In exactly a year India will host one of the biggest international sports event in its history. The 19th Commonwealth Games will be held in New Delhi from Oct 3-14, 2010. A total of 71 countries are expected to participate in 17 different events. Not only are the Games a matter of pride for India, but also one of the biggest challenges in recent years. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) recently expressed concern over the delays in preparations for the games next year. CGF Chief Michael Fennell is said to have written directly to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about them. Delays in construction projects, power shortage during the games and security arrangements are some of the important problems facing the organizers.
For the everyday Indian, construction delays and power outages are routine. But they can be a source of embarrassment when thousands of players and tourists converge in the nation’s capital next October. The Games will be an excellent opportunity to showcase India’s economic progress, work ethic, infrastructural preparedness and sustainability, and attract even more business into the country. According to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Games are estimated to create business worth some $6 billion. It would be a shame if the Indian government wastes such a huge business opportunity due to bureaucratic delays and the inefficiencies of a few people. Though the Delhi Development Authority and the Indian Sports Ministry are responsible for the preparations and organization, the Prime Minister should demand that all projects are completed on time. With only a year to spare no delays and excuses should be tolerated.
The power shortage is something that seems to be addressed effectively by the Delhi government. It expects to provide Delhi around 7000MW by 2010, up from the current 4000 MW. “In the next couple of years, the city will get power from the Damodar Valley Corp, National Thermal Power Corp, the Dadri power plant, the Jhajhar plant and the Pragati power plant – these total 4,240 MW.’ The government also intends to get 1,800 MW from local sources in addition to the existing installed power generation capacity of 932 MW.” These new projects and reduction in distribution and transmission losses can be looked at as an experiment to be duplicated in other parts of the country.
Along with projecting its economic and infrastructural development, it is also an 0pportunity to prove India’s sporting capabilities. Indian sportsmen (other than cricketers) are not known for being at the top of their games. They have for decades failed to bring back Olympic medals in multiples. But losing on home ground would be very more humiliating. The Games are a good chance to set an example and motivate a new generation of sportsmen. The Commonwealth Games should be used as an opportunity to revise our cricket-centric sports mindset and policy, and generate interest in sports other than cricket. The grandeur and excitement of the Games can be used to encourage kids and parents to take up gymnastics, badminton, athletics, table tennis, hockey, aquatics and various other games seriously. A diverse and accomplished sports community would definitely boost India’s image as a global player.
But the biggest challenge and test of the Commonwealth Games lies before the Indian security apparatus. Not only the police, but the intelligence community will also be tested. With the safety and security of thousands of citizens and foreign nations at stake, they cannot risk making a mistake. The Indian government has said time and again that the country is safe for international players and visitors. Now India’s security personnel have a chance to show that they are ready for any eventuality. Not only will the success of the Games show the world that India is safe for business and travel, it will also send a strong message to terrorists waiting to strike again. The Mumbai attacks last November exposed the inefficiency of the Indian security apparatus. The Commonwealth Games would be a great chance to rectify the soiled image. It would be a morale and confidence booster for the men who protect us everyday.
The 2010 Commonwealth Games are a good opportunity at the right time. India just needs to make sure it doesn’t slip through due to a few inefficient and corrupt people.
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