Racing against Time

The final countdown for the Commonwealth Games has finally started, and the national capital is racing against time to face the reality of the Oct 3-14 Games.

Allegations of financial bunglings, leaking roofs and unfinished overlays at stadia and the heavy rains have done much damage to the Games, and now the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) headed by Suresh Kalmadi is having some anxipous moments to present the “best ever� Games.

“All the infrastructures are in place. The sports infrastructure is in place. We are going to have a very good Games. All the member countries’ representatives who had come here from abroad had gone back saying it will be good.

"The coordination commission of Commonwealth Games had come here and said everything is good. The President of CGF had come here and said every thing is good. So we have got everything good going. Now we need support from the people of the city, particularly from the school and college students,� said Kalmadi.

The beleaguered Kalmadi has been facing allegations of corruption from all quarters and finally it took the intervention of the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who finally appointed 11 bureaucrats to oversee the last phase of arrangements for the Games, which is the first mega event the country is hosting since the 1982 Asian Games.

The CGOC hopes that the Games, which will see competitors from 71 Commonwealth nations and team participating in 17 disciplines, will showcase to the world, India’s newly renovated magnificent stadia, foolproof security and modern-day transportation systems after all the government has spent Rs.15,000 crore (Rs.150 billion/over $3 billion).

But despite such a huge allocation of sum for the Games, the organizing committee admits that there could be a last gasp to the post and many facilities would be ready just days before the event.

With questions being raised on whether the venues will be ready on time, Dr.Singh finally took things in his hand and went to visit the showpiece Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics, weightlifting and lawn balls events.

Apart from the Nehru stadium, the other venues include Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, Delhi University Sports Complex, Thyagaraj Stadium, Siri Fort Sports Complex, Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, Talkatora Stadium, SPM Swimming Pool Complex, R.K. Khanna Tennis Complex and Yamuna Sports Complex, as well as the Full Bore Shooting Range in suburban Gurgaon.

Prime Minister’s message was clear to each and every stakeholder involved with the project was clear and loud- "Redouble your efforts to quickly complete the work as people expect a spectacular opening to the mega event.�

It seems that Dr.Singh’s words saw some actions and thing are now finally falling in place for the Games.

CGOC Vice Chairman Randhir Singh, who has apparently fallen out with Kalmadi, feels that since Dr.Singh’s visit things are moving ahead faster.

"I have no hesitation in saying that we would deliver a great Games. In the last one week I have been to all the venues and only the overlays work is going on. The venue operation team of the organizing committee has taken charge of the all the venues and after seeing all the facilities, I assure you that we will have great Games," Randhir told TWF.

Randhir said that the 11 senior IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officers, who have been appointed by the cabinet secretary was not to clip the wings of the CGOC but to help them.

“They have been extremely helpful and they are going about tying up the loose ends systematically. Their presence has boosted our confidence," he said.

CGOC Secretary General Lalit Bhanot is also optimistic about organising the Games in a perfect manner.

"As far as the technical conduct of the Games, I can tell you it would be the best Commonwealth Games. I have no doubt that we are doing an excellent job.

“Most of our technical officials have international experience. The same management of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) also has the experience of conducting a whole lot of international events after the 1982 Asian Games," Bhanot said.

With more than 10,000 athletes and officials taking part in the Games, the government has assured that participating countries that it will be a "safe and secure" Games.

"We are fully prepared for the mega sporting event. Our force is trained, ready and positioned and I am fully satisfied about the preparations for the mega event," Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal said.

Dadwal said that around 80,000 Delhi Police personnel, over 17,500 paramilitary personnel, 3,000 specialised commandos and 100 anti-sabotage check teams, besides a 123-member dog squad, will be deployed for the Games.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit also remains hopeful.

“I am very optimistic.... Delhi is shaping up very well. We will have a great Games. The preparations are going on very well. It will be better, if we get support from you (the media),� Dikshit said.