Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010

Delhi CM involved in decisions leading to excessive spend

2011-08-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

The Delhi cabinet may be defending chief minister Sheila Dikshit by claiming she took only policy decisions while they were implemented by bureaucrats, but the CAG report clearly nails their lie.

The audit report has pointed out that Dikshit took certain important decisions which cost the government exchequer dear.

Whether it was to buy potted plants or use imported lights, the report claims these projects got through only after Dikshit's approval. This led to considerable avoidable expenditure, the report states.

For example, agencies under the Delhi government spent Rs 24 crore on potted plants. The objective was to decorate and turn green the venues with these plants. But it had to be abandoned after the Delhi Police raised security concerns.

In August 2008, when the Delhi chief secretary had sought the immediate approval of the CM to create a large pool of potted plants, Dikshit had approved it.

"We could not find any venue- wise break- up of the plants required or any other yardstick in support of the assessment of the requirement of the plants," the report said.

The Delhi government had sanctioned Rs 28 crore for this project.

It was found that most of the potted plants were procured instead of being created in the departmental nurseries as was originally envisaged.

The city police commissioner, meanwhile, intimated the government that the plants were kept away from the venues and the routes because of security concerns. But the report found that the plants were procured even after this intimation.

The PWD said after the Games, about 79,000 of the 3.82 lakh potted plants procured by them, perished because they were seasonal ones. The rest were distributed among various government offices. Surprisingly, when the audit team visited two of those sites at random, they could not find any of the over three lakh potted plants said to have been issued by the PWD. Similar is the case of the imported luminaries. Sample luminaries of some of the leading manufacturers - both imported and indigenous ones - were shown to the CM. Based on the inspection and approval of Dikshit, the PWD decided to use the imported ones, and the MCD and the NDMC also followed suit. The PWD, incidentally, comes under Dikshit's supervision.

All three executed the street lighting project on about an 800 km-stretch at a tendered cost of Rs 286 crore.

Claiming that Dikshit's decision led to wasteful expenditure of Rs 31.07 crore, the report said: "The technical specifications did not distinguish between indigenous and imported luminaries.

The imported ones were procured at a far higher cost, leading to avoidable extra expenditure of Rs 31.07 crore." Their technical specifications were, in fact, identical, the report added.

Dikshit had said in February 2006 that the Capital should have state-of-the-art road signages for the Games. The project was then taken up by the state's PWD. The CAG report said the design modifications were of little utility and the manner of implementation uneconomical, leading to a higher cost of execution. These extra and substituted items led to an additional avoidable expenditure of Rs 14.88 crore.

The CAG report also highlights how private firm IL& FS was paid an exorbitant amount to remove debris from some CWG sites. Satya Prakash and Brothers Private Ltd was awarded the contract for removing the debris at Rs 73.42 per metric ton, but didn't clear it from some sites. IL& FS was roped in to clear the debris and paid Rs 280.32 per metric ton. The government also was unable to recover the cost from the defaulting contractor.

This gains significance as the BJP has accused Dikshit of favouring IL& FS as she reportedly had a relative holding a senior post in the firm.

Chinese hacked CWG data for months

2011-08-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

Among the spate of cyber attacks on Indian targets ahead of the October 2010 Commonwealth Games was one that was much more purposeful than others intended to deface sites related to the event.

A possibly state-authored attack on an Indian government agency successfully breached defences and the intrusion lasted one month in September and was repeated in November.

The attack was discovered when a foreign firm specialising in cyber security found a command and control centre used by the intruders and traced logs going back to 2006. The intrusion into the unnamed Indian agency was detected from the centre and was seen to be part of a well-targeted effort to access confidential data.

After the CWG, Indian authorities said hundreds of cyber attacks from Chinese and Pakistani hackers were repulsed. These were largely aimed at sites like the one carrying events and news of the sporting event while some of the attacks were aimed at the scoring and timing programmes. The one detected by the cyber solutions firm McAfee was part of an operation called 'Shady RAT' by investigators and was seen to be Chinese controlled.

There were cyber intrusions into several official sites including PMO and cabinet secretariat earlier in 2010 which were also tracked to Chinese hackers. Aimed at official sites ending with .nic.in addresses, the hacking was not as systematic and was largely random. Officials said the hacking did not touch the secure office intranet that is used within PMO and other sensitive offices.

What is surprising is that the September 2010 intrusion lasted two months with an interval in between. Depending on the sensitivity of the agency involved, the slip might have been costly as the study showed that more than 70 victims of the covert programme led to loss of a massive amount of data. Most of the victims were American government offices and businesses while the interest of the hackers in certain western and Asian Olympic associations just before the Beijing Olympics and in Taiwan suggested a Chinese origin, although the study did not name any entity.

Oludamola tested positive for banned substance

2010-10-11T02:01:00.000-07:00

Nigeria's Oludamola Osayomi, who got the gold medal in the women's 100 metres at the Commonwealth Games here on October 7, has tested positive for a banned stimulant.

The Nigerian sprinter, who initially finished second in the 100 but was awarded the gold when Australia's Sally Pearson was disqualified for a false start, tested positive for the banned stimulant Methylexanemine, Commonwealth Games Federation President Mike Fennell said Monday.

"Any positive test, whether it is in a high-profile event or not, is something that is very much regretted for a clean games, clean sport and a clean competition," Fennell said, adding that no decision had been made on the medals. "One doesn't know what kind of damage will occur as the result of this test but we just want to let everyone know that we are very vigilant and the testing and laboratory analysis is of the highest standards."

Fennell said Oludamola has been notified of the adverse finding and has requested the testing of her "B" sample.

"This is something we just have to work with and make sure that we do our part in monitoring and eliminating doping in sport," Fennell said.

Elias Gora, the Nigerian team's chef de mission, said he had not yet been informed of the positive test.

"But if the allegations are true it's most unfortunate for us," Gora told The Associated Press. "I'm disappointed and I'm sure people back home will also be disappointed, too."

Gora also said that all Nigerian athletes were given tests prior to the games except those that were in the United States or Europe.

"Since Oludamola was in the U.S. she didn't go through the process," Gora said.

The World Anti-Doping Agency recently loosened the classification of Methylexanemine for next year to the "specified stimulant" list, which covers drugs that are more susceptible to inadvertent use and can carry reduced penalties. Sanctions for use of the drug can be reduced if athletes can prove they did not intend to enhance performance. Penalties can range from a warning to a two-year ban.

WADA said Methylexanemine was sold as a medicine until the early 1970s and has now reappeared in some nutritional supplements and cooking oils.

About a dozen Indian athletes who were to compete at the Commonwealth Games tested positive for the drug in recent months.

They were suspended by the national anti-doping agency, but that was revoked after WADA reclassified the drug. However, not all the athletes have been cleared for participation. The next date for their hearing is Oct. 21.

Fennell said Oludamola's result was the first positive test of the games.

"We have conducted over 900 tests to date and we've had results from just over 700," Fennell said. "But unfortunately I have to record and report to you that we've had a positive result."

Pearson originally crossed first in the 100 final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in 11.28 seconds. But hours after celebrating her victory, the Australian sprinter — an Olympic hurdles silver medalist — was disqualified for the false start.

Oludamola was then given the gold medal, and Natasha Mayers of St. Vincent and the Grenadines was moved up to silver.

If Oludamola is stripped of the medal, then Mayers would stand to claim the gold. Katherine Endacott of England, who crossed fourth in the race but received the bronze medal after the disqualification, would then be moved up to silver and Bertille Delphine Atangana of Cameroon would get bronze.

Oludamola also ran in the semifinals of the 200 on Sunday, but failed to advance after finishing fourth in her heat with a time of 23.95 seconds.

India wins 5 Golds, gets back to second position

2010-10-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

With 29 Gold, 22 Silver, and 22 Bronze medals till late Sunday evening, India held on to its second position on the seventh day of the ongoing XIX Commonwealth Games here.

The last Gold medal of the total five won today, came through Tennis, as India's Somdev Devvarman defeated Australia's Greg John in straight sets in the final match of Men's singles with the scoreboard reading 6-4,6-2.

In another crucial match, Indian hockey team cruised into the second Semi Final on Sunday evening, as it registered a convincing win over arch rival Pakistan beating it with 7-4 score in the Quarter Final match.

India will play against England in the second semi-final match of Men's hockey competition on Monday.

In a do or die pool match against Pakistan, India defeated them this evening decisively in every sphere of the game. eanwhile, earlier in the day, it was the turn of the Indian Archers, wrestlers and shooters to make a splash.

Archers won two gold medals helping the hosts to maintain the second position in the overall Medals tally.

In free style wrestling, world champion Sushil kumar grabbed the gold in 66 kilogram category outwitting his opponent Heinrich Barnes of South Africa.

With 29 gold medals in kitty, India are just 1 short of their best-ever performance in the Commonwealth games, which happened in Manchester 8 years ago.

The sterling performance of the athletes in the current 19th edition of the games has seen India bettering their 2006 Melbourne games record which had a haul of 22 gold.

Australia continues to dominate the Games, with 60 gold and England are in the third position with 25 gold medals.

The first gold of the day for India came when Indian Woman archer Deepika Kumari won the recurve category. Deepika defeated England's Elison Williamson in the final.

A victorious Deepika said she had put in her best to grab the gold. Dola Banerjee won a bronze in the same event.

After Deepika's win, it was Rahul Banerjee's turn to win the gold in the men's recurve event. Rahul defeated Canada's Jason Lyson. The bronze in the event went to India's Jayanta Talukdar.

Harpreet Singh gave India another gold in the Men's 25 metres Centrefire pistol shooting. He said despite stiff competition, he managed to wrest the gold. Vijay Kumar added a silver in the same event.

In trapshooting, Manavjeet singh Sandhu bagged a bronze.

In freestyle wrestling, India's Anuj Kumar managed to get a silver medal after losing to Pakistan's Mohammed Inam in the 84 kilogram category. Anil kumar grabbed the bronze in the 55 kg wrestling. The gold went to Azhar Hussain of Pakistan and it was the first gold for them. Joginder Kumar has also won a silver in the super heavy weight category of wrestling.

In Boxing, Jai Bhagwan and Dilbagh Singh have entered the semifinals, while 2006 games gold medalist Akhil kumar suffered a shock defeat.

In women's 112 kilometres Cycling race, the gold and silver went to Australia while New Zealand bagged the bronze.

In the discus throw event, Vikas Gowda bagged a Silver medal.

Australia tops the medal tally with 132 medals; 61 Gold, 36 Silver and 35 Bronze, India is on second position with its 73 medals; 29 Gold, 22 Silver and 22 Bronze medals and England remains on third position with 100 medals; 25 gold 45 silver and 30 bronze medals.

India beat Pakistan 7-4, to meet England in semifinal

2010-10-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

India crushed Pakistan 7-4 to storm into the semifinals of the men's hockey competition at the 19th Commonwealth Games here Sunday.

India finished second behind Australia in Pool A with nine points and take on Pool B toppers England in the semifinal here Tuesday. Australia face New Zealand in the other semifinal.

Earlier, Australia romped to their fourth win by soundly thrashing Malaysia 7-0 while England overcame South Africa 2-1 and Canada came within two minutes of making the semi-final grade, but eventually drew 1-1 with New Zealand.

Indeed, India put on a dazzling display befitting royalty and in the presence of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as they ran circles around Pakistan, who were done in by the aggression, slick passing and clinical finish of the home team.

Penalty corner specialist Sandeep Singh started the Indian party with two conversions first up (2nd, 11th), followed by Shivendra Singh (19th and 59th), Saravanjit Singh (20th), Dhanish Mujataba (40th) and Dharamvir Singh (46th).

On their part, Pakistan showed only flashes of brilliance and their famed fighting spirit to knock in two goals by Muhammad Imran (27th) and Mumahmmad Rizwan (30th) in a space of three minutes. Irfan Muhammad (57th) and Shakeel Abbasi (67th) were the other scorers.

India could not have hoped for a better start than five penalty corners within 11 minutes and Sandeep converted the first and fifth.

The Pakistan defence was at sixes and sevens in the face of the furious Indian onslaughts as virtually every penetration by the home forwards resulted in a penalty corner.

Past the 19th, Sandeep unleashed a brilliant left-to-right diagonal long shot that Shivendra, positioned behind the Pakistani defenders flicked home to put India 3-0 in the lead.

A minute later, Sarvanjit was lying handy to push home a poor clearance from the sixth penalty corner and the packed stands went into frenzied celebrations.

Thus, a 4-0 lead in just 20 minutes was simply unbelievable, but it accurately reflected India's dominance that left the Pakistanis all but shell-shocked.

But not for long as Pakistan earned their second penalty corner in the 26th minute and Rehan Butt's rebound attempt struck Vikram Pillay on the foot leading to a penalty stroke that Imran converted and Pakistan were in the hunt.

Three minutes later Rizwan got a deflection to Irfan's cross hit from the right as Pakistan reduced the leeway.

In the final minute of the half, India received two back-to-back penalty corners, their seventh and eighth, but could not convert. Pakistan protested both the awards while the Indians claimed a penalty stroke off the second, but their pleas were rejected.

Pakistan began the second-half far more confidently and a couple of chances came their way, but were wasted.

It was not long before India got going and Mujtaba banged home a penalty corner rebound in the 40th and Dharamvir pushed home a Shivendra pass and India were up 6-2.

Pakistan pulled one back when Irfan flicked into net from a penalty corner, but India hit back with a stunning counter-attack that saw captain Rajpal Singh finding Shivendra with a through ball and the striker made no mistake with a powerful drive to goal.

With a four-goal cushion, India relaxed just a bit and it allowed Abbasi to streak in from the right and flick past goalkeeper Bharat Chhetri for the final goal of the night.

Somdev wins first Gold for India in tennis

2010-10-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

Somdev Devvarman ended India's week-long wait for a gold in tennis by outclassing Australia's Greg Jones 6-4, 6-2 in the men's singles competition of the Commonwealth Games before a deafening home crowd here Sunday.

The 25-year-old Indian also became the first player to win the men's singles gold in Commonwealth Games tennis, which made its debut in this edition. Australia's Matt Ebden won the bronze.

The US-based Somdev went sprawling on the ground after Jones' forehand sailed through on the match point and a packed stadium rose to give him a standing ovation. Cries of 'Somdev' reverberated in the air. The young Indian thanked the adulating crowd by bowing round the court with a namaste during the prize distribution ceremony.

The stakes were high for Somdev and he did it is style after India's gold medal hopes were quashed in the men's doubles with the loss of leading lights Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes in the semifinal, who had to settle for a bronze.

Sania Mirza, despite putting up a brave fight, could not stop Australia's Anastasia Rodionova from clinching the gold in the women's singles. Later Sania, partnering Rushmi Chakravarthi claimed the women's doubles bronze with a 6-4, 6-2 win over compatriots Nirupama Sanjeev and Poojashree Venkatesha here Sunday.

Somdev did not disaapoint the tennis fans.

'I took my chances. I am happy to win a gold for my country. It is a great honour for me to represent my country in international events. I will be happy to do it again,' Somdev said.

'People underestimate how tough it is to get a gold medal. I worked really hard this week. It is one of the best things in my career for sure, to win a gold medal in front of this kind of crowd.'

Jones, 21, was gracious in defeat. 'Somdev is a good player. He serves well. The accumulated pressure didn't let me play well. I don't think I was really that comfortable out there,' he said.

The 97th-ranked Indian made a quiet start and cleverly kept the ball in play as the towering Australian, ranked 234, went for ambitious hitting in trying to be aggressive. The Indian also muffled Jones' strategy to bring him to the net with some delectable passing shots as he dictated from the baseline.

After failing to convert three break points in the fifth game and saving one on his serve immediately, the 25-year-old Indian effected the decisive break in the seventh game. A whipping backhand pass set up the breakpoint and an erratic forehand crosscourt from Jones gifted the break to the Indian, who then served out the set with an easy put away to a deafening roar from the stands.

Jones after stretching for a forehand volley at 15-30 in the first game of the second set felt some discomfort in his knee and called for a trainer. He was soon back only to meet a belligerent Indian, who gave away nothing, and the Australian could do little but go through the motions.

However, serving for the match at 5-0, the nerves got the better of Somdev, and he dropped it.

'When you are serving a match out for your country it is not the easiest thing to do. I got a little bit nervous but I think I did well to hold back and hold serve at 5-2,' he said.

He served out the set in his next service game when Jones smacked a forehand long, exulting amidst a wildly cheering crowd.

Delhi Metro keeps up with Commonwealth Games rush

2010-10-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

Notwithstanding the Commonwealth Games rush, Delhi Metro maintained a record punctuality of 99.88 per cent during the first week of the sporting extravaganza making over 2800 trips daily.

Delhi Metro, which provides connectivity to almost all the 11 stadia that host the Games, is running trains at an average frequency of 2.5 minutes starting October 3, when the Commonwealth Games began in the capital.

Though there were delays due to technical glitches during the past one week, Metro trains registered punctuality of 99.98 per cent during the week beginning October 3 and ending October 9.

This means out of the 19656 trips the 180-odd Metro trains made during the past week, only 24 trips were affected, a DMRC spokesman said.

The DMRC usually registers a punctuality rate of over 99 per cent. The organisation regularly conducts punctuality audits every three months.

During the past one week, Metro trains made 2808 trips everyday traversing 58,000 kms, the spokesman said.

The DMRC had also deployed technical experts from South Korea and Germany to ensure that no technical glitch takes place during the Games.

The engineers are stationed at important stations, particularly on the Badarpur line which provides connectivity to the main Games venue of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Metro also registered additional ridership during the past one week as majority of the people going to stadia opted for the new age transport system to reach the venues.

People, who had bought CWG tickets, can take a free ride on the Metro.

Commonwealth Games medals tally: Day 2

2010-10-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

Click here to see Day 1 medals tally.

2nd Gold for Canada in Commonwealth Games

2010-10-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

Weightlifter Marilou Dozois-Prevost of Montreal outduelled Onyeka Azike of Nigeria on Tuesday to win Canada's second gold medal of the Commonwealth Games in the women's 53-kilogram weight class.

Dozois-Prevost lifted 82 kilograms in the snatch portion of the competition and 100 kilograms in the clean-and-jerk, to narrowly defeat the Nigerian in what was a two-woman competition for the top two podium spots.

The 24-year-old student at Universite du Quebec a Montreal won silver in the same competition at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and was 10th in the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.

Meanwhile, Canada also won a bronze medal on Tuesday in artistic gymnastics, taking third place in the women's team event.

The five-member team picked up 154.75 points, which was just behind Australia (163.7) and England (158.2).

"It's very cool to win a medal. It's awesome. I'm so happy with bronze," said team member Catherine Dion of Gatineau, Que.

"Everyone's taking pictures. Everyone wants to talk to us. I'm so proud of the team."

The other members of the Canadian team were Kristin Klarenback of Edmonton, Cynthia Lemieux-Guillemette of Greenfield Park, Que., and Emma Willis of Sarnia, Ont., who competed in all four events, and Gabby May of Winnipeg, who performed in the vault, bars and floor.

India picks up 3 Golds in wrestling

2010-10-05T05:56:00.000-07:00

Indian wrestlers on Tuesday produced a clinical display on the mat and made a clean sweep in the men's Greco-Roman style with Ravinder Singh, Sanjay and Anil Kumar clinching gold in their respective categories at the Commonwealth Games.

Young Ravinder started the gold rush for India, bagging the first yellow metal in wrestling in the 60kg category, beating England's Christopher Terence Bosson 7-2 in front of the sparse but cheering crowd at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex.

Sanjay followed his compatriot's footsteps and got the better of South Africa's Brian Richard Addinall 2-0 in the 74kg category.

And then Anil made it three out of three for host country when he defeated Hassene Fkiri of Australia 6-0 in the summit clash of the 96kg to round off an excellent day in office for Indian grapplers.

But it all started with young Ravinder's gold. He was a picture of concentration against his English opponent as inspite of finding himself in difficult situations twice in the bout, he stood firm and came out with flying colours.

After some initial exchanges, Ravinder scored two quick points to end the opening round with a 2-0 lead.

But the real show of his character came in the second round when he found himself twice in a disadvantageous position but displayed sound technical acumen to pocket the encounter.

Right from the start, Ravinder was in his elements as he spanked Sri Lanka's ASSD Kumara 13-0 in his opening bout and then outclassed Nigerian Romeo Joseph 8-0 in the semifinals.

While Bosson had to be satisfied with silver in the 60kg division, the bronze went to Romeso James of Nigeria.

Just after Ravinder's feat, Sanjay gave the home fans more reasons to celebrate after beating South Africa's Brian Richard Addinall in the 74kg final to register India's second consecutive gold medal in wrestling.

Sanjay displayed a gritty performance and defeated his English opponent 2-0.

Against Addinall, Sanjay adopted a wait and watch policy and scored points whenever he got an opportunity. The Indian scored a point each in both the rounds to pocket his first Commonwealth Games gold.

Sanjay got the better of Samoa's Laupule Ekeroma 3-0 and Perefegha Kiribein of Nigeria 2-0 in his earlier two bouts.

If that was not enough, veteran Anil Kumar made it three out of three for India when he outclassed Australia's Hassene Fkiri in the final to win the gold in the 96kg.

Anil was by far the better wrestler on display and kept his calm to beat his Australian rival 6-0 in the aggressive title decider.

South Africa's Hugues Kakoma Bella-Lufu earned the silver in this category after Fkiri was stripped off the silver medal for indecent behaviour.

In the final bout against Sanjay, Fkiri was cautioned thrice by the umpire for dangerous play.

The Australian repeated the mistake again, forcing the umpire to disqualify him and asked to leave the mat. But while leaving Fkiri showed middle finger to his opponent and the judges which eventually cost him his silver medal.

Canada's Eric Feunekes, who lost to Hugues Kakoma in the bronze medal play-off bout, was awarded the bronze medal in Fkiri's place.

Earlier, Anil had a contrasting opening two bouts as he overpowered Mark Montogomery of Northern Ireland 13-0 in his first match of the day but later had to work hard to clinch a 3-1 victory over South African Hugues Kakoma in the semifinal.

Canada wins 2 bronze medals in Gymnastics

2010-10-05T02:40:00.000-07:00

Canada’s women gymnasts matched the men’s bronze-medal performance as they opened their Commonwealth Games competition Tuesday.

Australia, as expected, won a fourth consecutive Commonwealth Games women's team gold with England in second and Canada third.

Australia, with a total of 163.700 points, easily continued the path to gold that began in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.

England scored 158.200, with Canada a close third at 154.750 points.

Australia fielded its A-team, as it prepared for the world championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands in October 16.

England and Canada however chose not to send their leading stars to Delhi, an Agence France Presse report said.

The last three Games have seen the same podium result for the women's team event.

The top 24 men and top 24 women from the team events on Monday and Tuesday advance to the all-round finals, while the top eight men and top eight women advance to the individual apparatus finals at the 14,400-seat Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

Bindra, Narang get first Gold for India

2010-10-05T01:54:00.000-07:00

Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang have won the ten metre air rifle pairs to secure India’s first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

On the second day of competition the duo scored 1,193 points to beat their Games record and set the competition alight for the first time.

Bindra and Gagan were repeating their success, having taken the top prize in the same event at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.

In second place, England’s James Huckle and Kenny Parr scored 1,174, while Bangladesh took home the bronze medal with 1,173 on the scoreboard.

Bindra, who also won the pairs title alongside Sameer Ambekar in Manchester in 2002, said: “It gives us a good start and hopefully, we will have many more medals in the coming days.”

His words proved prophetic, with Anisa Syyed and Rahee Sarnobat won India’s second gold in the women’s 25 metre pistol pairs.

Their total of 1,156 points beat the 1,150 set by Australia in Manchester in 2002 to set a new Commonwealth Games record.

Weightlifters get India 4 medals on Day 1

2010-10-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

Weightlifters brought India's first four medals at the Commonwealth Games 2010 in New Delhi on Monday. Soniya Chanu won a silver and Sandhya Rani Devi a bronze in the women's 48 kg category. Soon, Sukhen Dey and Srinivasa Rao Valluri came up with a similar performance in the men's 56 kg.

Badminton was a cakewalk, tennis saw a good day and table tennis produced a mixed bag. The women's hockey team survived a scare, while the swimmers crashed out.

Chanu had a total lift of 167 kg - 73 kg in snatch and 94 kg in the clean and jerk section.

Sandhya Rani had a total lift of 165 kg (snatch 70 kg, clean and jerk 95 kg).

The gold, the first medal of CWG 2010, went to Nigerian Augustina Nwaokolo, who also set a Commonwealth record. She had a total lift of 175kg, with 77kg in the snatch and 98kg in the clean and jerk sections.

Dey lifted a total of 252 kg (snatch 112, clean and jerk 140) for the silver while Srinivasa Rao claimed the bronze with an overall lift of 248 kg (snatch 107, clean and jerk 141).

It was a cakewalk for India in their opening pool D match in the badminton mixed team event with a 5-0 drubbing of Kenya at the Siri Fort Sports Complex.

The Indian team, which won the bronze at Melbourne in 2006, are seeded second behind Malaysia. The hosts literally toyed with the Kenyans in front of a sizeable crowd.

Chetan Anand and Saina Nehwal won their singles matches, and then Rupesh Kumar and Sanave Thomas made took the doubles before Ashwini Ponappa and Aparna Balan teamed up to win and finally the mixed pair V Diju and Jwala Gutta made it a clean sweep.

India will face Barbados Tuesday and will play Wales and Scotland on successive days.

Tennis stars Leander Paes and Sania Mirza rounded off a successful opening day for India at the R K Khanna Tennis Complex winning their match dropping just one gameto Saint Lucia's Stacey Nykita Roheman and Alberton Richelieu to enter the mixed doubles quarterfinals.

Rohan Bopanna kicked off the day with an emphatic straight sets victory over Uganda's Robert Buyinza to sail into the last 16 of the men's singles and Rushmi Charkravathi soon made it two in a row for India, dropping only one game in beating Pinki Agnes Montlha of Lesotho.

Poojashree Venkatesha hardly broke sweat blanking Lesotho's Nthabiseng Eunicia Nqosa.

The only blemish in India's campaign was the loss of Bopanna and Nirupama Sanjeev in the mixed doubles first round to top seeds Paul Hanley and Anastasia Rodionova of Australia 3-6, 6-3, 3-6.

India had a mixed opening day in table tennis as the men breezed past island nation Vanuatu while the women lost one of their two group matches against New Zealand.

The Indian eves registered a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the morning but lost 2-3 in a close match against the impressive New Zealanders later in the day at the Yamuna Sports Complex.

Four of the five New Zealand players are of Chinese origin.

The women's team, bronze medallists four years ago,is seeded fourth in the tournament.

The women's hockey competition also began Monday and India survived a scare against Scotland in pool A, salvaging a 1-1 draw after being down by a third minute goal.

The Scots were off to a great start when Holly Cram found the net in the third minute. India dominated the rest of the game, but missed chances until Jasjeet Kaur scored the equalizer in the 45th minute.

India's men's 4x100 metres freestyle relay swimming team qualified for the finals but finished sixth, as they had in the heats at the at the S.P.Mukherjee Aquatics Complex.

In the men's 50m backstroke, Badrinath Melkote clocked 27.52 secs to qualify for the semi-finals, but couldn't move any further.

Indian swimmers also failed to qualify in the women's 200m freestyle, men's 400m freestyle, women's 200m individual medley, men's 200m butterfly and women's 50m breaststroke.

Vijender, Suranjoy get first round bye

2010-10-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

World No.1 Vijender Singh and Asian champion Suranjoy Singh got a first round bye Monday in the draw of lots in the boxing event at the Commonwealth Games here, while defending gold medallist Akhil Kumar would begin his campaign against Qadir Khan of Pakistan later this week.

Only two pugilists, Commonwealth champion Amandeep Singh and former Asian bronze medallist Manoj Kumar would be seen in action in the first round here Tuesday.

Amandeep Singh will take on Peter Warui of Kenya in the light fly weight 49kg category while Manoj faces Daniel Lassayo of Sierra Leone in the light welterweight 64kg category in the afternoon session.

Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist Vijender (75kg) will face Kenyan Dick Ombaka here Friday. Vijender will attempt to become the third Indian boxer after Akhil (2006) and Mohammad Ali Qamar (2002) to win a gold at the Commonwealth Games. In the last Games in Melbourne, Vijender won the silver.

For Akhil, the challenge will be to retain his gold in the bantam weight (56kg) against Qadir Khan in the opening round. Even if Akhil gets through the first round, he will face 20-year-old English boxer Iain Weaver, who had defeated the Indian in the very opening round of the Commonwealth Championships in March.

Suranjoy Singh will face Manyo Plange of Ghana in the second round of the fly weight (52kg) category while Jai Bhagwan, who also got a bye in the first round, will face Colan Caleb of Nauru in the second round of the light weight (60kg) division, Wednesday.

Nine-time national champion Dilbagh Singh (69kg) will throw his punches at Viliami Latu of Tonga and in the light weight 81kg, Arjuna awardee Dinesh Kumar will face Obed Mwakongo of England.

Indian archers dominate day 1 of Commonwealth Games

2010-10-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

The wind changed its course at the Yamuna Sports Complex in the eastern fringes of the capital, but that did not break India's rhythm as the recurve archers adjusted to the condition to dominate the ranking round on the opening day of their event at the 19th Commonwealth Games here.

However, the ride wasn't so smooth for the compound archers as they had to fight it out against some of the best.

Rahul Banerjee and Jayanta Talukdar occupied the top two positions after returning scores of 679 points and 676 after two rounds of 36 arrows over a distance of 70m.

Cadet world champion Deepika Kumari pipped two-time Olympian and 2007 World Finals champion Dola Banerjee for the top spot in the women's recurve.

"Today, the wind direction was opposite (than in previous days). From the last few days, it was from left to right but today, it was from right to left. But we did well to adjust, I am really happy with the show," Indian chief coach Limba Ram said.

Teen sensation Deepika, fresh from her World Cup final stint in Edinburgh, was in her elements as she scored 662 points. Veteran Dola shot 658, while Naomi Anne Folkard of England was third with 642.

"I am feeling really good, its only the ranking round hopefully we will do well in the championship round as well," Deepika told reporters.

She also said England are going to give them the "biggest fight". India's third entry, Laishram Bombayla Devi, was ninth with 624.

In men's recurve, Canada's Jason Lyon was third with 674 while India's third entry Tarundeep Rai, back in the team after a slump in form, finished 13th.

The Sikkim archer, who represented India at the Athens Olympics 2004, shot 647 points.

World No 5 Talukdar said: "It makes me feel happy as it is my home ground and also the pressure is there. I feel confident today, and I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

"It feels great to play in your own country because the home cheer is there," the Guwahati archer told reporters.

There was a tie with Jayanta (Taulkdar) but I was three points higher then him. From tomorrow, there will be an elimination round which is very important."

In the team event, India topped with 1944 points, England was second with 1904 and Australia finished third with 1841.

CWG Hockey: Indian women held by Scotland

2010-10-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

Reigning silver medalists India were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Scotland in their opening Pool A match of the women's hockey event at the Commonwealth Games, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Monday.

The Indians fought back from a 0-1 deficit and scored through Jasjeet Kaur Handa (45th minute) after Scotland took the lead in the third minute from a Holly Gram field goal.

The Indians had a mixed day in office, displaying contrasting hockey in both halves. While the home team looked out of sorts in the opening period, they dominated proceedings after the breather.

India looked clueless in the first half, sparkling only in patches, while the Scots were by far the better side on display as they combined well to put pressure on the opponent's defence on numerous occasions.

In front of a sparse crowd that gathered at the stadium, India conceded a goal early in the opening half, and from there on played the catch-up game in the rest of the half.

The less-fancied Scots surged ahead as early as in the third minute when Gram scored from a field goal from the left wing.

The Indians, however, got numerous opportunities to draw level but poor ball control and finishing let them down.

Stunned by the opening half goal, the Indians came out with purpose after the change of ends, which was evidently visible in their game.

They went all out, attacking from the onset, and their efforts bore fruit in the 45th minute when Handa drew parity with a field goal after a one-two with Ritu Rani.

Scotland got a great chance to restore their lead two minutes later but Samantha Judge's fierce strike from the top

of the Indian circle went agonisingly wide off the target.

However, in the final 10 minutes of the match, it was all India as the hosts made numerous raids into the rival citadel for the elusive winner but on all occasions, either luck or the stubborn Scottish defence, came in their way.

The draw against 21st ranked Scotland, however, is a disappointing result for the Indian eves, who are looking

forward to emulate their gold medal-winning feat in the 2002 Manchester Games, after having lost out on the opportunity in Melbourne fours years ago.

India next the face the mighty Australians while Scotland will be up against Trinidad and Tobago.

Meanwhile, in the other women's hockey matches of the day, New Zealand defeated Wales 5-1 in Pool B, South Africa trounced Trinidad and Tobago 12-0 in Pool A, while Malaysia beat Canada 3-2 in Pool B.

Australia bags 4X100 freestyle Gold

2010-10-04T06:16:00.001-07:00

A storming finish by teenager James Magnussen has helped Australia break the Commonwealth Games record and claim the 4x100m freestyle relay gold medal at Delhi.

The team of Kyle Richardson, Eamon Sullivan, Tommaso D'Orsogna and Magnussen clocked 3:13.92 to finish ahead of England (3:15.05) and South Africa (3:15.21).

The effort eclipsed the previous Games record of 3:14.97 set by South Africa in Melbourne 2006.

Former world record holder Eamon Sullivan's scorching second leg of 47.49 seconds moved a sluggish Australia from fourth to first.

D'Orsogna kept Australia in front until the final change before England's Adam Brown ambushed Magnussen.

The 19-year-old looked gone when Brown led at the final turn before he found another gear to seal Australia's third gold medal of the opening night in the pool.

It was a welcome relief for the Australian men in the swimming team, who have been forced to play second fiddle to their female counterparts in recent years.

Their lowest point came in the 2006 Melbourne Games, when the Australian men managed just one gold - in the 4x100m medley relay on the final night of competition.

That trend looked set to continue when red hot favourite Nick D'Arcy failed to make the 200m butterfly final.

Then Ryan Napoleon - who overcame a drug ban and Delhi belly to make the 400m freestyle final - was pipped at the post by Canada's Ryan Cochrane.

Olympic silver medalist Sullivan said the men's team had been inspired to earn their first gold medal of the Games following D'Arcy's debacle.

"After a bit of a shock with D'Arcy missing the final, we wanted to come out and produce the goods and set the tone for the rest of the meet for the guys," he said.

"That's what we have got to carry through for the rest of the meet."

Commonwealth Games medals tally: Day 1

2010-10-04T04:39:00.000-07:00

Commonwealth Games medals tally at the end of Day 1:

Click here to see day 1 results.

Click here to see Commonwealth Games medals tally at the end of day 2.

Kylie Palmer gets first swimming Gold

2010-10-04T04:17:00.000-07:00

y 1 Australian swimmer Kylie Palmer has collected the first swimming gold medal at New Delhi 2010, winning the women's 200-meter freestyle in one of the highest-profile sports at the Commonwealth Games.

Palmer finished in 1 minute, 57.50 seconds, with Jazmin Carlin of Wales earning silver in 1:58.29 and Rebecca Adlington of England, the 400- and 800-meter Olympic champion, taking bronze in 1:58.47.

Four more swimming gold medals were to be awarded later Monday and 44 overall in the six-day program at the Dr. Dr. S. P. Mukherjee Aquatics Complex.

South Africa picks up 2 medals in swimming

2010-10-04T04:02:00.000-07:00

Team South Africa have got their medals tally off to a flying start on the opening day of competition at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi by earning two medals in swimming events.

(Click here to see Day 1 medals tally)

Durban matric pupil Chad Le Clos won the country’s first medal of the competition with victory on the 200m butterfly.

Swimming in lane two Le Clos burst through from nowhere in the final lap to touch first, upstaging a field that included teammate Sebastien Rousseau and England swimmers Paul Rock and Peter Roebuck.

The 18-year-old Le Clos, who competed in his first European galas only last year, was well out of the top three throughout the race, although Rouseau was third going into the final turn.

The South African 4x100m freestyle relay team earned bronze.

The relay team, victors at the 2006 Games in Melbourne, were beaten into third place by Australia and England, but they at least ensured a relay medal for SA for the third successive Games. They won silver in Manchester 2002.

Cochrane wins 400m freestyle Gold

2010-10-04T03:58:00.000-07:00

Swimmer Ryan Cochrane has won Canada's first medal at the Commonwealth Games. And it's a gold.

Cochrane, of Victoria, won the men's 400-metre freestyle in a time of three minutes, 48.48 seconds Monday.

Winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games is special to Cochrane.

His first big international competition was four years ago at the Melbourne, Australia, Commonwealth Games.

Since then Cochrane has won an Olympic bronze medal and two world championship medals.

Click here to see Commonwealth Games medals tally: Day1

Rock bands to perform at Commonwealth Games village

2010-10-04T03:48:00.000-07:00

A number of popular rock bands including Indian Ocean and famed singers like Daler Mehndi and Hariharan are likely to give a series of dazzling performances for over a week at the Commonwealth Games Village in New Delhi. Rock n' roll band 'Them Clones' is likely to perform today followed by East India Company tomorrow and Pentagram, led by Bollywood music composer Vishal Dadlani, the day after.

On October 7, the band 'Soul Mate' will hit the stage while Mohit Chauhan of 'Masakali' fame, singer Daler Mehndi and Palash Sen's Euphoria will perform October 8, 9 and 10.

Singer Hariharan and world famous percussionist Sivamani will showcase their talents on October 12. Grammy Award nominated film composer and jazz musician Louiz Banks will also perform on the same day.

Meanwhile, Indian Ocean, a contemporary fusion music band from Delhi, will cast its spell in amphitheater here on October 13. These cultural programmes are a part of 'Delhi Celebrates', planned out by both the state and central governments to showcase the wonders of India's music during the Commonwealth Games, which began here yesterday.

"Delhi Celebrates will bring together more than 5,000 artists and performers from all over the country and across the Commonwealth in what shall be Delhi's most exhilarating festival of art and culture," Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said.

Many cultural events will be showcased at INA, Connaught Place, Kamani and FICCI Auditorium, Qutub Minar Complex besides others. A festival of Mushairas, Ghazals and Qawallis 'Jashn-e-Delhi' will also be organised from today to October 7 at Town Hall Lawn, Chandni Chowk.

The sporting extravaganza will end on October 14.

Special train to Agra for Commonwealth Games participants

2010-10-04T03:32:00.000-07:00

The Railways will run a special Shatabdi train from Delhi to Agra to enable participants and officials of the Commonwealth Games visit Taj Mahal and other monuments.

The train will leave New Delhi at 7:55am and reach Agra at 10.40am. In return direction, it will leave Agra at 5pm.

"On arrival at Agra, 20 buses arranged by the Railways will take the visitors to various tourist spots, including the Taj Mahal, in the city," Devesh Mishra, divisional manager, told reporters here.

The train, which will have 9 coaches including one reserved for physically handicapped, will run from Wednesday till the end of Games. Around 550 passengers are expected to travel on the train everyday, he said.

Mishra said security at the Agra cantonment station is being tightened and more infrastructure developed including enquiry counters, train indication and coach display boards and video enquiry system.

Bopanna, Sanjeev defeated by Aussie pair

2010-10-04T02:55:00.000-07:00

Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna had to face defeat with his partner Nirupama Sanjeev against the Australian pair of Anastasia Rodionova and Paul Hanley in the mixed doubles at the Commonwealth Games here on Monday.

They lost the match by 3-6,6-3,3-6 score.

Earlier, Bopanna defeated Robert Buyinza of Uganda with 6-1,6-4 in the men's singles tennis event.

On Sunday, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Prince Charles jointly inaugurated the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the national capital.

The opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games was marked by a multicrore cultural extravaganza, dance, music and fireworks.

It was a magnificent opening that offered a glimpse of India's great heritage and tradition through a light, music and dance show, which led to the opening of the 11-day sporting extravaganza.

Nigeria gets first CWG Gold, India gets Silver & Bronze

2010-10-04T02:23:00.000-07:00

Nigerian weightlifter Augustina Nwakolo scooped the first gold medal at the Delhi Commonwealth Games on Monday, dashing hosts India's hopes of claiming it for themselves.

The 17-year-old jumped into the arms of her coach to celebrate her victory in the women's 48kg category, which she nailed with Games records in both the snatch and clean and jerk for a total of 175kg.

Local hopes rested on Soniya Chanu's shoulders but she failed to match the Nigerian and had to settle for silver with 167kg ahead of compatriot Sandhya Rani Devi, who managed a combined 165kg.

Chanu cleared 167 kg to stand second in the event behind Nigerian woman Augustina Nwaokolo who hoisted 175 kg to win the contest. She also created a new Games record. Sandya Rani took the bronze with a total clearance of 165 kg.

Chanu and Nwaokolo were tied with the same clearance of 94 kg in the snatch competition but the latter, who weighed marginally less than the Indian woman, settled the issue in the clean and jerk category by clearing 8 kgs more.

Seebohm faces setback, won't be able to replicate Phelps

2010-10-04T02:08:00.000-07:00

Emily Seebohm's quest for eight gold medals in the Commonwealth Games pool ended early with defeat to Australian teammate Alicia Coutts in the 200-meter individual medley, her first final of the games.

Coutts won in 2 minutes, 09.70 seconds Monday with Seebohm finishing in 2:10.83. Julia Wilkinson of Canada took the bronze in 2:12.09.

The race was missing Olympic gold medalist Stephanie Rice, who isn't competing in Delhi due to a shoulder injury.

In other finals, Kylie Palmer of Australia won the 200-meter freestyle, Ryan Cochrane of Canada the 400 freestyle and Chad Le Cos of South Africa the men's 200 butterfly. A men's 400-meter freestyle relay final was scheduled for later Monday.

Seebohm, who was attempting to match American Michael Phelps' feat of eight golds at a meet set at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was fourth-fastest in the women's 50-meter butterfly semifinals Monday and will swim that final on Tuesday.

Palmer finished in 1 minute, 57.50 seconds, with Jazmin Carlin of Wales earning silver in 1:58.29 and Rebecca Adlington of England, the 400- and 800-meter Olympic champion, taking bronze in 1:58.47.

British royal Prince Charles, who officially opened the games on Sunday, attended the morning session while his youngest brother, Edward, attended the final events later in the day. Prince Edward presented the medals to the Palmer, Carlin and Adlington.

While some of the other venues reported sparse attendances, more than 1,000 clapped in unison to "Land Down Under" when Palmer walked off the pool deck with her gold medal.

Carlin is the first woman from Wales to claim a Commonwealth Games medal in swimming since Patricia Beavan won gold in the 200 breaststroke in 1974.

Adlington said she was surprised by her bronze.

"I definitely didn't expect this at all," she said. "I thought I'd get around maybe fourth or fifth so I'm very happy I got third place."

Two champions from the 2006 Melbourne Games failed to qualify for their finals on Monday morning - Moss Burmester of New Zealand in the 200-meter butterfly and Caitlin McClatchey of Scotland in the 200-meter freestyle.

Burmester was 10th-fastest in the heats of the 200-meter butterfly. McClatchey, the 200-meter freestyle Commonwealth record holder, was 17th.

"I'm really disappointed," she said. "I've had a very inconsistent training program, fitness has been a bit of a problem because I've had a bit of a chest infection. I've lost a little bit of confidence in myself."

Australian Nick D'Arcy's hard-luck story continued. D'Arcy, who was not allowed to compete for Australia at the Beijing Olympics after being convicted of assault in a barroom brawl with a former swimmer, was ninth-fastest in the men's 200 butterfly Monday and failed to advance.

"It's pretty tough," D'Arcy said. "I didn't go as well as I wanted. It's a big international event so it hurts."

D'Arcy's coach Brian Stehr said his swimmer was "a shadow of his former self."

"I really don't know what the problem was, but it's obviously another setback for Nick," Stehr said.

Rahman enthralls audience, beckons athletes to perform

2010-10-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

A R Rahman had the 60,000 strong crowd at the glitzy Commonwealth Games opening ceremony up and dancing here on Sunday with his rendition of the theme song 'Jeeyo Utho Badho Jeeto', which had received brickbats when it was first unveiled in August.

The Academy Award winning musician had promised to go beyond Shakira's soccer anthem 'Waka Waka' with the composition and he delivered a powerful performance, backed by a spectacle of dancers.

Amidst a colourful play of fire works and 500,000 watts of music, the crowd cheered as the aerostat came alive with vivid imagery.

Dressed casually in a white jacket-and-denims combination, the hitmaker was welcomed by loud cheering as he stepped on to the stage to perform the theme song.

Flanked by dancers in red and white, Rahman also performed his international hit 'Jai Ho' which won him an Oscar last year.

The theme song which is based on the motto of the Games, "Come out and play", was the grand finale to the cultural extravaganza which was put together by some 7000 artistes.

Adding to the special effects were the hundreds of light beams that crisscrossed each other. During the entire song, fire crackers went up in the air illuminating an otherwise dark sky.

The audience included Prince Charles, his wife Camilla Parker Bowles, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President Pratibha Patil and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and an estimated 2 billion people who watched the ceremony on live television around the world.

The original version of the song had got a lukewarm response and was then tweaked and turned into a peppy sports anthem.

The 44-year-old musician had won two coveted Oscar trophies in 2009 for his compositions in the Mumbai based potboiler 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

CWG Opening ceremony takes spectators to Great Indian journey

2010-10-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

Think Gandhi, think India. Think tea stalls and sweetmeat shops, think India. Think Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh and Aamir Khan, think India.

A brilliantly choreographed piece, the 'Great Indian Journey', at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games Sunday evening was a sneak peek into what India is all about.

Setting the mood was a train that arrived with popular TV anchor Hussain Kuwajerwala dancing to the beats of Bollywood number 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' on top of it, just like the on-screen number.

Thereafter it was a medley of scenes typical of India. There were milkmen riding around in bicycles, a mobile bangle shop, a cycle shop, Mumbai's dabbawalahs, rural India's folkfore.

There were people dressed as fishermen, politicians in a white ambassador, blacksmiths and the like.

There was also a wedding band, a kite shop, a moving theatre with huge cutouts of Bollywood actors Amitabh Bacchan, Shah Rukh and Aamir Khan.

Artists performing traditional dances like bihu, Rajasthani dance, bhangra and bamboo dance were part of the colourful show.

The piece culminated with Mahatma Gandhi's portrait floating up on the stage, and artists creating famous Dandi march on sand. Prince Charles and his wife were particularly enthralled to see the fine sandwork done to showcase India's journey to Independence.

A special performance of Yoga by group of over 800 people highlighted India's approach to wellness and health.

Prince Charles, President Patil declare Games open

2010-10-03T09:01:00.001-07:00

Amidst cheers by the spectators, President Pratibha Patil declared the Games open. After athletes of all participating teams entered the stadium, CWG Baton arrived at stadium carried by India's ace boxer Vijender Kumar. The same was ultimately passed onto Sushil Kumar, who handed it over to Prince Charles.

After message from Suresh Kalmadi, PM Manmohan Singh and Mike Fennell; Prince Charles and Pratibha Patil declared the games open.

The 19th Commonwealth Games were jointly declared open by Prince Charles and President of India Pratibha Patil on Sunday at the Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium, the main venue for the Commonwealth Games.

Here's the complete text of President Patil's speech:

Sport, has always been, a powerful bridge, across cultures and people. At the 19th Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, we shall see this come true, one more time. We will witness, the power of sport, to bring together, athletes from the nations and territories of the Commonwealth, bound together, by a commonality of purpose.

Over the next 11 days, thousands of athletes will take part, in intense competition, across different sports and para-sport disciplines. We will see, a variety of emotions unfold, when the competitions begin. And we will experience much of it, ourselves.

More than anything else, we will see human endeavour, at its best. Each athlete will strive to give his or her best. Such determined effort, will offer those watching the Games, a great opportunity, to imbibe lessons that will enable them enhance the quality of their pursuits.

Sports is a microcosm of life. Those watching sports persons pursue their dreams, will get to see, how to perform under enormous stress, and, to deal with success and failure. Let me wish the athletes, the very best in their dedicated pursuit of excellence.

To our friends from other countries, let me say: India is a diverse and beautiful nation, with a rich heritage and culture. I am sure you will experience it in all its hues and cherish it. To my fellow Indians, I would like to say: let us use this opportunity, to showcase our legendary hospitality, while we enjoy the celebration of sport in our country.

The Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are now open.

Let the Games begin.

Athletes parade concludes during CWG opening ceremony

2010-10-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

Indian Contingent at CWG Opening Ceremony

Australia were the first country to walk into the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games Sunday evening. Netball player Sharelle Mcmahon was the flag bearer for the Australians.

The rest of 70 teams followed the Australian contingent.

(Read: Commonwealth Games opening ceremony starts)

Aminated Australians contingent entered the stadium cheered by loud roar of 60,000 fans.

England gave an Indian touch to their uniforms in their march past for athletes at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony Sunday. The team members walked into the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in red Nehru jackets with a loose-fitting white ensemble, resembling the Indian kurta pyjama.

Interestingly, Pakistani contingent got amongst loudest cheer from the Indian audiences. The players thoroughly enjoyed the welcome and some of them appeared amused.

South African contingent did not need any cheer as they came armed with vuvuzelas threatening to outdo a stadium packed with audience.

(Read our Commonwealth Games opening ceremony coverage)

All the teams were led out by Indian girls wearing the Indian sari in 71 different styles.

At last to come out was Indian contingent of 619 sportspersons led by Abhinav Bindra. They got standing ovation from all present in the stadium including President Patil, PM Manmohan Singh and Prince Charles.

Commonwealth Games opening ceremony starts

2010-10-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

India is keen on delivering the best ever Commonwealth Games. Keeping with the promise of Organzing committee, the Games opening ceremony started with a bang with hundreds of drummers from across the country producing the most delicious music.

Watched by millions across the globe, the 19th Commonwealth Games got off to a spectacular start here amid traditional Indian music and a burst of colour at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the heart of the city.

Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh watched as 1,000 drummers stirred up a thumping beat.

After the national anthem was sung, the opening act, Rhythm of India, set the mood for the much awaited sports event with electrifying energy.

The ’shankh naad’ (auspicious blowing of conch shells) and fireworks then lit the sky like dawn.

A helium aerostat crowned the stadium and suspended puppets danced to life when drummers dressed from across the country gathered in unison claiming that India has arrived.

In the center was child prodigy, Keshav on tabla giving lead to 1000 drummers from across the country.

The drumming session was followed by song "Swagatham" meaning 'Welcome' with interesting concept. At 4 corners of center stage were 100s of children under a white cloth. They painted "Mehndi" (traditional art form of decorating hand with red color) while being under the cloth providing a visual treat to 60000 spectators. To spectators it appeared as if the cloth is getting on the color automatically.

Amazing aerostat is center piece of CWG opening ceremony

2010-10-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

As the clock struck seven and beautiful fireworks lit the sky to signal the start of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, a huge helium balloon lifted up from the centre of the jampacked Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with colourful pupets dangling from it to welcome the spectators.

The Rs. 70 crore aerostat was the star attraction of the ceremony that showcased India’s rich culture.

The aerostat is said to be the biggest helium balloon in the world. Being used for the first time for an entertainment event, the aerostat was suspended 25 metres above the ground.

Sized at 40 metresX80 metresX12 metres, the aerostat has a 360 degree projection surface.

Manufactured by Per Lindstrandt and designed by Merk Fsher, it has an underbelly that reflects the lighting on the field of play.

Bindra to be 4th shooter to carry Indian flag

2010-10-03T06:31:00.000-07:00

India's only individual Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra on Sunday will become the fourth shooter to carry the national flag in a mega event.

Bindra, who won the gold in the 10 metre air rifle event in Beijing, was elated. He said it was a dream come true.

"As a 15-year-old I represented the country in my first Commonwealth Games in 2002 at Manchester. Today I am living a dream. To represent the country in the Commonwealth Games and also to carry the national flag is a great honour," said Bindra, who was the youngest member of the Indian contingent in Manchester.

Since the 1982 Asian Games, Indian shooters have been flag bearers in different multi-event extravaganza.

The late Karni Singh, a silver medallist in skeet in the World Championships, was the flag bearer at the 1982 Asian Games. World champion pistol shooter Jaspal Rana carried the Indian flag at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Athens Olympics silver medallist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore carried the Indian flag at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Security tight ahead of opening ceremony

2010-10-03T04:05:00.000-07:00

As crowds begin spilling into the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium ahead of tonight's extravaganza, Indian authorities have dispatched thousands of security personnel to Delhi's streets in an unprecedented show of force.

Almost 100,000 police are manning city streets, along with 1,500 commandos, 100 anti-sabotage teams, 300 sniffer dogs and 15 bomb disposal squads.

Outside the stadium, spectators, media and dignitaries are going through security check-points involving bag searches, metal detectors, frisking and even radiation checks.

Overhead, military helicopters are buzzing across the skyline and unmanned aerial drones are said to be keeping an eye on possible air space intrusions.

But in its latest advice, the Government makes specific reference to the lack of security at areas around the city which are showing Games coverage on large public screens.

"There are plans to erect 25 large screens in various areas of New Delhi to allow people to watch the Commonwealth Games," the advice said.

"These sites will have a lower level of security than at the Games venues."

More than 60,000 people will watch the spectacle from within the stadium tonight.

The three-hour long show will celebrate many aspects of India's rich culture, including its traditions in yoga, its famous train journeys and a Bollywood-style finale featuring a theme song created by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman of Slumdog Millionaire-fame.

About 250 members of the 546-strong Australian team will be the first athletes to enter the venue because Australia hosted the last Games in Melbourne.

The Australian team was earlier given a clean bill of health ahead of the opening ceremony.

As hosts of these Games, Indian athletes will come in last.

Pakistan weightlifters threaten boycott

2010-10-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

Angry Pakistan weightlifters threatened a Commonwealth Games walkout after an embarrassing opening ceremony scuffle saw a top official snatch his country's flag from a national sports hero.

Chef de mission Mohammad Ali Shah insisted on carrying the flag at the head of the team parade during Sunday's showpiece instead of the country's celebrated former gold medal weightlifter Shuja-ud-Din Malik.

Pakistan weightlifting manager Rashid Mehmood said the team had considered a boycott in protest at the humiliation suffered by Malik, a gold medallist at last Games in Melbourne four years ago.

"It was a shameful act because holding the flag was Malik's right and it was decided before the Games that Malik would carry the flag in the opening ceremony," said Mehmood of an incident witnessed by 60,000 people inside the stadium and a worldwide television audience of millions.

"It was an embarrassment for Pakistanis all around the world as television showed the name of Malik on the telecast under a picture of Shah carrying the flag and we considered a boycott but decided against it."

Aqil Shah, vice-president of the Pakistan Olympic Association, added: "I was shocked to see the chef de mission holding the flag.

"Holding the national flag is always the prerogative of an athlete and that's decided before the ceremony.

"I was the chef de mission of the Pakistan delegation on various occasions and never tried to hold the flag in the opening ceremony, because it is the right of the athlete. This controversy should have been avoided."

Former hockey star Shahnaz Shaikh has demanded an inquiry into the controversy.

"I was shocked to see Shah snatching the flag from weightlifter Shuja Malik and carrying it. It was unacceptable and I demand an inquiry against Shah."

Reports in Delhi said Pakistan Olympic Association president Arif Hasan had intervened to avoid a boycott by the weightlifting team.

The smart Indian commando

2010-10-03T03:50:00.000-07:00

Gun-toting commandos have been one of the surprise hits at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Before the Games opening ceremony began Sunday, many spectators made a beeline for the handsome security personnel on duty.

Visitors, who had entered four hours before the ceremony began, could be seen clicking photographs of the commandos or even posing with them for the cameras.

Girls have been cooing about the security personnel and trying to have a chat. However, today is not their day as security team is focussed on their job.

“They look so smart and reassuring,” said Amar Jain, 25, who got a picture taken. “And they are handsome too,” he added enviously.

Live Telecast of Commonwealth Games

2010-10-03T02:28:00.000-07:00

Following channels will be telecasting Commonwealth Games live in respective countries:

(Read our Commonwealth Games opening ceremony coverage)

BBC: UK and online streaming (CLICK HERE)
India: Doordarshan
NZ: Sky
Australia: Foxtel (CLICK HERE)
Canada: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Click here for broadcasting schedule.

Prince Charles visits Commonwealth Games village

2010-10-03T02:20:00.000-07:00

With just few hours left for the opening ceremony of the XIXth Commonwealth Games 2010, the heir to British throne Prince Charles visited the athletes' village here on Sunday.

Prince Charles will jointly declare the opening of the Commonwealth Games 2010 with President Pratibha Patil on Sunday evening.

Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, arrived in New Delhi on Saturday and were received at the airport by the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram made a surprise visit at the main media center of the Commonwealth Games 2010 to take stock of the arrangements.

Apart from 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states, India is expecting huge inflow of spectators and tourists during this mega event.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games will be held from October 3 to 14 in Delhi.

Only Indian currency accepted

2010-10-03T00:09:00.000-07:00

From flowers to souvenirs, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping at the Commonwealth Games Village, but there’s a catch. They can do so only in Indian currency.

The sprawling Village houses a flower shop, an ice-cream parlour, a general store and souvenir shops. When the more than 6,000 players from 71 teams come back after a hard day’s practice, many of them head for these shops.

That’s when they notice the Organising Committee guideline pasted at all outlets, “Only Indian currency accepted here”. Of course, there is the option of using cards (debit and credit), but most players indulge in retail therapy by rushing off to the Central Bank of India branch in the International Zone to get some rupee notes.

No video referrals in CWG hockey matches

2010-10-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

Video referral will not be available in hockey at the troubled Commonwealth Games after the technology was requested too late, officials said.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has used a video referral system at all major tournaments since 2006, but it will not be functioning here, in the latest hitch to hit the Delhi games, said the official in charge of venues, AVS Prasad.

“It came to our notice very late. As soon as we came to know about it, we asked the FIH to send the equipment,” Prasad, said.

“We were a little late but there were some issues. We have to follow some procedures as it is public money we are dealing with. The FIH told us it is too late for the referral system to be put in place now.”

Veteran Australian hockey player Jamie Dwyer lamented the lack of a referral system.

“I like the video review system. It’s good for the game of hockey. It’s a shame that it is not here in such an important event,” Dwyer told reporters.

But Glenn Kirkham, who plays in the centre midfield position for the England team, said the technology could be a hindranceas well as a help.

However, both hockey players were impressed by the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, venue for the tournament.

Rwanda set for Commonwealth Games debut

2010-10-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

These are the 19th Commonwealth Games, but for Rwanda, competing at the event will be a new experience - the country only joined the Commonwealth in November 2009.However, the central African country's small team in Delhi is ambitious for sporting success and they are eager for the chance to shape Rwanda's image across the world.

Nobody can forget the genocide of 1994 , in which more than 800,000 people died in systematic violence lasting more than three months, but Bonnie Mugabe, Rwanda's young chef de mission in Delhi, says it is time for his country's reputation to be broadened.

"To me, we don't only want Rwanda to be known for genocide - yes the genocide happened and the world should never forget that, but [we want to] put it to one side and develop our country, through sports and through tourism," he told me.

Earning success here in Delhi is his way of achieving that goal.

"If we win medals, the athletes will develop personally, they will get sponsorship, and sports [will] develop - so if we put on a good show and win some silverware it will help in the development of Rwanda as well," Mugabe said.

While Rwanda will be represented in only four disciplines at the Games - athletics, cycling, swimming and boxing - the country does have a chance of winning medals.

Mugabe is a confident man, saying: "I expect a medal in cycling and in the athletics."

The cycling team is lead by South Africa-based pro Adrien Niyonshuti, and the group has been training in that country to prepare specifically for Delhi and for the African Championships, which Rwanda hosts later this year.

In athletics - especially in the long distance events - Rwanda has experienced competitors who can challenge their near-neighbours Kenya and Uganda for honours, such as two-time Olympian Epiphanie Nyirabarame.

As Rwanda prepare to make their Commonwealth Games debut, there is one other message which their chef de mission wants to get across.

Every member of the team was affected by the genocide - some witnessed the murders of family members and only narrowly escaped with their own lives.

But the Mugabe wanted to make it clear that whatever their experience or ethnic background, the athletes and officials in Delhi represent a united country.

"Sport has done a lot in uniting Rwandans - it is the main tool which has helped in building the nation, 16 years after the genocide," he said.

"Right here we have a team and we are all Rwandans."

Queen's Baton reaches CWG village

2010-10-02T11:03:00.001-07:00

The Queen's Baton for the XIXth Commonwealth Games 2010 reached the athletes' village on Saturday. Scores of people gathered to cheer the arrival of the Queen's Baton.

Former Olympian and Dronacharya Awardee Satpal Singh, who carried the baton into the village, said people were eagerly waiting for the Games.

"It's very good, people are very excited about it. People are waiting eagerly for the Games and to take part in Queen's Baton Relay," said Singh.

Travelling by different modes and going through thousands of hands, the baton covered over 20,000 kilometres in 340 days, making the Baton Relay 2010 one of the longest relays in the history of the Games.

The Queen's Baton symbolises unity and shared ideals of the Commonwealth nations.

The baton carries a message of the head of the Commonwealth nations, Queen Elizabeth II, who flagged off the global tour of the baton on October 29, 2009 from Buckingham palace in London in the presence of the President Pratibha Devisingh Patil.

The Commonwealth Games will take place in the Delhi from October 3 and will conclude on October 14.

Delhi set for Commonwealth Games

2010-10-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

Spruced up, the Indian capital is all set to host the 19th Commonwealth Games with a spectacular opening ceremony Sunday featuring a display of music and dance involving thousands of young and experienced artists.

With an army of police and paramilitary personnel fanning out in the city, the 6,700 athletes and officials from 71 countries and territories eagerly awaited the inaugural by Prince Charles and Indian President Pratibha Patil at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the heart of the city.

In a resounding thumbs up, the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly Saturday commended the Delhi Games Organising Committee for getting things ready for hosting the Oct 3-14 event.

Although some high-priced tickets for the opening ceremony remain unsold, most Delhiites are delighted seeing a cleaner, greener and more colourful city, notwithstanding the last minute scrambles and earlier flak over sloppy and sluggish preparations.

Indian officials say there is nothing to worry on the security front. And most visitors appear to agree.

With Home Minister P. Chidambaram at the helm of affairs, some 100,000 security personnel will be guarding the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and other Games venues, backed by the military and high-tech gadgetry.

Not wanting to leave anything to chance, Chidambaram visited the Village Saturday for a final inspection.

Delhi itself is excited.

The capital witnessed a virtual shutdown Saturday owing to Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary - when markets and businesses normally shut. But with the Games opening, it will be a virtual forced holiday Sunday even for popular markets and street vendors.

The Queen's Baton Relay is on its final stretch in the national capital, led by white horses, vintage and classic cars, 'nagada' players and Nihang warriors. It will reach the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Sunday.

India is fielding the largest contingent of 619 athletes - 379 men and 240 women - and will be competing in all 17 disciplines at the Games.

This is the first time the Games are being opened by two dignitaries as part of a compromise pact between the hosts and the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, who arrived in the capital Saturday, visited President Patil at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the evening.

Around 7,000 men, women and children will take part in the two-hour-long opening ceremony, which is divided into six segments: Rhythms of India, Swagatam, Tree of Knowledge, Yoga, Great Indian Journey and Oscar winner composer A.R. Rahman's rendition of the CWG anthem 'Jiyo Utho Badho Jeeto'.

Speaking about the security arrangements, Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal said: 'We also have the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team which is armed with sophisticated weapons and ready to handle any situation.'

'Around 3,000 CCTV cameras have also been installed in and around the Games venues,' he added.

Thanks to the Games, be it an expanded Metro, stadia, flyovers, buses, bus shelters, or streetscaping on arterial roads, there is much by way of infrastructure that has been added to the capital.

And, it has also finally dawned on Delhiites that all this and more that has come about because of the Games will add to their convenience long after the mega event is over.

K.D. Kaushal, a retired government official, has been doing the rounds of the city for the last few days, taking stock of the changes. 'I have never seen Delhi as beautiful as this in my life,' the 65-year-old told IANS.

'The sporting event has brought in a lot of new opportunities for the city. The change on the ground is already quite perceptible,' said Ankit Varshney, a software analyst.

Accolades for the facilities at the Games Village and the venues continued to pour in from athletes and officials.

Welsh chef de mission Chris Jenkins said Saturday: 'I am really quite impressed with the transition. I had come here two weeks ago and things were really quite chaotic. But the athletes who came here three days ago are absolutely delighted with the residential wings and also the training facilities. The food is also quite good.'

'The venues are outstanding and we are really looking forward to competing there,' he added.

Indian govt issues guidelines for spectators

2010-10-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

The Home Ministry on Saturday said adequate security arrangements has been put in place for the Commonwealth Games and issued a set of guidelines for spectators hours ahead of the Opening Ceremony. The opening ceremony will start @ 1900 hrs local time. Entry into stadium will start @ 1400 hrs IST.

"Adequate security arrangements have been put in place in order to provide security to the sportspersons, officials, spectators, invitees, volunteers and workforce as well as to the entire city of Delhi," the Ministry said in a statement.

It said that along with the tickets, the Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games has circulated Do's and Don'ts for ticket-holders.

"While reiterating those Do's and Don'ts, all those who will visit the Games venues should also observe the Guidelines," it said.

It asked the spectators to plan in advance taking into account the possible traffic in order to reach the venue on time. The guidelines said one should be prepared to stand in queue.

"You should carry your ticket or accreditation card (together with the ticket) without fail. No one will be admitted without a ticket or an accreditation card (together with the ticket).

"Flap Barriers and RF readers have been installed to 'read' the ticket and the accreditation card. If the reading shows the ticket or accreditation card as 'invalid', a second attempt will be made, and if the second attempt too shows the ticket or the accreditation card as 'invalid', the person will not be admitted," the statement said.

Every person will be frisked and checked. The guidelines said it is possible that the flap barrier or the RF reader may fail sometimes, for a few minutes, owing to technological glitches.

In such a case, the security personnel will do a thorough manual check of the person, the ticket and the accreditation card and one must be prepared to subject themselves to the manual check. In addition, every person will be frisked and checked.

With regard to parking, the guidelines said only a few vehicles or cars with authorised 'vehicle access passes' will be allowed to go up to the designated points in the games venues.

"If you are travelling by a car with an authorised 'vehicle access pass', you will be required to alight at a designated point. You must walk the remaining distance to the entry gates."

It said visitors who travel by vehicles which do not have a 'vehicle access pass' may use the Park and Ride or the Park and Walk schemes.

The Ministry also requested asked citizens to use public transport as far as possible.

"The Do's and Dont's and these 'Guidelines' will apply to every visitor and there will be no relaxation and no exception will be made in any case. All are requested to cooperate," it said

Canada, NZ request for a short stay during opening ceremony

2010-10-02T00:26:00.000-07:00

Commonwealth countries, including Canada and New Zealand, have sought assurances about logistics before committing to participation in the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony here tomorrow.

One of the concerns related to the length of time the athletes would have to stay at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the opening ceremony, as some countries said they wanted their athletes to take part in the march past but then return immediately to the Games Village, missing the cultural show and the official opening speeches.

Commonwealth Games Canada President Andrew Pipe said that his country is concerned of their athletes' "well-being being compromised" due to heat factor and logistic issues but stopped short of saying that his country would not take part in the opening ceremony.

"We are concerned of how long our athletes will be out of the Games Village, how long they will stand during the ceremony under this (high) temperature, what are the arrangements for food, drinks and public conveniences to be provided on them. These are very fundamental issues.

"We are also concerned that the shelter for so many athletes taking part in the ceremony before and after the march past ceremony is small as far as we gather. We have raised all these questions during the chefs de mission meeting today. Mr Fennell has assured us that the issues will be sorted out," he said.

Organising committee spokesperson and Secretary General Lalit Bhanot, however, said that all the countries will take part in the opening ceremony and the matter has been sorted out.

"They want to ensure that the athletes' hold-up area before their entry into the stadium for the march past be covered. We have agreed to do that. We will do it. All the countries are taking part in the opening ceremony," Bhanot asserted.

Reports from England also said that Scotland and the Isle of Man have also sought assurances about logistics and some security matters before committing to participating in the opening ceremony.

Earlier, Pipe said Commonwealth Games Canada would not have sent the athletes had the cleanliness issue of the Games Village had not been addressed by the Indian authorities.

"We want to play a prominent role in the success of any Commonwealth Games but we could not compromise on the comfort of the athletes who, after all, are the focus of any Games. Till the athletes do not have a place to sleep which were acceptable to us we would not have sent them," Pipe said.

"I think, in hindsight, we have done the right thing and the CGF had brought the pressure also (on the Indian authorities. I think we would not have done differently," he added.

The concerns notwithstanding, the Canadian contingent were all praise of the world-class facilities, including the competition venues and Games Village.

Commonwealth Games Canada director of Sports Scott Stevenson said the Games Village and competition venues were world class.

"The Games Village has been exceptional and the competition venues are all world-class. We have no complaints," he said.

Asked about Canada's target in the medal tally, he said, "I can't predict how may medals we are winning. We have prepared hard for the last two years. We have come with a strong squad and we would at least want to be third and close the gap with England if possible."

Weightlifting coach Piere Bergeron said the weightlifting competition venue was world-class and, for the first time, the Games Village has a training area.

"For the first time in any Games, there is a training arena which is top class inside the Village and we don't need to go anywhere for training," he said.

Canada contingent flag bearer Ken Pereira, an athlete of Indian origin, said his country has come here after a hard preparation and he was looking ahead for a good performance from the athletes.

"I think we are going to perform very well here and I am eager for the Games to start. I have always enjoyed coming to India as my parents were born here," he said.

"I was here in March during the Hockey World Cup and I had gone out to have some fun then. I have relatives in Mumbai and I have to see how many there are in Delhi if I get some time to go out," he quipped.

Special opening ceremony postage stamp released

2010-10-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

The Indian postal department has brought out a special stamp to commemorate the opening ceremony of the 19th edition of the Commonwealth Games that kickstarts in the capital on Sunday. If it is a village it ought to have its own post office and the brand new Commonwealth Games Village here is no exception.

Sandwiched between a row of shops in the International Zone is a fully operational post office, with its own pin code 110090, that seems to be attracting good business.

Having opened on September 16, the Post Office which offers facilities such as speed and registered post as well as ordinary mail, is also selling through its philately section a variety of stamps in different sizes.

These have, according to officials become popular among the athletes, who want to take home something from Delhi.

"People are very excited about the Post Office and are buying many stamps and other souveniers from here," says an official.

Magie Lynes, an England team official says, "It is very useful to have a post office in the village. Everybody wants to send something home."

She says she has been sending colourful postcards and letters to friends and relatives.

"One athlete, a shooter even shipped across a part of his gun. Initially he was skeptical whether we could deliver it but we wrapped the part and have couried it to Italy," says an official.

Generally the host countries of the Commonwealth Games as well as some competing nations celebrate the Games philatelically.

Commonwealth Games a hit amongst athletes

2010-10-01T01:51:00.001-07:00

Fears over the state of the Commonwealth Games athletes village look to have fizzled out with the accommodation earning positive reviews across the board from competitors.

Despite alarm from several teams just two weeks out from the Games when the village was described as "filthy" and "unliveable", a late clean-up appears to have worked with athletes speaking highly of their homes as Sunday's opening ceremony approaches.

England flag bearer Nathan Robertson was the latest to give praise on Friday, even declaring the accommodation the best he'd seen in four Commonwealth Games.

"We've been there two days now ... the village quality has been very good the food halls excellent, actually the accommodation is possibly some of the best we've stayed in," the badminton star said.

"It was a little bit dirty when we arrived but the actual accommodation is some of the best compared with previous Commonwealth Games.

"They were just a little bit dusty at the start ... they've obviously done a lot of work in the last week."

Robertson's praise came after Australian athletes spoke highly of their new digs as they arrived through the week.

Athletes from South Africa, Canada and Pakistan have also given the accommodation the thumbs up, as have the likes of Scotland and New Zealand, whose officials were among the biggest critics prior to the Games.

"The toilets flush, the showers work, the beds are good, so we're happy," New Zealand hockey skipper Phil Burrows said.

Scottish wrestler Ashlea McManus said the village was bustling.

"You walk down the street and there are people of every other nation .. the atmosphere is great," she said.

Around 1200 athletes and officials were expected to join the 5500 odd already moved in to the village on Friday.

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit announced a theatre to screen movies for the village's inhabitants would open on Friday night.

Prince Charles to read Queen's message, President to open Games

2010-10-01T00:45:00.000-07:00

The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, will read out the Queen's message and the President of India, Pratiba Devisingh Patil, will deliver an address to signal the commencement of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 during the opening ceremony to be held here on Sunday.

The opening ceremony will be organized at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The Queen's baton that continued its journey through important places here on Saturday including the Games Village, will reach its final destination, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue of the opening ceremony tomorrow.

Prince of Wales, Prince Charles will receive the Baton and will read the Queen's message on this occasion.

President Pratiba Devisingh Patil will deliver an address to signal the commencement of the Games.

The opening ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. with hosts of the previous edition of the Games in 2006 Australia, leading the march past followed by other countries in alphabetical order while hosts India will be last with the country's only gold medalist in the Olympics, Abhinav Bhindra being its flag bearer.

The two-hour cultural extravaganza will highlight the rhythms and ragas of India and would be performed by over 7,000 artistes including the top names from the Indian music industry including A.R. Rahman and Shankar Mahadevan.

The highlight of the opening of the games will be an Aerostate that prop-up images of leaders, important monuments and themes representing various periods in Indian history.

This time the Commonwealth Games or, the CWG, to be held between October 3 -14, will witness the largest participation of sports persons in the history of the Commonwealth Games, as over 6,700 athletes and delegates from 71 nations will compete for the honors in 17 sporting events.

Indian archers look to strike Gold

2010-10-01T00:37:00.000-07:00

Boasting of world champions, the Indian archery team will look to hit the bull's eye despite being up against a formidable field when the sport returns to the Commonwealth Games after 28 years at the Yamuna Sports Complex range here on Monday.

With 2007 World Cup final winner Dola Banerjee, the 12-member Indian squad will target the recurve individual and team events to grab at least six gold medals that head coach Limba Ram has targetted out of the eight up for grabs.

"We have a strong side with a lot of experience. We should make merry in the home conditions and hope for six gold medals with top places in men's and women's recurve section," Limba said.

Asked about their preparation, Limba said, "We have been preparing for the CWG and Asian Games for the last two years. There were no exposure trips but our archers have done really well at the different legs of the World Cup and the Asian GPs."

Gearing up for the premier event, the archers have made an early start in March 2009 with a core group of 64 that has been pruned to a 12-member squad - three each in the recurve and compound bow sections (men's and women's).

There will be 16 medals (gold, silver and bronze) up for grabs with individual and team events in each category.

Tarundeep Rai, Jayanta Talukdar and Rahul Banerjee will lead the challenge against the likes of three-time Olympian Matthew Gray, Australia's best medal chance, in a high-voltage men's recurve field.

Gray will compete alongside compatriots Taylor Worth and Mathew Masonwells.

The Indian men's trio is high on confidence especially after their gold medal triumph in the World Cup Stage 4 in Shanghai (September 2-5) with a record 224 score, the highest so far.

"Everything is going in the right direction for us. In the initial round at the World Cup, we beat England who will again compete against us at the CWG. We also beat Asian Games competitors China (in the semis)," a confident Banerjee said.

Indian archers had begun the year in style as they swept all the gold medals at the 11th South Asian Games in Dhaka.

In the run-up to CWG, the women's recurve team were not as successful as their men's counterpart but the rise of 14-year-old Deepika Kumari, who won a silver in World Cup Stage 4 (Shanghai), augurs well for them.

The Ranchi girl, incidentally, is also the reigning cadet world champion and senior national champion.

The team returned empty-handed from the Shanghai meet, but they had made up for men's disappointing performance at the World Cup Stage 3 (Ogden, August 4-8) winning the silver.

Australia lobbying hard for 2018 Commonwealth Games

2010-10-01T00:31:00.000-07:00

The premier of Australian state of Queensland has arrived in Delhi to begin lobbying for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Premier Anna Bligh has arrived in Delhi to launch a bid for the Gold Coast.

Ms Bligh will meet with delegates from voting nations at the Commonwealth Games Federation's annual general meeting on Saturday.

"We believe the Gold Coast really has something to offer the Commonwealth Games Federation internationally," she said.

"It's a great location, a wonderful destination. It's already got outstanding sporting facilities and it's a place that athletes are safe - a great experience for athletes and visitors alike," she said.

Only one other city - Hambantota in Sri Lanka - has nominated for the bidding process, but Ms Bligh downplayed suggestions the Gold Coast was the hot favourite.

"Every single vote will matter and not one vote is taken for granted by our bidding team," she said.

"There are a lot of reasons why voting delegates would support a bid from Sri Lanka - a country that's come out of civil war and looking to create great infrastructure to people and to present them with a really optimistic future."

The Gold Coast team has until March next year to formally submit its paperwork for the bid.

Delegates will visit both cities before making a final decision in November 2011.

If the Gold Coast wins the right to host the Games, it will be the fifth time they have been held in Australia.

Glasgow has already been chosen as host city of the 2014 Games.

Commonwealth Games pull outs

2010-10-01T00:22:00.000-07:00

The Delhi Commonwealth Games have been hit by a series of pullouts by high-profile athletes, taking much of the shine off the multi-sport gathering, which opens on Sunday.

Following is a list of the biggest-name athletes who will miss the Oct. 3-14 Games for reasons ranging from injury to security.

USAIN BOLT:

The Jamaican triple Olympic champion sprinter pulled out because the event is taking place too late in the year.

SHELLY-ANN FRASER:

Like Bolt, the Olympic 100 metres champion also had problems with the timing of the Delhi Games. She subsequently tested positive for a prohibited substance that earned her a provisional ban.

DAVID RUDISHA:

The Kenyan 800 metres world record holder said he was tired and felt competing in Delhi would affect his performance in next year’s world championships in South Korea.

SAMANTHA STOSUR:

The Australian tennis player is skipping the Commonwealth Games because it coincides with tour events.

ASBEL KIPROP:

Kenya’s Olympic 1,500 metres champion has suffered an Achilles injury, Kenyan officials said.

DANI SAMUELS:

Australia’s discus world champion has pulled out due to security and health concerns.

CHRISTINE OHURUOGU:

The Olympic 400 metres gold medallist from England suffered cramps and said she did not want to aggravate the injury.

PHILLIPS IDOWU:

England’s world triple jump champion has security concerns.

CHRIS HOY:

The Scottish quadruple Olympic gold medallist cyclist pulled out because the Games clash with the European championships, which carry qualification points for the 2012 London Olympics.

STEPHANIE RICE:
The Australian triple Olympic gold medallist swimmer is skipping the Commonwealth Games to undergo shoulder surgery.

CASTER SEMENYA:
The world 800 metres champion from South Africa was forced to miss the Games after failing to recover from a back injury in time.

Shera stamps a hit amongst athletes at CWG village

2010-09-30T01:40:00.000-07:00

The post office at the Commonwealth Games Village is doing brisk business. At the centre of attraction for foreign athletes is the set of Shera postage stamps, selling like hot cakes.

The postal department opened a post office in the International Zone of the Games Village Sep 16 to provide a vend for speed post, registered post, ordinary mail and other services. It also houses a philately section where people can buy stamps.

India Post released four stamps - Shera, Queen's Baton, Talkatora Stadium and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium - commemorating the Games. Another stamp will be released Oct 3 on the opening ceremony of the 19th Games.

According to the postal officials, the stamps related to the Games are attracting large number of people.

"We have got an amazing response from athletes and delegates in the Games Village. We have sold stamps worth over Rs.14,000 in last one week. Majority of people are buying the Shera stamp having images of the Games mascot," Veerpal Singh, of India Post.

Singh also said they are very happy with the overwhelming response from the players.

"India will be hosting World Philately Exhibition February and this is a sort of curtain raiser for us. We hope to do more business in the coming days," said Vipin Kumar, another staffer at the Village post ofice.

Brittany Teev, a tennis player from Cook Islands - a net of 15 islands in the heart of South Pacific with a population of a mere 13,200 - said: "I bought 10 Shera stamps as souvenirs for my friends back home. I have also bought lots of postcards having shera stamps to send message back home as it is the cheapest means of communication. The facilities here are brilliant."

Calling it one of the best stores in the Village, Alan Ritche from Scotland said: "It is awesome. The people in the store are so friendly that it is an experience of a lifetime."

Some 7,000 participants and officials from 71 countries and territories are expected to attend the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games, India's biggest sporting event after the 1982 Asian Games.

Australian swimming squad checks in Delhi

2010-09-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

The strong 52-member Australian swimming team, which was training in Kuala Lumpur flew down here Wednesday night.

Australian swimmer Eamon Sullivan tweeted describing the conditions in the Games Village as “excellent”

“First night in Delhi down. The apartments are beautiful. Going to the food hall to explore!", he tweeted.

Andrew Lauterstein seemed to be enjoying the village: "Living large in the Village,” he tweeted.

Some swimmers had spent time in the team camp in Malaysia deliberating on whether or not to compete in India.

"There have been (security) concerns right before we came to right to when we were here but not enough to stop them from coming," said head coach Leigh Nugent.

Nugent believes that every Australian team would have had concerned athletes.

"We are no different," Nugent said.

Nugent expressed his relief that all had chosen to travel.

"We sure are (happy)," Nugent said. "Racing starts Monday so we are looking forward to that."

Nugent thinks this team can achieve the Melbourne Commonwealth Games tally of over 50 medals, despite the fact that there are 31 debutants this time around.

"They are good enough," Nugent said.

While the other sports may have been depleted due to withdrawals, the pool is set to be a world class battle with England and Australia set to vie for the top spot on the medals table.

England's team members have been talking up their chances - Australia weren't.

"We will leave the talking to the swimming pool," Nugent said.

England were second to Australia in the swimming medals table in Melbourne with eight golds, 11 silvers and four bronzes. Team England contains Great Britain team members who won a best-ever third spot in the European Championships in August.

The six-day pool programme starts Oct 4.

Dedicated lanes for Commonwealth Games extended

2010-09-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

Dedicated lanes for Commonwealth Games in the national capital will now be extended to Major Dhayan Chand Hockey Stadium and Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from the Games Village. To facilitate Commonwealth Games-related traffic, Delhi Traffic Police has been maintaining dedicated Games Lane from Games Village to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Games Family hotels from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm since September 26.

"Now this has been extended to Major Dhayan Chand Hockey Stadium and Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from Games Village. For other competition and training Venues, Traffic Police has been facilitating the movement of athletes and officials," a senior police official said today.

A notification relating to the movement of all categories of goods vehicles during Commonwealth Games which will be effective from September 30 to October 15 has also been issued by the Transport Department.

The notification prohibits the entry, plying and idle parking of heavy, medium and light goods vehicles on certain roads during specified timings.

According to the notification, there will be day time restriction on the entry, plying and idle parking of goods vehicles from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm on 84 roads including NH-8, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Aurobindo Marg, Nelson Mandela Marg, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, Thamaiya Marg, Shankar Road, DBG Road and Rani Jhansi Road.

There will be peak hour restrictions on entry, plying and idle parking and 24-hour restriction on certain roads.

CGF also responsible for issues in Delhi

2010-09-29T02:33:00.000-07:00

New Zealander Michael Hopper, in charge of the Commonwealth Games in India, must share the blame for the problems related to the event, New Zealand Sports Minister Murray McCully has said.

McCully said there had been too much finger-pointing at Indian officials. Some of the blame lay with Games Federation chief executive Hooper, The New Zealand Herald Friday quoted McCully as saying.

Hooper has been at the centre of a blame game over shoddy conditions at the athletes' village that at one time threatened to derail the Games. He has defended the federation, saying it had implored Indian officials at every opportunity to be ready for the event.

But McCully said Hooper was partly to blame. 'So we should be careful about simply asserting that Indian officials carry all the responsibility.

'He's been based there to oversee those arrangements. I certainly think there's going to be a sharing of responsibility, but this is not the time. Let them do their jobs and leave the serious questions for afterwards. But they should be asked,' McCully said.

Hooper reportedly had said that Delhi's 'population hazard' hampered the organisation of the Games, sparking protests in the Indian capital. Federation president Mike Fennell denied the remark was made.

Hooper also faced criticism for his luxurious lifestyle while staying in India to oversee the Games preparation. The cost, which include tax breaks of $600,000, a rented accommodation worth more than $36,000 monthly and a chauffeured limousine, was paid by the Games Organising Committee.

McCully, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said Indian pride had been hurt by revelations of poor accommodation for athletes, but the damage could be repaired if the Games, starting Sunday, ran smoothly.

'I've got no doubt there were some raw nerves touched, but serious issues of safety and welfare were arising.'

He said he was confident about security in New Delhi but anyone going there should check the foreign ministry.

'There are always some elements of risk in relation to terrorist activities but we don't have any specific information that should be drawn to people's attention at this point.'

500 additional buses for Delhi before CWG

2010-09-29T02:30:00.000-07:00

The Delhi High Court Wednesday gave the green signal to the Delhi government and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to include 500 low-floor buses from the manufacturers Ashok Leyland after they recorded before the court that the new fleet of buses was of the highest standard.

Now the fleet would be used during the Commonwealth Games and would fill the vacuum created by the sudden pullout of 1,600 Blueline buses from Delhi roads. 'Bus supplier will be liable even in case of any problem or in case of third party claims,' said the bench comprising Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice Reva Khetrapal.

The CBI had registered a case against Ashok Leyland for supplying sub-standard buses to the Delhi government. After this a showcause notice was issued to the manufacturer by DTC asking why the contract should not be cancelled. The case was registered after a series of mishaps took place in the capital in which several low-floor buses of Ashok Leyland caught fire.

'They have assured that the new buses are safe and even rendered an indemnity bond (taking full financial and other risks for any eventuality). The court was kind enough to allow the buses to be part of the existing fleet,' said Sumit Pushkara, standing counsel for the DTC.

The Delhi government and DTC informed the Delhi High Court Tuesday that they had 'cracked the whip' on one of the bus manufacturers, Ashok Leyland, following which the latter has certified that a fleet of 500 buses made by it meet the highest safety standard.

Informing the bench of Justice Sikri and Justice Khetrapal, standing counsels for the government and DTC, Najmi Waziri and Sumeet Pushkarna said there is an urgent need to put this fleet of 500 buses on the city roads in view of the removal of Bluelines.

CWG baton to reach Delhi on Thursday

2010-09-29T02:27:00.000-07:00

The Queen's Baton Relay of the Commonwealth Games will enter the host city on Thursday from the neighbouring state Haryana after completing its 20,000 kilometers journey, passing through all 28 Indian states and seven union territories. The Baton will reach the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee headquarters situated opposite Jantar Mantar on Jai Singh road in New Delhi in the afternoon, where it will be received by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi.

A slew of events have been planned during the display of the baton at the OC headquarters.

An elaborate three-day display and movement of the QBR in the city has been planned beginning tomorrow.

On Friday, the baton will pass through Vijay Chowk, India Gate, Teen Murti Bhawan, Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple and on Saturday, it will visit Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, St Columba's School and athletes' Games Village.

The 190,000 km long QBR's journey across 71 countries will culminate on October 3 at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium before the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games tourist info cafes getting good response

2010-09-29T01:42:00.001-07:00

Tourist information cafes opened in the capital to provide details about the city to visitors during the Commonwealth Games are getting a good response, said a professional associated with the project.

Forty such cafes are to be opened across the city. These would be a one-point information hub for tourists coming to Delhi during the Oct 3-14 sporting event.

Besides having counters for providing details in eight languages on accommodation, bus routes, food, shopping destinations and culture, the cafes have facilities for food and beverages as well as souvenirs.

The cafes have been conceived by Delhi-based artist Ved Pohoja and his associates. They are built on land provided by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NMDC) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

â€œAs of now the cafes have been opened at Red Fort, Connaught Place and Birla Mandir. By the month-end, all 40 kiosks would become operational. The cafes remain open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., said Saurabh Chauhan, who is associated with the project.

Chauhan said the cafes are getting a good public response. â€œLots of people are visiting the kiosks seeking information. As of now most of the people are from Delhi but as we get close to the Games we are looking forward to cater to foreign and other tourists, he said.

3000 athletes are in Delhi for Commonwealth Games

2010-09-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

Over 3,100 Indian and foreign athletes have arrived here for the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games. Around 850 athletes arrived Tuesday.

Canadian Susan Nattrass, a six-time Olympian and seven-time world trap shooting champion, was among the athletes who arrived Tuesday. She has two silver and three bronze medals in the Games to her credit.

The Jamaican contingent comprising Allodin Fothergill (men's 400 metres), Lerone Clarke (men's 100m), Oshane Bailey, who held the No.1 position for 100 metres at the Reebok Grand Prix in 2009 and Ricardo Cunningham, an 800 metres specialist has also arrived, an Organising Committee press statement said.

Also in Delhi is the Australian women's hockey team, winners of three Olympic gold medals, five World Cup titles, three Commonwealth Games medals and 12 Champions Trophy titles.

Malaysia had 93 more athletes and officials coming in, the largest contingent Tuesday. These athletes will participate in archery, aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, badminton and weightlifting. Northern Ireland, New Zealand, England and Australia were among the countries whose athletes arrived this day.

Vuvuzelas to rock Delhi during Commonwealth Games

2010-09-28T00:37:00.000-07:00

The vuvuzela trumpets that became the droning soundtrack to the football World Cup in South Africa are to make a comeback at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Vuvuzelas provoked strong emotions in South Africa, with some fans loving the distinctive low-pitched bellow while others -- including many players, coaches and commentators driven to distraction.

About 10,000 plastic vuvuzela horns have already been sold in Delhi through official merchandising outlets at a cost of 250 rupees (5.5 dollars) each.

"Both Indian and foreigners have been showing a lot of interest, and sales are very good," Jitendra Dang, who runs a stall at the athletes' village.

"It feels that their popularity after South Africa is continuing in India."

Vuvuzelas became the unofficial symbol of the World Cup, but they drowned out crowd chants and made it nearly impossible for players to communicate with each other.

The horns have since been banned by UEFA, European football's governing body, and by several English Premier League club grounds, as well as at many other sporting events.

Indian sports fans are known for their passion -- especially at cricket games -- but tickets are still available for most Games events and it is uncertain if venues will fill with the vuvuzela's monotone blast.

Suresh Kumar, chairman of the Games' official merchandising company Premier Brands, said 50,000 vuvuzelas had been imported from China and 10,000 had already been bought from stalls, shops and from mobile vans.

"People here like them because in India we associate celebrations with noise," he told AFP. "Festivals like Diwali are always very loud.

"Vuvuzelas are the most popular item we are selling. We expect the rest to go by the middle of the Games. And if we have a shortage, we can't get any more because they were ordered from China."

The origins of the vuvuzela -- and the word's meaning -- are unclear, but many believe they were first made from a sheet of metal, and were only popularised in South African sports stadiums in recent years.

Harris Mbulelo Majeke, South Africa's High Commissioner in Delhi, showed locals last week how to blow the horn with a long, loud blast.

"We are going to make a lot of noise. We are going to have lots of fun," he said. "We are going to blast the stadiums with vuvuzelas."

SA sports chief slams CWG critics, supports India

2010-09-27T01:13:00.000-07:00

South Africa Sports Confederations and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) president, Gideon Sam, is ready to work with CWG organizers if that will ensure the success of the crisis-hit Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India which starts next Sunday.

Sam has slammed first-world countries for criticising the Games’ organisers, despite images from New Delhi highlighting the issues like not so clean athletes’ village, a bridge collapsing near the main venue etc. He called these as excuses for not knowing the host country enough and trying to find a reason to stay in their "holes". To prove the point, swine flu is a problem across the globe but Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Scotland are highlighting the Indian statistics which are pretty much at par with any other country.

“Our athletes will have no excuses if they don’t perform at the Games. If they are unhappy with their rooms because they have not been swept, they must take off their jackets and sweep them themselves,” Sam said.

“We’ll not complain, South Africans don’t do that. And when I get there on Friday, if a toilet is not clean, I’ll clean it myself.”

Some participating nations have delayed their arrival in Delhi as the organisers attempt a last-minute clean-up. Yesterday, however, athletes continued to withdraw from the quadrennial multi-sport event.

Sam said: “We had the same problems with these countries who complained before the FIFA World Cup. “As South Africans, we’ve always supported our friends, and internationally, India and Brazil (hosts for next 2016 Olympics) are our best friends. “We also want to host events like this, and it’s unfair if they are hosted only by countries like England, Canada and Australia.”

Sam said SA had plans in place to ensure the athletes’ safety and provide sufficient medical care.

“We’ll have our own security on top of what the hosts are providing us. The medical team will also be well equipped,” Sam said.

Team England to move into CWG village

2010-09-27T01:01:00.000-07:00

After avoiding the Commonwealth Games Village for over two days, the English delegation is all set to move into the campus on Sunday.

A group of around 20 support staff will be the first occupants of the accommodation to ensure that conditions continue to be on track for 48 athletes from the sports of hockey (32), lawn bowls (12) and shooting (4) to move in on Monday.

They will be followed by gymnasts (10), archers (12) and weightlifters (14) on Tuesday, a statement released by the Commonwealth Games England press office said.

England Chef de Mission Craig Hunter said, "It's exciting but also a relief to be able to occupy our accommodation.

"We are now getting back on track with the planned and phased arrival of athletes and we will begin to reach a peak of team numbers (more than 500) on October 5."

He said there is still a lot more to do to be ready for that peak but he would like to pay tribute to their support team staff "who have worked sometimes literally around the clock to get everything in place and safe for the first athletes' arrival."

Hunter said, "It has been a challenging experience but one which will make us (England team) stronger as we strive to be successful now on the field of play."

First batch of Aussies arrive in Delhi for CWG

2010-09-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

The first batch of Australian athletes for the Commonwealth Games arrived here early this morning hoping to remain unaffected by the troubled build-up to the event.

Australia’s lawn bowls team landed in the Indian capital in the wee hours this morning.

“Who’d have thought lawn bowls would lead Australia into battle?” said one of the team members.

They are well aware of the criticism that has engulfed the Games Village but the Aussies said they would not form an opinion before having a look at it themselves.

“We’ve heard reports but we’d like to see for ourselves.

We’re going in without expectations and what we see is what we get,” said another player.

“There’s a fair bit of pressure, but we’re pretty confident,” she said.

Later today, Australia’s netball and gymnastics teams will also land here for the October 3 to 14 event.

So far, three Australian athletes have pulled out of the Games - cyclist Travis Meyer, table tennis player Stephanie Sang and discus world champion Dani Samuels.

Scotland team arrives in Delhi

2010-09-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

Despite speculations that some of the countries taking part in the Commonwealth Games were set to pull out of the event, some of the leading squads have reached the Indian capital to participate in the sporting extravaganza.

The Scotland team that had delayed departure for the venue of the Games last week arrived amid tight security.

The organisers feel that the arrival of the contingent was a major boost for them amid a plethora of controversies and apprehensions over accommodation, besides security measures of the mega event.

Security concerns were heightened in the Indian capital when two Taiwanese tourists were shot and injured outside the famous Jamia Mosque earlier in the month of September.

Meanwhile, some of the other teams also arrived in the country including the Australian and Kenyan contingents.

The arrival of various contingents gathered pace which put speculations to rest that the Games might not go ahead.

At one stage, speculations were rife that some countries were thinking of a pull out and doubts in this regard were raised further when the Scottish squad delayed its departure to New Delhi.

Upon their arrival, a heavy security contingent and volunteers of the Commonwealth Games gathered at the airport to receive them.

The Scottish team that had gathered media attention due to their delayed departure was escorted by armed policemen as they moved towards the Games Village.

Besides the Scottish squad, a team from South Africa was also spotted boarding the bus that was destined for a local hotel.

The athletes are set to be lodged at hotels across Delhi until the CWG Village is ready to host them.

There was a further boost for the tainted organisers when the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation Michael Fennell claimed that he was confident that all leading countries would take part in the event.

India had made big claims when the Games were handed over to them they had the requisite infrastructure to host the event successfully. India which is considered a growing global economic and political power had dreamt of rivalling neighbours’ China.

The Indian government has vowed to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the Games were staged on time and gather attention for all the right reasons, rather than all off field action that had dogged the event.

For the time being, the government is recovering from the hit to its image as many sections of the international media have dubbed the event a “major embarrassment” for the world's largest democracy.

New Zealand support staff move into CWG village

2010-09-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

New Zealand support staff's move into the Commonwealth Games village is seen as a sign that progress is being made in getting the athletes' accommodation in New Delhi up to scratch, says a top official.

Last week the unhygienic state of the accommodation areas and the amount of work that still needed to be done cast doubt on the Games, which are due to open on Sunday and run until October 14.

The situation led the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) to delay the arrival of the first New Zealand athletes into the village from last Saturday to tomorrow.

A 13-strong New Zealand operations team finally moved in yesterday to spend its first night on site.

"It's certainly an important first step," NZOC president Mike Stanley said.

"We've always said we want to have a team at the Games and we're working really hard, and the team on the ground is working really hard, to ensure that this is the case. This is a signal we are moving in the right direction."

Stanley said chef de mission Dave Currie had consistently said the New Zealanders would not start shifting into their allocated towers until he was confident they were safe and hygienic.

"While all the issues are not solved, they have enough comfort that they can do it."

Stanley said the remaining issues with the accommodation were "becoming more minor".

"There's also the unknown of how everything is going to work under load when you have the whole accommodation block full," he said.

"But the attention is very much turning now to transport and just how efficient that is going to be and are they going to deliver on the plan they said they would."

The first New Zealand athletes expected in New Delhi are the bowls team, who are due to arrive tomorrow just after midnight (local time).

Stanley said the plan at this stage was for them to check into the village on their arrival.

The bowlers were originally scheduled to get into the Indian capital last Saturday, as they wanted plenty of time to get used to the slow greens at the competition venue.

Instead, with the accommodation delay, they headed to Abu Dhabi to continue their preparations.

Stanley, along with NZOC secretary-general Barry Maister, last week made a rushed visit to New Delhi to get a first hand look.

He is due to fly back there on Thursday, this time for the Games themselves.

Asked how much doubt there had been over New Zealand's participation, he said the NZOC's plan was always to have a team at the Games.

"Clearly last week the list of things that had to be done was significant, but we didn't ever sit down and say this is the time we are going to go or not," he said.

"We always said we wanted to ensure that our team was safe and secure and we wouldn't put them in harm's way. We had a certain window to do that. We are still within that, and it's just that problem solving process."

Botswana team to reach Delhi on 28-Sep

2010-09-25T01:01:00.000-07:00

Botswana will send a 26-men strong team to the upcoming Commonwealth Games due to be held in Delhi, India.

The team, which was officially named on Friday, is expected to leave the country on Monday and is expected in India on Tuesday. The team, which is made up of athletics, boxing, bowling and Squash players, will have the Botswana National Olympic Committee Executive Officer, Tuelo Serufho, as its Chief of Mission.

Officially sending the team off, the Director of Sport and Recreation, Falcon Sedimo, said there are a lot of expectations for the team to do well at the games.

“The fact that these games are taking place on the back of good performance by several of our national teams, among them the netball team and the Zebras, the nation will be watching team Botswana’s performance at the Delhi games with great interest and anticipation,” Sedimo told the team. He says he is very hopeful that it will meet its set target of bringing home eight medals from the Delhi games. The Sport and Recreation director says while this may seem unattainable, considering that the highest medal number ever accrued at the games was three at the 2002 Manchester Games, the task is not impossible.

Sedimo expressed confidence on the team going to the games, saying ‘the athletes selected to represent the country at the games have what it takes to ensure that the nation is well represented”.

He added that with the country celebrating its 44th Independence next week, bringing home medals will be the best gift the nation could ask for. Sedimo took the moment to urge local sporting bodies ‘to use sport psychologists to help our athletes deal with sport environment within which they compete,’ adding that psychological preparedness is as essential as physical fitness is. The Sport and Recreation Director urged the athletes to show great discipline while at the games, saying while ‘winning is not everything, it is the thing.’

He urged them not to deviate from values that Batswana are known for, which include discipline, humility and cooperation, adding that any deviation will only undo all that many before us have done for this country. Sedimo took the opportunity to caution athletes from using any performance enhancing drugs and called for a spirit of camaraderie and fairness whether they win or lose.

He says while local athletes have not been caught using these in the past, the recent case in which a local athlete was banned for two years for using performance enhancing drugs points to the need for athletes to be educated on this topic.

Meanwhile, Sedimo says they are aware of ‘concerns that have been raised from numerous quarters about the state of readiness of Delhi for delivering the games, and also the concerns on health and security.’

“While these are important concerns, Botswana believes that the government of India and the Local Organising Committee will do their best to deliver games that will remain memorable,” he said, adding that it is not always that major events enjoy a trouble free build up. He says they have been informed that these matters are being addressed as a matter of urgency by the Indian government and the Games Organising Committee. He called upon athletes to take responsibility, saying that while they are guaranteed safety by the organizers, they too have a role to play as regards their safety and security.

The Botswana team is composed of 12 athletes, 12 bowlers, 6 boxers and 2 squash players.
Meanwhile, the local team’s head of mission, Tuelo Serufho is already in India to prepare for the team’s arrival. Serufho left the country for India on Friday.

Who will preside at Commonwealth Games opening..!!!

2010-09-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Officials have not yet decided whether Prince Charles or Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will preside over the opening ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

As head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth usually opens the games, but she will not be attending this year’s event. Many people feel that, as her representative, Prince Charles should preside over the opening but others –including Indian government officials - feel the Indian president should take over the duties.

The Guardian reported that a heated discussion was said to have taken place and a spokesman with the organising committee said: "It is a protocol issue and hasn't been decided yet.”

Buckingham Palace announced earlier this year that the Queen would not attend the games because of a heavy travel schedule. The decision was criticised by some people.

This will be the first time in 44 years that the British monarch has not attended the games. It is expected that Prince Charles will read a letter of encouragement to the athletes on her behalf. Camilla Parker-Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince Edward will also attend the opening ceremony.

The games are scheduled to start on 3 October.

CWG organizers adding green touch to venues

2010-09-24T00:42:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, one of the greenest cities in the world, is trying to keep up with its green image for the Commonwealth Games.

New Delhi is on its last leg of the Games preparations.With the stadiums ready, the focus has shifted to beautifying the city.

But plans to create a green cover are running behind schedule.

The capital lost thousands of trees to Metro rail construction, flyovers and other Games-related projects.

Now with no time left to re-grow the greens, the government has turned to potted plants from nearby states, for an instant greening of the Games' venues.

So far, around a million potted plants have been used.

New Delhi Municipal Corporation horticulture director Subhash Chandra said: "We are planting herbs, shrubs, herbaceous plants, foliage plants, ground cover and shrubs to enhance the greenery part during the Commonwealth Games and perennials that can last five to six years".

At the same time, the Games Organisers too, are eager to leave a green footprint.

For example, the Thyagaraj stadium, which will host the netball event, generates its own electricity, using gas turbines and solar panels.

It also harvests rainwater, and is designed to keep the inside temperature cool.

Head of Thyagaraj Sports Complex O.P Bhatia said: "Thyagaraj stadium is the greenest stadium in the world.

"It doesn't leave any carbon footprint. We have the solar panel, and we have our own turbines. Whatever electricity we produce and the vapours we release, we use it for air-conditioning.

"Even our flooring is made from the rags and leftover (material)".

Even the Games mascot Shera is promoting the green drive.

A statue of Shera, made of 250,000 polythene bags, stands tall in New Delhi .

As part of the city's "say no to plastic bags" campaign, people are reminded by the mascot to use cloth or jute bags instead.

Delhi is the greenest metro city in India with more than 20 per cent area under forest and tree cover.

In the last two decades, its green cover has grown ten folds.

For every tree cut, the New Delhi government has made it compulsory to plant 10 saplings in its place.

Even though a lot of trees have been cut for Commonwealth Games projects, in the next few years, New Delhi is hoping to gain back its greenery.

Delhi can't get worse than Athens: CWG England chief

2010-09-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

Commonwealth Games England president Dame Kelly Holmes came to the defence of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and said that delays are part and parcel of any multi-sporting event.

Holmes, a former Olympic double gold medallist who visited Delhi last month along with Prime Minister David Cameron, cited the example of the 2004 Olympics and said the state of preparation in Delhi can't be as bad as the one she saw in Athens.

"I compare it to the Athens Olympics when they were still planting trees on the day it opened. I don't think it can get any worse than that," Holmes was quoted as saying by The Times.

Holmes, however, returned home unimpressed with the state of some venues in Delhi.

"I was there on the prime ministerial visit and I'm not going to lie, some of the venues looked like a building site," Holmes said.

The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC), already buffetted by corruption charges, suffered a serious blow when a foot overbridge outside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium collapsed Tuesday morning.

Things only got worse for the CGOC when a portion of false ceiling came down at the weighlifting venue of the Nehru Stadium Wednesday though nobody was injured.

Holmes said the Games have been marred by several delays but she was hopeful that it would make the people of India proud.

"It is a fair point with a nation where so many people are in unfortunate positions, but I really hope the Games brings a different energy and makes some people feel proud. I just hope the general public in India will be given the chance to go to the Games," Holmes said.

Lockdown of CWG venues, open only to pass holders

2010-09-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

Commonwealth Games venues and Athletes Village will have a complete lockdown from midnight on Wednesday with entry to be allowed only to those carrying valid passes.

A large number of armed policemen, including paramilitary personnel, have been deployed across the stadia and village. Sophisticated gadgets have also been installed at the stadia.

"The lockdown will start from this midnight," a senior police official said.

The security has been stepped up across the city after Sunday's firing incident at Jama Masjid that injured two Taiwanese nationals.

Delhi Police, which is the nodal agency for Games security, have conducted various drills, including anti-sabotage checks once they take over possession of the venues, the official said.

Apart from around 80,000 Delhi Police personnel, over 17,500 paramilitary personnel, 3,000 commandos and 100 anti-sabotage check teams will be deployed across the city. The army has been asked to be alert.

Concerns were earlier raised about the delay in handing over venues to security agencies as some quarters felt that it would hamper the security preparations.

Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal, however, had downplayed the delay and said the force was prepared to handle the security issues related to the sporting extravaganza.

"We know the stadia and surrounding areas. We know the city very well. So securing them or other areas will not be a problem," Dadwal had said when asked whether the delay in completion of Games projects was compromising security preparedness.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram also reviewed the arrangements.

Heli-borne snipers, four-layered security cordon around Commonwealth Games venues and exclusive lanes for Games vehicles were among the components of the mammoth security plan for the event.

The security plan prepared for the mega event, which will see participation of around 8,500 athletes from 71 countries competing in 17 events, also envisages snipers on rooftops, commando hit teams and expert groups to tackle any chemical, biological, radio-active or nuclear attacks.

Air Force will provide surveillance from the skies. Heli-borne assault teams will also be deployed to thwart any terror strikes.

"We are closely working with central Intelligence agencies. The Air Force will be surveying the airspace. We will have heli-borne snipers patrolling the skies," the official said.

According to the plan, the venues, Games Village, practice and parking lots and the Indira Gandhi International Airport where athletes arrive will have a four-layered security cordon.

At the outer cordon, the traffic will be stopped and access controlled. At the middle cordon, security-men will channelise the spectators to their designated seats while in the inner cordon, barcode reading of tickets will take place and spectators' photographs taken.

At the centre would be an exclusion zone which is in the 30-m-radius of the stadium, where spectators and others will have to go through door-frame metal detectors and X-ray scanning besides manual searching.

Mobile Quick Reaction teams will be deployed on the outer perimeter of the venues besides a close watch through CCTV surveillance.

The Games village will also have a similar elaborate security arrangement. The boundary of the village will have a three metre high perimeter wall, a 1.5-m-high iron grill on top of it, mobile QRTs and CCTV surveillance system.

Elaborate arrangements are also made for the entry for athletes and vehicles into the village. After entering the village following a thorough check, the athletes can freely move around the residential and dining halls.

For vehicles, the drivers will have to pass through radio frequency identity checking where the number plates are checked to see whether are authorised to enter the place.

There is a boom barrier and it will be opened only after the vehicle clears the radio frequency checking. But if somebody tries to forcefully enter, there will be a tyre-killer and even if the vehicle clears it, the road blocker will block the passage of the vehicle.

At the hotels, there will be "robust" security arrangements with watch towers, CCTV surveillance and access control.

"All food prepared and served for Games guests in hotels will be sorted by security personnel and tasted by food experts," the official said.

With large number of athletes, officials and tourists reaching the city for the Games, security at and around the Indira Gandhi International Airport is also being augmented.

Anti-sabotage teams, commando hit teams and snipers at rooftop are some of the other components of the security plan for the safe journey of athletes and other officials.

On the movement of athletes and other officials to the venues, the official said commandos will be deployed on buses they travel.

Police has also procured three armoured cars ahead of the Games and these vehicles will move around the city and sometimes will be stationed at the venues during the Games. Each carrying 30 commandos, the armoured vehicles will be deployed to tackle eventualities like terror strikes.

For the Games, Delhi Police personnel are also being specially trained in frisking, search operations and screening baggage through X-ray machines. Special training on enhancing communication skills and behavioural patterns are also being imparted.

Air quanity monitoring system launched

2010-09-22T00:04:00.000-07:00

India launched the air quality monitoring system for the Commonwealth Games. The system will provide real time pollution data at 11 key locations in the city during the mega-event.

Developed by scientists at the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the System of Air Pollution Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) was launched at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here by Shailesh Nayak, secretary in the ministry of earth sciences.

SAFAR will provide information on air quality on an hourly basis and forecast pollution levels 24 hours in advance through wireless colour digital display panels located at 11 key points near the Games venues and the Games Village.

The IITM has also prepared an emission inventory for the Games to provide accurate air quality information.

The inventory has been prepared using data – number of vehicles, industries, shanties, hotels and restaurants and other sources – collected from near Games venues and the Games Village after a two-month long exercise.

Some 7,000 athletes and officials from 71 countries and territories are expected to participate in the Games, India’s biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games.

Commonwealth Games main press center open for business

2010-09-20T04:59:00.000-07:00

The Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Smt. Ambika Soni today inaugurated the state-of-the-art Main Press Center (MPC) and International Broadcast Centre for Common Wealth Games 2010 at Pragati Maidan. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that MPC had been completed in the stipulated time and the project did not entail any cost overrun.

The MPC will be operational on September 23 for the national and international Press. The largest Press Centre in the history of the Commonwealth Games will have many world-class facilities for the visiting journalists. The centre will be run by the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The facilities at the Main Press Centre is an example of successful partnership between Government, PSU and the Private Sector. Broadcast Engineering Consultant Limited (BECIL), a PSU of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is the Turnkey Delivery Partner for the Project. A dedicated workforce of around 1,000 people will run the Press Operations at the MPC and across 18 venues during the Games.

The MPC is located at Hall No.12 and 12A in the Indian Trade Promotion Organization Complex at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi and will work 24 hours from October 1 to October 15. Spread across 6,700 sq mts with Wi-Fi facility, it will cater to about 2,000 journalists, including around 800 from overseas. It can accommodate 600 journalists at a time. The Workforce for the MPC and 18 venues includes 236 professionals and 135 interns from Indian Institute of Mass Communication and 600 volunteers.

In order to provide hassle-free conditions for the media, the Central Work Area at the MPC will have workstations for 400 journalists and 200 photographers. This includes three hundred desktop computers with broadband connectivity (200 for journalists and 100 for photographers). Whereas, the Games Information System terminals at the Central Work area will provide games related details such as results, biographies and news items.

Apart from the Central Work Area, six news and photo agencies – Getty Images, Agency France-Presse (AFP), Associated Press (AP), Australian Associated Press (AAP), News Limited and Press Association -- will have their private offices at the MPC. These private office spaces have been booked through the Press Rate card.

600 National and International photographers will be covering the Games. About 1300 Photo Positions across 17 games venues. The Photographers will be facilitated with 200 work stations with all technological support in Main Press Center and about 500 in different games venues to send their work across the world. They will be also provided with about 650 Lockers in all 20 venues to safely keep their equipments during the games. The accreditated Photographers will get Technical advice, Cleaning, checking and repairs services of professional camera bodies, lenses and accessories through Nikon and Canon service center in MPC. Nikon and Canon will also loan lenses and accessories to the Photographers on first cum first serve basis. A photo-exhibition of the Indian Photojournalists represented by Working News Cameraman’s Association (WNCA) is displaying the work of working photographers at the MPC.

The host of other facilities includes a 300-seat Press conference room and a Press Briefing Room which can accommodate about 100 people. For the first time in the history of the Games, the MPC will also have High Definition CATVs in eight live viewing rooms as well as in the work area to watch the games. Besides, there will be two one-on-one interview rooms and service centres of Canon and Nikon for photojournalists.

To further assist the visitors on sports as well as other issues, helpdesks at the main lobby will provide information on travel, ticketing, venues and various schedules as well as services like distribution of media kits and Prime Event Limited tickets. To reach different venues, journalists can take T4 buses from the Transportation Mall, situated near the MPC.

For food and recreation, the MPC will have a media lounge with catering services, while a round-the-clock food court will be located just opposite to the centre.

In addition to that, the Retail Plaza inside the MPC will have facilities like post office, convenience store, pharmacy, mobile store and a bank with foreign exchange service and ATM.

CM inaugurates tourist information kiosks

2010-09-20T02:51:00.000-07:00

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today inaugurated a "tourist information cafe" in the city which would cater to the information needs of both native and foreign visitors to the capital during and after the Commonwealth Games.

The tourist information cafe is a combination of an interactive touch screen, a quick bite-cum-beverages and Delhi Memories Counter. Similar kiosks are being set up in various parts of the city.

After inaugurating the kiosk near the Birla Mandir in central Delhi, Dikshit said she was hopeful the cafes would be beneficial to the visitors during the Games and would provide them with all the details they want.

The touch screen with various sub sections gives details on the culture, food, tourist attractions and shopping among others which may be required by the visitors.
The information is available in eight foreign and Indian languages.

Thirty-eight more cafes are all set to be operational in the next week.
Delhi Memories counter has a collection of T-shirts, caps, bags, crockery, chocolates, stationery, key chains among other stuff.

The kiosk was designed by a Delhi-based artist Ved Pohoja and three of his associates and would be operational today onwards for 60 days.

Glasgow trio prepare for Commonwealth Games flag handover

2010-09-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

Three youngsters from Inverclyde have embarked on an intensive three-week bootcamp to train for their role in the official handover of the Commonwealth Flag from Delhi to Glasgow.

Rachel Bushfield, Lee Oribine and Louis Hoodless are among some 350 Scots preparing to perform a mass synchronised dance at the closing ceremony of the Delhi Commonwealth Games on October 14.

The flag handover ceremony will draw the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games to a close and will be the first public statement to the world that Glasgow will be the next host city in 2014.

Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld said: “I am delighted that Rachel, Lee and Louis will be representing Inverclyde, performing in front of a capacity crowd of 60,000 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. We are all very excited about the challenge that lies ahead for them and I am sure they will make us all proud.”

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive John Scott said: “After the handover ceremony, cast members will become ambassadors for the Games in their community, and will be involved with the Games for the next four years, leaving a positive and direct legacy that is Scotland-wide.”

Rachel said: “It is quite overwhelming to think that the performance will be beamed live across the Commonwealth to an estimated audience of 1 billion people. We are all bursting to see how the performance will take shape and find out exactly what we will be doing. We think bootcamp will be amazing.”

Councillor Iain McKenzie said: “The Games in Delhi are just a few weeks away now and I think it is fantastic that Inverclyde will play a part in the handover celebrations ahead of Glasgow 2014. We are also looking forward to playing our part in four years time with a refurbished Ravenscraig Stadium and other leisure facilities available for training to the Commonwealth’s top athletes.”

Commonwealth Games village niggles cause concern

2010-09-19T04:50:00.000-07:00

Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell on Tuesday asked the Indian government to take immediate steps to fix the condition of Games Village's residential zone, which according to him, has "upset" many contingents.

With just 12 days to go for the sporting extravaganza, the CGF chief has expressed doubts over the state of what he called a "compromised" Games Village.

In a statement, Fennell said he had written to the Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrashekar and requested him to take urgent steps before the first batch of athletes arrive on Thursday.

"The final preparations for the Commonwealth Games Village have been of concern to the CGF since viewing the residential zone along with a number of Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) advance parties on September 15," the CGF president said.

"Many issues remain unresolved and as such last night I wrote to the Indian Cabinet Secretary, expressing my great concern with the preparedness of the Athletes Village," Fennell said in the statement.

"The condition of the residential zone has shocked the majority of CGAs that are in Delhi. However, with the Village to be officially opened on September 23, timely acceptable solutions to prepare for the arrival of athletes are of paramount importance.

"The CGF has asked the Cabinet Secretary to immediately deploy the necessary resources to fix all the outstanding issues to an acceptable level," Fennell added.

Fennell's strongly-worded statement came after advanced parties from New Zealand, Canada, Scotland and Ireland have raised serious concerns regarding the filthy and unhealthy condition of the residential zone of the Games Village.

"The Village is the cornerstone of any Games and the athletes deserve the best possible environment to prepare for their competition.

"Many nations that have already sent their advanced parties to set up within the Village have made it abundantly clear that, as of the afternoon of September 20, the Commonwealth Games Village is seriously compromised," Fennell said.

He said problems have emerged because deadlines for the completion of the Village had been consistently missed.

"Now, the high security around the site, while vital, is slowing progress and complicating solutions," Fennell added.

In the wake of Sunday's firing incident in the Capital, the CGF chief reiterated that security continues to remain of "utmost importance" to the Federation.

"Security remains of the utmost importance to the CGF and our advisors continue to monitor the situation. Currently, this matter remains on track," Fennell said.

"CGF CEO, Mike Hooper, and his staff are already in Delhi and are keeping me constantly informed of the situation and developments," he added.

Canadian Weightlifting squad for Commonwealth Games

2010-09-19T01:28:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Weightlifting Federation and Commonwealth Games Canada today announced the weightlifters that will represent Canada at the XIX Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, October 3rd to 14th.

The Canadian weightlifting team will be led by a trio of female powerhouses who were all silver medalists of the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.

The squad will count on the leadership of Christine Girard (63 kg), participating in her third Commonwealth Games, who finished 4th at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Another medal hopeful, Marilou Dozois-Prévost (48 kg) finished 10th at the Beijing Olympics and was also a silver medallist in Melbourne. Rounding out the trio is Emily Quarton (58 kg), a serious threat in her weight class.

Jasvir Singh (62 kg), born in Karna, India, is also a member of the Canadian team. In 2008, Singh became the first Indo-Canadian in history to represent Canada in weightlifting. Although Singh qualified for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, he was not yet eligible due to citizenship issues. He became a Canadian citizen in time to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, where he finished 12th in the 62 kg class.

Singh is now focused on winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. "Right now, I am 100 per cent focused. I feel very fortunate," he says. "I feel extremely proud and happy. These Games will be one of the most memorable competitions of my life."

Mathieu Marineau (85 kg) earned a gold medal at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India. At the time, he declared that his experience in Pune was so fantastic that he wanted to come back to India for the Commonwealth Games. Paul Dumais (85 kg), a 2008 Youth Games gold medallist, is another an athlete to watch. Coach, Pierre Roy, was also a member of the team that travelled to Pune.

"I came away from the National Championships in May totally inspired by these remarkable athletes," said Team Canada Chef de Mission, Martha Deacon. "We've got a group here who've proven they can deliver podium performances and I'm excited to see what they're capable of in Delhi."

"Canada has been very fortunate to qualify a full team of eight men and seven women in weightlifting at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi," declared Paul Barrett, President of the Canadian Weightlifting Federation. "These athletes have worked hard to qualify for this prestigious event, and the expectation is that they will be very competitive in their respective categories. I wish the team every success, and remain confident that five gold medals is a distinct possibility."

The 2010 Canadian weightlifting team is in Turkey from September 17th to 26th to compete at the 2010 World Championships in Antalya. The upcoming London Olympics will be front and centre, as this event is a qualifier for the 2012 Games.

Women's team
Marilou Dozois-Prévost - 53 kilos
Annie Moniqui - 58 kilos
Emily Quarton - 58 kilos
Christine Girard - 69 kilos
Marie-Josée Arès-Pilon - 69 kilos
Katelynn Williams - 69 kilos
Marie-Ève Beauchemin-Nadeau - 75 kilos

Men's team
Jasvir Singh - 62 kilos
Dominic Lussier - 72 kilos
Paul Dumais - 85 kilos
Mathieu Marineau - 85 kilos
Buck Ramsay - 94 kilos
Nicolas Roberts - 94 kilos
George Kobaladze - 123 kilos
Parm Phangura - 137 kilos

Kingdom of Dreams takes tourism one notch higher

2010-09-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

The Kingdom of Dreams, a cultural amusement park on the outskirts of New Delhi that attempts to fuse Broadway and Bollywood, gave reporters a weekend preview of its first production, “Zangoora, the Gypsy Prince,” which opens to the public Tuesday.

The musical started with extravagant dance sequences of popular Bollywood numbers, taking the audiences across Indian cultures starting from Kashmir to the western region of Maharashtra.

The story, written by scriptwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar and set to music composed by well-known Bollywood music directors Shankar, Ehsaan & Loy, was a fairly clichéd tale of a prince who is brought up by a childless gypsy couple after the murder of his parents by an evil general.

Fortunately, as the story became increasingly predictable, with each scene the staging, elaborate costumes and special effects became more and more unpredictable—in a good way.

At one point the dancers flooded the audience area, making heads turn with a surprise entrance from the back into the aisles. That was just the start.

Aerial acrobatics combined with animated stage sets and surround sound created an unusual immersion experience. In one scene, with “mermaids” kept aloft against a backdrop of moving ocean waters, the audience felt like it was underwater too.

The lead actor playing the part of Zangoora made one of his entries flying in over the audience while hanging from a realistic looking eagle.

“The thought behind this concept was a cinematic approach to a live show with virtual backgrounds and a feeling that the stars are walking out of the celluloid,” said Viraf Sarkari, director of Kingdom of Dreams.

But just as dreams in real life are out of reach or are for the rich so is it with the Kingdom of Dreams. The cost of tickets to the show starts at 1,000 rupees (USD $21.87) and goes up to 6,000 rupees (USD $131.28).

When asked about the affordability of the place for most Indians, Mr. Sarkari replied “One production costs us more than a good Bollywood film and if you go for a Broadway show the seats are pretty crammed. Here we are providing luxury with drinks, snacks, comfortable arm chairs,” he said.

The entire production of Zangoora that costs around 250 million rupees (USD$ 5.5 million) and three more productions like it are in the works. One of the upcoming productions focuses on the cultural extravaganza most visitors to India hope to attend.

“The production is called ‘Balle Balle My Big Fat Indian Wedding’ which will be a hardcore Punjabi wedding that will make the audiences feel like ‘Baraatis’ (wedding guests) by making them wear ‘pagdis’ (turbans), etcetera ,” he said.

For foreigners looking to have a Bollywood-style wedding themselves there is good news. The producers also plan a mock-marriage that will take place within an hour-and a-half for foreigners who would like to have an Indian wedding. (Many busy Indians might enjoy such a truncated “shaadi” as well.)

“We will have bookings for these people and we will film it and provide them with DVDs as souvenirs,” says Mr. Sarkari.

But perhaps the biggest production the Kingdom of Dreams is affiliated with is the Commonwealth Games. Composer A.R. Rahman unveiled this theme song here in August and Mr. Sarkari, the brains behind the kingdom, also happens to be the director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games. He wouldn’t share any details.

Commenting on the expansion plans Mr. Sarkari said that he plans to set up a Kingdom of Dreams in Mumbai, Goa, Kerala, Bangkok, New York, London.

Mr. Sarkari eventually wants to replicate the over-the-top cultural hub, practically a mini-city that is also home to state cultural pavilions and scores of restaurants set against a backdrop of buildings modeled on old palaces, in another over-the-top city.

“My ultimate vision is to have a Kingdom of Dreams in Las Vegas,” he said.

CWG theme song made peppier

2010-09-16T23:58:00.000-07:00

Amid criticism that it failed to meet the expectations of the people, the theme song of the Commonwealth Games composed by A R Rahman will be tweaked a bit to make it peppier.

The original version of the song ' India bula liya' was panned by critics and was also criticised by CWG Organising Committee's executive board member V K Malhotra and other leaders for "falling short of expectations".

A Group of Ministers on Commonwealth Games gave the green signal to the theme song after agreeing to certain changes in it.

"The final rendering of theme song by Rahman along with the visuals were shown today and it is being cleared," said Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy, after the GoM meeting.

When asked whether there was problem with the earlier version, he said, "We as ministers do not sit on judgments on the work by acknowledged persons. Rahman was requested and he has done his work. Going by authority we approved the work."

About the new version, sports secretary Sindhu Shree Khullar said: "There will be more music, particularly instrumental, in the opening theme song of the Games."

Asked whether the tweaked version will be like Shakira's ' Waka Waka', the World Cup Football song, he said: "Waka Waka was more commercial. Ours will be like Chak de."

'Chak de' is a famous number in the hockey-themed film "Chak De", starring Shah Rukh Khan.

Lyricist Prasoon Joshi said some instrumental music have been added to make the theme song peppier and a video is under preparation.

The video will feature sports personalities like Milkha Singh, K Malleswari and other achievers in the field.

Asked whether Rahman's song had been changed, Joshi said the music composer himself has made it tighter and "you will hear it in the new video.

"Rahman always changes his work till the last minute. He is a good craftsman. The song has now been turned into a sports anthem. It has been pepped up with more beats and it will be a tighter version of the original."

Joshi said the "premature" criticism that came Rahman's way after the song was launched last month is not the reason behind the change.

He indicated that the video will be released in a week.

Among others who attended the GoM were Tourism Minister Kumari Selja, Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit, Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi and Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar.

Bermuda announces CWG team, to participate in 5 events

2010-09-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

Fourteen of the island’s top athletes will fly the flag for Bermuda at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India next month. The Bermuda Olympic Committee just announced the Commonwealth Games Bermuda team this, selecting 11 men and 3 women who will participate in 5 of the 17 sports at the Games.

Bermuda’s Commonwealth Games Chef-de-Mission Stanley Douglas will oversee athletes who will participate in Athletics, Shooting, Squash, Swimming and Tennis.

Olympians Keira Aitken and Roy-Allan Burch are set to compete in Swimming along with Nick Thomson.

Bermuda’s number one male and female tennis players Gavin Manders and Tara Lambert will also take part, along with David Thomas and Jacklyn Lambert.

Central American and Caribbean [CAC]s Games Bronze Medalist Ross Roberts will lead the shooting team, alongside Commonwealth Games veteran Sinclair Raynor, Carl Reid and Nelson Simons.

Central American and Caribbean Games Men’s Long Jump Gold Medal winner Tyrone Smith and sprinter Tre Houston make up the Athletics Team.

Eleven time Bermuda Squash Racquets Association Champion and former number 63rd in the World Rankings Nick Kyme will be Bermuda’s lone competitor in Squash.

Delhi Metro gearing up for Commonwealth Games

2010-09-16T05:16:00.000-07:00

Delhi Metro is all set to handle additional rush of commuters during the Commonwealth Games. In an effort to decongest the network and ensure efficient service, it will run trains at an average frequency of 2.5 minutes. The DMRC has also flown in expert teams of engineers from Germany and South Korea to attend to any technical snags during the Games.

DMRC Managing Director E Sreedharan said: “The Games is a matter of national pride and we will ensure smooth services. We are fully geared up to meet the requirements during the event and wish to see that every visitor who comes to Delhi and takes a ride on the Metro goes back with pleasant memories.” Launching a new interactive official website, he added: “We expect heavy pressure on Delhi Metro during the Games as it is an important public transport system in the Capital. We will place all 181 trains of the Metro fleet on the tracks during the event.”

With all the 11 prominent Games venues connected by Metro and a huge rush expected during the event, the entire fleet of 181 trains — 133 broad gauge and 48 standard gauge — will be pressed into service with trains running at an average frequency of 2.5 minutes. At present, the frequency is 3.5 to 4 minutes. Central Secretariat to Badarpur corridor will have the highest frequency as it connects the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue of the opening and closing ceremonies.

In an effort to promptly attend to technical glitches, experts are being flown in specifically for the Games.

“The problems occur either on Over Head Electrification (OHE), or on trains or due to signalling problems. We will deploy special technicians from Germany and Korea across the network,” Sreedharan said. “That apart all stations will have information desks to help commuters and give information related to Metro services and the Games.”

The DMRC, which is in the process of revamping the signalling and OHE systems for the Games, has also launched a campaign to keep the stations clean. The station premises have been given out to the Organising Committee to conduct promotional activities for the Games at no extra cost, Sreedharan said.

Sreedharan said the last two upcoming lines of Phase II — Central Secretariat to Badarpur and Airport Metro Express Line — will meet its Games deadline and will be thrown open to the public by September 30.

Canada announces Commonwealth Games table tennis team

2010-09-16T05:08:00.000-07:00

Table Tennis Canada and Commonwealth Games Canada has named the team for the XIXth Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi from October 3-14.

Olympians Pradeeban Peter-Paul and Mo Zhang will guide a young Canadian team. Both are Pan American Games medalists (2007, Rio de Janeiro), have previous Commonwealth Games experience (2006, Melbourne) and have also both recently won the North American Championships.

New National Coach, Yongjun Duan, a quadruple medalist at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, will lead the team.

"I really enjoy the amazing athleticism of table tennis and we've got some superb players on this team," said Chef de Mission Martha Deacon. "Table tennis is hugely popular in Asia, so the competition should be phenomenal."

"Our younger athletes will face a steep learning curve at the Games," said Tony Kiesenhofer, Director General of Table Tennis Canada. "However, there are some legitimate medal chances in the women's singles, where Mo Zhang will need to fend off strong opposition from the World Champions from Singapore and from host India. In women's doubles, Mo Zhang and Sara Yuen have consistently performed well in the Commonwealth arena. The men are in a position to challenge for a medal in the Team event."

Athletes named by Table Tennis Canada to Team Canada for the 2010 Commonwealth Games were selected after the Canadian Championships in Calgary, July 16-18, the last leg of a multi-competition selection process.

Men:
Pradeeban Peter-Paul (Ottawa, ON), Pierre-Luc Hinse (Gatineau, QC), Xavier Therien (Gatineau, QC), Andre Ho (Richmond, BC)

Women:
Mo Zhang (Ottawa, ON), Sara Yuen (Ottawa, ON), Carmen Lee (Vancouver, BC),
Anqi Luo (Mississauga, ON)

Coaches: Junya Chen (Mississauga, ON), Yongjun Duan (Ottawa, ON)

All selected athletes will compete in the singles, doubles and mixed doubles events. The pairs competing in doubles, as well as the three athletes selected to compete in the team event, will be decided at a later date.

Pierre-Luc Thiriault and Marie-Andrie Livesque have been named as alternates.

DU students can stay in hostels till Sep end: UGC

2010-09-16T02:50:00.000-07:00

Delhi University (DU) students can prolong their stay in hostels till September end, according to University Grants Commission (UGC). Students are asked to vacate the hostels two or three days before the end of September. Earlier, the plan was that the students had to vacate the room on Wednesday i.e. on September 15, 2010, in order to accommodate the guests during Commonwealth Games.

The plan has been changed as the guests of 2010 Commonwealth Games are expected to arrive by October 1. The games will be commencing from October 3, 2010 till October 14, 2010. The university will remain closed during this period.

DU affiliated various colleges had gone through renovation work in order to make them ready to serve the guests during the Commonwealth Games. Thereafter, several colleges had not allowed their students to join back the hostels after their vacations had ended.

As per sources, the UGC and the organizing committee of the Commonwealth Games had faced criticism for their decision of accommodating the guests in DU hostels.

Ananya is youngest athlete to represent India in CWG

2010-09-16T02:31:00.000-07:00

Pune based swimmer Ananya Panigrahi was named as part of Indian swimming team for Commonwealth Games 2010. She is India's youngest participant in next month's games.

Ananya won the National championship in the 100m and 200m backstroke in Jaipur recently and her selection was more of a formality. According to the SAI coach Tapan Kumar, her timing of 2:28.29 in the 200m backstroke was the best by an Indian swimmer in last six years.

"The officials of Indian swimming federation and Maharashtra swimming association got in touch with us and confirmed her selection in the Indian team," her father-cum-coach Tapankumar told TOI on Tuesday. "It was her 14th birthday on Sept 15. The news could not have come at a more appropriate time."

She had won the National Sub-junior title in Kolkata (2008), National junior in Jaipur (2009) besides being the runner-up in the senior section the same year. Her best timing in the 100m backstroke is around 1:10.

"She was born in Banaras but we are settled in Pune for many years due to my posting here," said her proud father. "She is a student of Vidyanchal School in Aundh." The coach-father claimed that they are on the right path for glory at the 2012 Olympic Games. "Our big goal is that. And we are on course."

Rwanda announces Common Wealth Games squad

2010-09-16T01:38:00.000-07:00

Rwanda's Olympic Committee (RNOC) has named a 22 member team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

The team, which is taking part in the Games for the very first time, consists of 15 track and field athletes, five cyclists, one swimmer and one boxer.

Athletes hoping to make Rwanda's presence felt on the track include Dieudonne Disi, Rashid Safari, Gervais Nizeyimana and two-time Olympian Epiphanie Nyirabarame in full marathon (42.125km), Gervais Hakizimana in steeple-chase (3000m) and the trio of Jean Baptista Simuceka, Eric Sebahire and Sylvain Rukundo in 5000m and 10,000m races. Jean Claude Ndayisenga and Herman Muvunyi will compete in T46 races.

South Africa-based rider Adrien Niyonshuti will lead Rwanda's surge for honours. Others in the cycling team include four-time Tour of Rwanda champion Abraham Ruhumuriza, Nathan Byukusenge, Nicodem Habiyambere and Hategeka Gasore.

The cyclists will compete in the 167km road race and 40km individual time-trial race among others. Matusi Haziza, who is fresh from last month's Singapore Youth Games, will fly Rwanda's flag in boxing while Alphonsine Agahozo hopes to do Rwanda proud when she competes in the 50m freestyle.

According to RNOC's Executive Director Thierry Ntwali, the team entered residential training yesterday at Hill Top hotel.

The Games will run from October 3-14.

Commonwealth Games team:

Cycling: Nathan Byukusenge, Nicodem Habiyambere, Hategeka Gasore, Abraham Ruhumuriza and Adrien Niyonshuti

Para-sport: Jean Claude Ndayisenga (100m) and Herman Muvunyi (100m).

Athletics: Dieudonne Disi (Marathon), Gervais Hakizimana (3000m steeplechase), Saidi Hamisi Ndayisaba (100m & 200m), Sylvain Rukundo (5000m & 10000m), Eric Sebahire (5000m & 10000m), Jean Baptista Simuceka (5000m & 10000m), Gervais Nizeyimana (Marathon), Joseph Nzirorera (1500m), Rashid Safari (Marathon), Epiphanie Nyirabarame (Marathon), Claudette Mukasakindi (10000m), Jacqueline Murekatete (5000m) and Jean d'Arc Mukakigeri (5000m)

Swimming : Alphonsine Agahozo (50m Freestyle)

Boxing : Matusi Haziza (light weight)

Coaches : Jonathan Boyer, Emmanuel Murenzi, Innocent Rwabuhihi, Charles Tuyisenge and Gashugi Kananura.

Medics: Bulanga Umulisa Assumpta, Jean Damascene Gasherubuka and Emmanuel Nsengiyumva.

Commonwealth Games delegates to start arriving today

2010-09-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

As the first batch of delegates for the Commonwealth Games are expected to arrive in the Capital on Wednesday, the Multi Agency Coordination Centre (MACC) has started functioning at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).

According to airport sources, MACC will have representatives from Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Delhi Police, Organising Committee, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) and various ministries. The members of MACC will have the list of delegates and athletes and their schedule.

“We have already got the list of delegates arriving at the T3 and the list will be updated on a daily basis. Those who are arriving will be escorted by the CISF and Delhi Police. They will be then handed over to the security agency who will take them to their respective destinations,” an airport source said.

He added, “We have expected the movement of over 15,000 delegates and athletes but the numbers have come down to about 14,000. Currently, we have the list of 4,000 delegates from different countries but the list will be updated on daily basis.”
The embassy official concerned will also be a part of the MACC and a protocol will be followed to escort the delegates and athletes.

A flood of Games participants from over 70 countries will come. But additional tourist traffic from less than half of those countries is expected. “They will be put in exempted category and most of them are coming from chartered flights,” the source said.

Commonwealth Games merchandise sales catching up

2010-09-15T01:45:00.000-07:00

The long wait to have one’s share for the Commonwealth Games’ merchandise has finally come to an end. Premier Brands, the licensee for the CWG 2010 merchandise which initially pulled out from the association is back in action after differences about business plan were sorted out with Commonwealth Games organizing committee.

We now have an array of products (29 types) which are up for sale across Delhi. The merchandise will also be available at all the competition venues and Games village as well as at the high footfall areas in the capital that includes international and domestic airport terminals, metro stations, selected railway stations and retail outlets.

The official Games merchandise is available at the store set up at the OC headquarters and includes branded sportswear like T-shirts, jackets, casual wear, kid’s apparels, generic items like umbrellas, key-chains, and mugs among others. The product prices range from Rs 25-300 and no product has been priced more than Rs 300 in the first phase of the merchandise launch.

The second phase of sale is set to witness 5-6 new stores being set up in the next few days across Delhi/NCR and over 60 stores at all the Game venues for the sale of merchandise.

Interestingly, its vuvuzelas that have been hot favourite of Delhiites amongst all the merchandise. The instrument came into limelight during Football world cup earlier this year. However, it was later banned at some of subsequent sporting events under complaint from participants. It will be interesting to see athletes' reaction regarding Vuvuzelas in action during Commonwealth Games

Delhi getting decked up for Commonwealth Games

2010-09-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

Delhi is getting all dolled up for the Commonwealth Games and its doing so in style. From ornamental street furniture to fancy signages, civic agencies are pulling out all stops to make the Capital look uber-attractive. Elaborate decorative signages, bill boards and street art have sprouted throughout the city, ensuring visitors get a feel world-class cities such as Hong Kong and Sydney when they come calling during the Games.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Public Works Department (PWD) are installing street furniture on a number of roads. The beautification project will be completed by September 25.

Right from information kiosks, luxury toilet complexes, modern street art, vending kiosks, aesthetically appealing foot over-bridges, and trendy streetlights have been put up across the city.

“Street furniture has revolutionized the style and look of cities all over the world. The Games gave us a perfect opportunity to come up with a similar project in Delhi too. This will give a swanky look to the city ahead of the Commonwealth Games,” said Deep Mathur, director, press and information, the MCD.

Most of the street furniture is being installed on the roads leading to the Commonwealth Games venues and stadiums.

To ensure people do not damage the street furniture, the civic agency has used material which is scratch-free.
“The material of all the street furniture being installed for the Games has been carefully selected to ensure that no one can leave scratches on it. Also, the surface has been made in such a manner that people will not be able to stick pamphlets or posters on it,” said a senior MCD official.

The MCD has said while the street furniture being installed in the Capital is of international standards, it
has been specially adapted to suit Indian taste.

The street furniture being installed also includes signages and kiosks that will help tourists get information about the Capital.

“We have set up a number of kiosks on several roads leading to the Games venues. These air-conditioned kiosks will have lists of hotels and restaurants in Delhi, Yellow Pages, geographical and road maps of Delhi, airlines
information, and bus, Metro and rail information which will help the people coming to Delhi for the Games,” added the official.

Ghana confirms participation in Commonwealth Games

2010-09-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

Ghana will participate in six disciplines at the Commonwealth Games slated for October 4-13 in India. After a delay of more than a week in confirming participation, the sports association of Ghana informed Commonwealth Games organizing Committee regarding their plans for the games.

The 19th edition of the quadrennial games will see Ghanaian athletes vying for honours in Athletics, Paralympics, Weightlifting, Table Tennis, Badminton and Boxing.

Francis Adjetey Sowah, Chairman of the Association for Sports of the Disabled (ASFOD) told a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday that Ghana will compete in those disciplines.

He said the various teams have been preparing feverishly for the 10-day event to be staged in Delhi, India and was confident that they would make an impact.

In all, athletes will compete in 260 events in 17 disciplines at the Games.

The Commonwealth Games is a multinational, multi-sport event which features competitions involving thousands of elite athletes from members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Integrating athletes movement schedule with traffic management

2010-09-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

Delhi traffic police Monday received a tentative schedule for the movement of Commonwealth Games athletes from their rooms to 26 practice venues.

"We have received a tentative schedule and traffic arrangements will be done according to it" said Special Commissioner (Traffic) Ajay Chadha. The athletes are expected to arrive between Sep 20 and 23. Around 7,000 players and delegates are expected to arrive for the Oct 3-14 Games.

According to police, the traffic plan to ferry athletes from the Indira Gandhi International Airport to their hotel rooms has already been discussed.

"There would be restrictions on the Games lanes even during night hours from Sep 20-23. It is mainly due to the majority of international flights arriving here at night", said Chadha.

Officials from various participating countries will start reaching the capital this week. The schedule pertaining to the arrival of the athletes and the Games officials were handed to the police much earlier.

The main cause of worry for the traffic police was about the schedule of the athletes and number of vehicles involved in their transportation to different venues for training purposes. But with the schedule now, the traffic police are engaged in preparing a detailed plan for their movement.

'The schedule was needed to see where and when the athletes would be going for the training sessions and and how many buses would be required to ferry them,' added Chadha.

There are 26 practice venues for different games which include Yamuna Sports Complex, Major Dhyan Chand National stadium, Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram, Delhi University, Thyagaraj Sports Complex, Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range CRPF Campus, Kadarpur, Siri Fort Sports Complex and R.K. Khanna Sports Complex.

Police have already started trials on the Games lanes to gauge the impact on the general traffic during the event. A slew of guidelines have been issued for motorists asking them to avoid the Games lanes failing which they would be fined Rs.2,000.

Police have also asked motorists to make way for emergency vehicles like ambulances, police vans and fire brigades so these can reach venues in an emergency situation during the Commonwealth Games. If motorists fail to abide, they can be fined Rs.100.

The dedicated lanes will be used to ferry more than 15,000 people during the Games, besides thousands of OC staff and volunteers. The OC has divided these transport services into groups. The first group, T1, consists of a dedicated service of around 485 cars with drivers, which will transport delegates from their accommodation to venues and back.

T2 will be a motor pool of 1,000 cars available through a call car service while T3 will consist of 349 dedicated AC buses for the athletes. The shuttle service will be provided for individual sports as well as exclusive team buses for team sports.

Twenty-five routes have been identified for transporting the athletes. A separate bus service will be provided for the media and technical officials. The transport services will be available from Sep 23.

NSG commandos to secure Commonwealth Games village

2010-09-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

Racing to put in place a security system at the Games Village, the government has decided that 20 elite NSG commandos will be deployed three days before the arrival of athletes on September 23.

NSG commandos are taking part in drills that will prepare them to handle any critical situation. The positions to be held by these commandos during emergency have been finalized. They will be divided into static and mobile.

They will stationed at a crisis-intervention centre set up inside the Village. The commandos have been provided with lay-out maps of the Village and JLN Stadium to counter hostage-like situations. The commandos will work in three shifts for eight hours a day. The Village will have a soft launch on September 16 and 10 NSG commandos are likely to be deployed on that day. Full deployment will be made by September 20, said officials.

The NSG has also set up an exclusive "high frequency" signals centre to secure the sporting event. The centre will maintain communication between the personnel deployed, the force headquarters and the NSG garrison in Manesar. Other than the Village, the NSG commandos will also be deployed at JLN Stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies. They, along with Delhi Police, will also sanitize the route to be taken by players.

In the wake of recent reports of air strikes by terrorists, the NSG has procured para motor gliding equipment.

Commonwealth Games village kitchen gets operational

2010-09-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

Three thousand and five hundred meals were cooked and served on Monday at the Commonwealth Games Village as the kitchen began functioning.

The organising committee (OC) is trying to get it fully operational for the 700 delegates from the participating nations who are expected to arrive on September 16 when the Village opens. While the menu was a simple vegetarian fare on the first day, the number of dishes is slated to go up as the Games take off.

Said a senior OC official, "The menu was vegetables, dal, chawal and parantha." The food, which was served to the OC staff and the contract workers in the kitchen, will be ramped up in the next few days, with desserts and more dishes being added. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be cooked everyday from now on for the OC staff and workers, with the kitchen churning out around 5,500 meals per day for the staff during the peak Games time.

Sources in OC said the kitchen and dining area is being given finishing touches like installing of coffee dispensers and drink vending machines (Coca Cola is the official Commonwealth Games sponsor). The kitchen, spread over 3,000 sqm, has been operational for around a week now, and is expected to reach a peak level of 30,000 meals daily from October 3. The workforce dining area, which is separate from the athletes section, will be open mainly for the OC staff.

The security personnel will also be served food from September 15 when Delhi Police takes over the venue. These personnel will be catered to by Agarwal Foods, the caterers for the workforce.

Fairy Queen planning special trips for Commonwealth Games

2010-09-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

Gearing up for the Commonwealth Games, Railways are planning special trips of the Fairy Queen, the tourist train run by the oldest working engine in the world, during the mega event in October.

"We are planning special trips of Fairy Queen on October 9 and 10," a senior Northern Railway official said today.

Besides Fairy Queen, Railways are also planning to run special chartered trains to Agra and Jaipur for tourists during the Games. It is estimated that a good number of tourists including foreigners will come here during the October 3-14 mega sporting event. Fairy Queen, the prestigious tourist train hauled by the 150-year old steam engine, meanwhile, is scheduled to recommence its journey from October 23.

In order to facilitate foreign tourists, the International Tourist Bureau located at New Delhi Railway Station is being renovated to give it a new look and provide better aesthetics and facilities for tourists.

The foreign tourist quota has been increased and is being provided in all classes and in some of the important trains during the Games period.
Foreign tourists can also obtain Indrail Pass apart from reserved tickets in Indian rupees against encashment certificate and can travel whenever and in whichever train he or she likes within the validity period of the pass.

Two more counters will be added at the ITB and working hours will also be extended with the deployment of more staff during the Games, said the official. Apart from running special tourist trains, Indian Railway, the lead partner of Commonwealth Games, has undertaken a massive exercise of renovating New Delhi station, Nizamuddin station and Old Delhi station.

Monday's traffic lane trial cancelled due to rains

2010-09-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

People in Delhi heaved a sigh of relief after the traffic police decided to cancel Monday's peak-hour trial runs on the dedicated Commonwealth Games lanes due to heavy rains.

"It has been cancelled due to heavy rains since morning. We did not want to add to the miseries of the commuters by going on with the trial. The trial for Tuesday still stands now," said Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg.

However, the trials for Tuesday are still on, officials said.

A traffic police advisory on Sunday said the trials will be held between 4 pm and 6 pm on Monday and 8 am to 10 am on Tuesday.

The trials were to be conducted on Ring Road from Chandgi Ram Akhara to Mall Road, NH-24-Ring Road crossing to Gazipur crossing, Ma Anandmayee Marg in Kalkaji to Doctor Karni Singh Stadium at Surajkund Road via Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, and Panchsheel Marg-Sardar Patel Road intersection to Mother Teresa Crescent up to RML Hospital.

The trials were to be conducted during peak hours to gauge the impact. The exclusive road lanes for the vehicles of Games athletes and officials will become out of bounds for all other road users from September 20.

Those who stray onto these lanes will be penalised Rs.2,000 and their vehicles will be impounded. Initially, the restrictions on the Games lanes will be operational during night time only, as international flights carrying athletes are scheduled to reach the national Capital during these hours.

The public has been advised to avoid, as far as possible, the Games lanes in general.

They have been advised to avoid Safdurjung Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Panchsheel Marg, Sardar Patel Marg, Siri Fort Road, Harsukh Marg, Purana Qila Road and Mother Teresa Crescent Road in particular as these roads have only two lanes in one carriageway and one lane has already been reserved for Games-related traffic, the statement said.

Security drill at IGI T3

2010-09-13T03:44:00.000-07:00

With the airport gearing up to receive the Commonwealth Games visitors and athletes after a week, Delhi Police and other concerned agencies carried out a security drill at the new terminal to assess the preparedness of agencies that have been posted there.

According to DCP O P Mishra, the drill that had been organized by Delhi Police was a huge success. "The drill was carried out in light of the Commonwealth Games. About two or three simulated exercises were carried out to assess the response time and preparedness of the various agencies. The drill involved the fire department, DIAL, CISF, the bomb disposal squad and other related agencies. No inconvenience was caused to passengers,'' he said.

The exercise was undertaken outside the arrival terminal at the new T3. The drill went on between 12.30pm and 2pm and involved scenarios like a blast near the terminal and the discovery of any suspicious object at the boarding point. "A few possible security related scenarios were enacted. In one case, we saw how security agencies would act if one found a suspicious object at the boarding point where athletes would be boarding buses. The possibility of a blast was also scrutinized,'' added Mishra.

Delhi to conduct traffic trials during peak hours

2010-09-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

Delhi's traffic police will conduct trials on road lanes reserved for ferrying the Commonwealth Games athletes and officials during the morning and evening rush hour over the next two days, a statement said Sunday.

A traffic police advisory said the trials will be held between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Tuesday.

'The trials will be conducted on Ring Road from Chandgi Ram Akhara to Mall Road, NH-24-Ring Road crossing to Gazipur crossing on NH-24, Ma Anand Mai Marg in Kalkaji to Doctor Karni Singh Stadium at Surajkund Road via MB Road and Panchsheel Marg-Sardar Patel Road intersection to Mother Teresa Crescent upto RML Hospital,' said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

He said the trials will be conducted during peak hours to gauge the impact. The trials were held between 12 noon and 2 p.m. last week.

The exclusive road lanes for the Games athletes and officials will become out of bounds for all other road users from Sep 20.

Those who stray onto these lanes will be penalised Rs.2,000 and their vehicles will be impounded. Initially, the restrictions on the Games lanes will be operational during night time only as international flights carrying athletes are scheduled to reach the capital during these hours.

The public has been advised to avoid, as far as possible, the Games lanes in general.

They have been advised to avoid Safdurjung Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Panchsheel Marg, Sardar Patel Marg, Siri Fort Road, Harsukh Marg, Purana Qila Road and Mother Teresa Crescent Road in particular as these roads have only two lanes in one carriageway and one lane has already been reserved for Games-related traffic, the statement said.

24X7 tourist helpline launched

2010-09-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

As the city prepares to host the Commonwealth Games, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today launched a new 24-hour helpline and a tourism website providing a range of services to the tourists.

"This makes it vital for it to have a robust tourist guidance system in place,” Dikshit said after launching the facility here.

She said the online and phone facilities will reach out to the tourists in the country and abroad making Delhi-related information and services more accessible.

On the official website www.delhitourism.gov.in, visitors will have access to a wide variety of services and information. Even before tourists set out for Delhi, they can download thematic city maps, information brochures and informative videos to plan their trip better.

Information such as type of hotel, booking services, Bed and Breakfast establishments, guesthouses, transport and flight services, currency converter and weather updates besides detailed information on city’s heritage, must-see attractions and eateries will be available at the click of mouse.

“What’s more one can “now dial ‘1280’ from any phone and get answers to questions related to Delhi tourism,” a senior Delhi Government official said.

Canadian Rugby 7s squad for Commonwealth Games

2010-09-09T01:38:00.000-07:00

Rugby Canada on Thursday announced the team that will represent Canada at next month's Commonwealth Games in rugby sevens — a sport that was recently added to the Olympic program.

Canadian head coach Geraint John said he expects Canada to show well in a field full of international powers.

"Six of the seven players who started for us in the final at the Hong Kong [Sevens World Series] tournament in March will be with us in Delhi. We won that final over Wales and we'll be carrying that momentum into the Commonwealth Games next month."

Designed to be faster-paced than the traditional version of the sport, rugby sevens features seven players on the field for each team instead of 15.

The smaller team sizes make it easier for more countries to compete with traditional rugby powers — a factor in the International Olympic Committee's decision to add the sport to the program for the 2016 Games in Rio.

Rugby sevens matches are also much shorter in duration, with halves lasting seven minutes instead of 40.

That means an entire tournament can be played over a weekend — the Commonwealth competition will be decided over just two days, Oct. 11 and 12, in New Delhi, India. The amount of scoring remains comparable to a full rugby match because there's more room for players to manoeuvre.

Canada has a men's and women's sevens team, but the Commwealth Games program includes only a men's competition.

As the lone representative from North and Central America and the Caribbean, Canada drew a tough group that includes three-time reigning champion New Zealand, as well as Scotland and Guyana.

South Africa heads Pool B, which also includes Wales, Tonga and host India. Samoa tops Pool C, joined by Kenya, Uganda and Papua New Guinea. Pool D features England, Australia, Namibia and Sri Lanka.

The Canadian team features several experienced veterans — led by captain Phil Mack of Victoria, Canada's top points scorer in the Sevens World Series this season with 125.

First-year man Thyssen de Goede, also from Victoria, impressed with four tries at the Hong Kong tournament.

The full Canadian roster for the Commonwealth Games is as follows:

Nanyak Dala (Saskatoon), Thyssen de Goede (Victoria), Sean Duke (Vancouver), Ciaran Hearn (Conception Bay, N.L.), Nathan Hirayama (Richmond, B.C.), Phil Mack (Victoria), Ian Shoults (Calgary), Neil Meechan (Maple Ridge, B.C.), Justin Mensah-Coker (Vancouver), John Moonlight (Pickering, Ont.), Taylor Paris (Barrie, Ont.), Conor Trainor (Vancouver).

Entry to stadium will open 5 hours before start of opening ceremony

2010-09-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Spectators at the inaugural ceremony of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) Oct 3 will be allowed entry into the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium five hours before the function begins, officials said Tuesday.

(Read our Commonwealth Games opening ceremony coverage)

"The three gates for the spectators will open at 2 p.m. ahead of the opening ceremony which will begin 7 p.m.," Maj. Gen. G.G. Dwivedi, head of the Spectator Services (SS), told reporters here. The stadium has 21 gates but only these three will be used for entry.

Dwivedi said of the 65,000 seats in the stadium, 43,000 will be made available to the general public. The remaining 22,000 seats will be "for the VIPs, athletes, officials and media".

"We expect the stadium to be fully packed. The tickets for the general public have been almost fully sold out,"
He said the decision to open the entry well in advance was taken to "reduce traffic bottlenecks in the city and crowding at the stadium". The spectator services had made some calculations on the time to be taken for the 62,000 spectators to reach the stadium from various parts of the capital, he added.

Food, electronic gadgets, alcohol and matches are among those items not permitted inside the stadium. Mobile phones will be allowed.

Dwivedi said a similar schedule is planned for the closing ceremony Oct 14 evening.

A total of 700 volunteers will be deputed to regulate the spectators at the stadium. There will be wheel-chairs and convenient seating for the disabled and senior citizens.

The spectator services will have three main tasks - gate management, access control and handling the spectator plaza and seating bowl. "Smooth entry will be ensured at the gate through the turn-stiles and security check-points," he said, adding the seats will be numbered for the opening and closing ceremonies while there will be open seating for the other events.

After the entry to the stadium, the spectators will be regulated through the spectator plaza, where there will be various facilities like information booths, medical help, stalls for food and water and sales points for merchandise, Dwivedi said.

A dry run was held at the stadium during the athletic meet July 29, where 15,000 visitors were ushered in, he said.

In all, 1.7 million spectators are expected at the 18 venues during the 12-day CWG, the biggest-ever sports event to be hosted by India since the 1982 Asiad. About 2,650 volunteers and 195 paid staff will be manning the spectator services.

Most of the volunteers are students, while the core staff will be a mix of experienced professionals and youth, Dwivedi said.

Asked the response to ticket sales, in the backdrop of the delays in organisation and spread of dengue fever, he said: "Despite all these odds, the reports are of an overwhelming response".

Ticket counters will be open till the competitions begin, he added.

Aerostat unveiled at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium

2010-09-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

A multipurpose aerostat to be used for the next month's Commonwealth Games' opening ceremony was unveiled at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium where the quadrennial sporting extravaganza will commence on October 3.

The 12m high aerostat, worth Rs 40 crore, was raised to a level of 10m above the base at a function on Wednesday and will be raised to its maximum height of 30m in the next two days.

CWG organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said the aerostat is "no ordinary balloon but a piece of technology and art."

The unveiling took place amid heavy downpours but after the ceremony Kalmadi said that the aerostat would stand still "even during rains and it stands tall without any problem at all."

The aerostat will be multi-purpose, with video content being projected on it, including animation and graphics and will also be synchronised with the events that will be taking place during the opening ceremony.

The projection will be of high-resolution and some of the live events during the Games will also be projected on the aerostat. The aerostat will lift scenic elements and create dramatic effects, a release said.

Viraf Sarkari, Director of Wizcraft International Entertainment, described the aerostat as technological marvel and said, "The USP of this aerostat is that it is used for projection in 360 degrees so every person in the stadium can view the entire effect of the aerostat."

There will be light fixtures with mirrors which will be fixed on the belly of the balloon and this will emit a warm glow.

Speaking on the occasion, C K Valson, Competition Manager for Athletics, said the track at the stadium has received a Class 1 certification, making it the first one in India to get it.

Valson also assured the ongoing rains would not affect the track as it has been covered completely and hoped that a number of new records would be made on this.

CWG shopping festival to begin on 25-Sep

2010-09-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, in an initiative with the Delhi Traders Association has decided to organize the “Commonwealth Games Shopping Festival” across all main markets in Delhi from September 25, 2010 to October 15, 2010.

“We are delighted to announce this Shopping Festival as part of the festive spirit that is set to engulf the city as part of the Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010. Our endeavor is to impart to every visitor an exciting and memorable experience during their stay in the city.” said Suresh Kalmadi, M.P., Chairman- Organising Committee, Commonwealth Games 2010,Delhi.

The festival will be held across the popular markets in Greater Kailash, South Extension, Chandani Chowk, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, Connaught Place, Kamla Nagar, Azmal Khan Road, Rajouri Garden and Chawri Bazar to name a few.

In keeping with the festive mood and celebrations during the games, all the above markets will be decorated and illuminated in order to induce the spirit of the Delhi 2010 Games and provide visitors with an insight to the rich cultural heritage of the country.

Surinder Singh Dhir, President of the Delhi Traders Association said, “The traders of Delhi are eagerly looking forward to the festival and are delighted by this initiative of the Organizing Committee to support us and make us actively participate in the celebrations surrounding the Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010. We plan to provide customers with healthy discounts and attractive packages, and believe that Diwali bonanzas will come early even for local shoppers.”

The festival will reflect the journey from the traditional and ethnic feel to the modern culture of the Delhi. In addition, the emblems, hoardings, banners across all shops during the Commonwealth Games Shopping Festival will feature Delhi 2010.

The Organising Committee will assist the initiative which will reflect the spirit of the games. Food and shopping are the main areas of attraction to game time tourists. There will also be cultural programmes which will be conducted all over the city.