prices will increase till the last stage. So, we shouldn't criticize anyone for the increase in food prices, we should take this as an step towards an poverty free India.

It's time we start thinking of our society as a whole and not as an individual. That's when India will become a developed country in the true sense.

   

The Problem of Peeing...

I would just ask a simple question to all of you, what would you notice when you walk down the streets? Cars, bikes, shops, vendors, corwd, maybe a dog or a cow. But these vary from place to place. One thing which you would find everywhere, no matter where you live or where you are, is this..

This is what you all see!

None can disagree on this thing. And now it has become a serious and growing (in numbers) problem. It's not at all healthy for the people living around.

This is actually a serious problem and needs to be addressed. I don't even know if there's a law against this. Even if it is there, it's actually of no use, as people don't know about it. You won't see some campaigns going on against this. You won't see students being taught in the school. This has always been laughed upon, none has taken it seriously.

But people are not the only one to blame. Medical Science says that the urge shouldn't be 'controlled' for too long. What we need is street washrooms, and when I say street washrooms, I mean 'hygienic' street washrooms. This one small step can actually help a lot fighting this problem. This has always been an issue, but none had worked upon it. I don't understand WHY is it so difficult in providing hygienic washrooms?

But if you've started to blame the authorities already, wait.. they are not the only one's who are at fault. What I want to say is that the parents too  have a fault in this. Confused?
See, what really happens is this...

Parents are the one's who expose this unhygienic practice to their younger one's.

which ultimatly results in this...

Children get used to this habit and ultimately find nothing wrong in it.

This is actually the root of the problem. What we need is to educate the young about the seriousness of this issue for his own hygiene and also for the society. This exactly is the way one could tackle this.

But resolutions are not always one in number, a really nice idea I liked was this. 

Walls painted with the idols of gods and goddesses. 

Painting walls with the idols of gods and goddesses could possibly change the way people do it. I mean, who would do it on a wall painted with their own god? Even if someone did, there'll be a number of people ready to clean it. What more? This would increase the road side scenic beauty, and would improve the surroundings. One little small step, and BAM, you stop a bad habit, you encourage people to work for cleanliness and you increase the scenic beauty around you. What more one could wish for?

Need for a constitutional change....

Today, even after 62 years of independence, why aren't we still called a 'devloped country'? We are the ones who helped in the establishment of United Nations, then why are we not a permanent member of it? Why Kasab is not been punished even when everyone knows he is responsible for the Mumbai 26/11 attacks? Why Mr. Rathore got punished after 19 years of his crime? Why, recently 3 terrorist fleed away from the capture of Mumbai Police?

Well, all this happened because of incapability of the Indian Constitution. We follow the same constitution as of the British period (though with little amendments). Why can't we understand a thing that the Britishers made this of the constitution to destroy our country, to allow it to become a third-grade country and we are just blindly following that and thats exactly the reason why we are not called a devloped country till now.

I personally like Dr. Manmohan Singh as our Prime Minister. I dont know if this is the case with other leaders or not, but I feel he is too soft. I mean we have given the all the evidences of Kasab involved in Mumbai attacks. But, I feel he is not strict with the Pakistan Goverment. I mean, we all know what did Geroge Bush did after 9/11 attacks, and shaked the whole world. And what did we did, we all know that very well! They ask for more evidence and we just blindly follow it. I mean we have given the CCTV footage, what else do they need? I just want the leader of this country to more strict and I am not an expert, but I think that can make us a permanent member in the United Nations.

Most of us are unaware, but the Police Act we are following was made after the First Revolt in 1857. What the policemen follow in our country was thought almost 150 years back. The lathi that was given to the police (Indian men) at that time was to create dis-unity among the policemen (Indian) and the revolutionary. And the same system we are following. Situations as in 1857 and in 2010 are different, and we need to understand that. Though they are little amendments but with little effect. Today the terrorist comes with an AK-47, and we cant expect the policemens to fight with an .75mm pistol. There was a policemen who went to fight against the terrorist (loaded with hand granade and AK-47) with just a lathi, and the result we all know what might have happened. There wasn't anything wrong with the enthusiasm of the policemen, but the police department which did not had the good ammunations. Then, who is responsible for his death? Recently, I read in a newspaper, that most of the policemen, fired the last shot from their rifle 7 years ago. What we need is new ammunations. We need to understand if they terrorist comes with AK-47, we need somthing better than that otherwise I won't be surprised to see another incident like 26/11. Apart from this, we need a stricker criminal laws. I mean, we all know what has Raj Thackery done in Mumbai, and there was even a Non-Bailable arrest warrent against him, but he was walking freely, because he knew he is not going to be arrested. Mr. Rathore got arrested after 19 years of his crime, why? This all says we need to be serious about the criminal laws. For 19 long years a criminal was roaming in the country freely just because he was on a high position. Not fair. We all know Kasab is responsible for Mumbai 26/11 attacks. But still there is a case going on in Supreme Court. We have give the CCTV footage to the court, still the case is being delayed again and again. Why? Every single heart in the country knows who is responsible for the 3 terrorised days. But, all this delays happenes, and the credit goes to our Criminal laws.
Yes, there has been a good criminal law that has been introduced against domestic violence. If a women reports against a domestic violence, then the whole immidiate family of the boy goes to jail, without bailable for 7 years. Yes, they are going good, but this is not without loop-holes. There was a case, that a women blackmailed her husband, that she would make a false complaint against him. Yes, almost 95% of the domestic violence cases are genuine, but we cannot forget about the other persons who make mis-use of it. So, we need to discover loop-holes in the criminal laws and try to fill it up.

In the concluding part,

• We need to consider our constitution again and make it suitable for the citizens living in the country.
• The leader needs to be a little more stricter with all the un-just happening in the country. We can't be sweet all the time.
• We need improvement in the ammunation of our country. Policemen needs to be loaded with the latest.
• We need to cover up the loop-holes in the constitution.