New Delhi: Way back in April 2009, when Gulf News checked with Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit if Indians would need to do kar seva (voluntary service) to save face, as the sporting venues for the Commonwealth Games 2010 were behind schedule, it seemed a tricky situation. The Chief Minister had then assured that no such thing would be required.
"We are behind schedule in some projects, but are also way ahead in many others. We are conscious of the fact that Delhi is the host city and India's pride. So we will all put our efforts together and be ready in time," Dikshit had said.
Sixteen months later, Delhi is still struggling with the projects.
The deadlines have come and gone many times over. And as things stand today, with every nook and cranny undergoing renovation and posing inconvenience, neither are Indians (rather Delhiites) willing to offer kar seva, nor are they concerned about the completion of the sporting venues. Which means only a miracle can save the Games.
Incidentally, now only three people believe that a miracle can actually happen.
They are Delhi's Chief Minister, Federal Sports Minister M. S. Gill and Chairman of the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games Suresh Kalmadi.
As the troika go about declaring their confidence that all work will be completed on time, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) has given no-objection certificates to not even half a dozen of the 22 games venues so far. Due to this, fire safety drills will have to wait until next month.
While the Games venues will have in-built equipment to fight any fire incidents, the fire department says security personnel and volunteers are needed and it's imperative to conduct safety drills.
Meanwhile, State Urban Development Minister A. K. Walia had announced a new deadline saying that civic agencies carrying out work must wrap up work by August 20, after which digging would be banned.
This has resulted in massive construction plans put on hold. Work has now stopped midway and the civic agencies are filling the dug-up areas, only to commence work once again after the Games.
Far from complete
International athletes are scheduled to start arriving in India's capital from mid-September. But then they could be in for a shock, as the various training venues are far from complete.
Out of the 42 earmarked for the Games, most are under construction. And none of the venues can claim to be ready with all facilities, including electricity and water.
"Whatever facilities are there, can only be termed of poor quality," an official looking after these venues remarked.
He said that the technical aspects were ignored in most venues and since specifications were not followed, it could pose problems of varied nature.
"Although all work was going behind schedule, it's only now that most officials have woken up and are moving into the venues. If things had been speeded up even last year, the situation would have been different. There's barely any time to complete work and tidy up. The backroom arrangements are on a shaky ground," the official revealed.
Even while equipment worth millions is arriving in the capital, about 30,000 volunteers are being trained in various disciplines to assist the Games officials.
As time zips past, much more is at stake.
And with all the confusion and controversies surrounding the Games, the worst sufferers are the Indian sportspersons.
Tired of scandalous storms, they are soliciting support and wanting the public to focus back on sport.
SPORTING VENUES
Indira Gandhi Sports Complex: The stadium is to host three major events, but is far from ready. Boundary wall and the overlay work is pending, so is the landscaping.
Karni Singh Shooting Range: This shooting range was also badly affected by the rains. Besides the grass embankment that was washed away, the ceiling was also damaged.
S P Mukherjee Swimming Complex: There's been much criticism of this venue. It is said that sub-standard material has been used and there are serious technical flaws.
Dhyan Chand National Stadium: This is perhaps one of the few stadiums that is considered a viewers' delight. The swank stadium has been tried and tested and only some overlay work needs to be done.
Yamuna Sports Complex: The training venue for swimming, gymnastics and hockey, this complex was also badly damaged due to the rains. Both the flooring and false ceiling have been badly affected. Repair work is ongoing. But gymnastics and swimming training facilities are proving an obstacle.
Saket Sports Complex: Training venue for badminton, work is behind schedule.
Delhi University: The training space is lagging behind here at the Polo Ground (athletics) and the wrestling venue in SRCC Grounds. This is being considered a surprise because this venue was one of the few that was said to be ready and on schedule.
Shivaji Stadium: Only two-thirds of the work on this stadium, which is the training venue for hockey, is complete so far. And it's impossible to see its completion by month's end, which is the new deadline. This is one of the few venues that is the responsibility of the Delhi government. Construction of the parking bay has barely started.
Siri Fort Sports Complex: This venue for badminton, swimming, tennis and squash is still in a sorry state. The approach roads are in a bad shape. The floor leaks in many places. The boundary wall is under construction.
University Rugby Stadium: Some underground cabling work is still ongoing in this 10,000-seater stadium. Waste construction materials are yet to be removed.
R K Khanna Tennis Complex: The interiors are good, but much work is required to be done outside. The piled up debris is a hurdle for the overlays and, until removed, it remains incomplete.
Thyagraj Complex: It is the best and the most beautiful of the lot. Except the debris to be removed and landscaping work, all is under control here.
Talkatora Indoor Stadium: Rains wreaked havoc at this stadium. Apart from leakages in several places, the temporary constructions are still not complete.
Jamia Sports Complex: To be used as a practice venue for table tennis and rugby, the complex was inaugurated recently. It has an indoor stadium and rugby facilities. Modelled after the rugby stadium of Melbourne, the grass for this venue was imported from the US.
Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex: Although work inside the complex is complete, much remains to be done outside. It includes underground cabling, removal of debris of construction work, landscaping and the approach roads. The state-of-the-art stadium, which is part of the Sports Complex, will be used as an opera-cum-convention centre. With a seating capacity of 2,100, the auditorium for weightlifting events is one of the largest auditoriums in India.
- 272 gold, 272 silver and 282 bronze medals at stake
- 12 days of competition (October 3 to 14, 2010)
- 71 Commonwealth Games Associations representing over a third of the world's population.
Sporting disciplines: Archery, Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Bowls, Netball, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling.
- Athletes and team officials to participate : 8,000
- Spectators expected to visit the stadiums: 2,000,000
Mascot
Shera, the official mascot of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010, is the most visible face of the Delhi Games. His name comes from the Hindi word sher - meaning tiger. Shera truly represents the modern Indian. He is an achiever with a positive attitude, a global citizen but justifiably proud of his nation's ancient heritage, a fierce competitor but with integrity and honesty.
PAST GAMES
2006 Commonwealth Games - Melbourne, Australia
2002 Commonwealth Games - Manchester, England
1998 Commonwealth Games - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
1994 Commonwealth Games - Victoria, Canada
1990 Commonwealth Games - Auckland, New Zealand
1986 Commonwealth Games - Edinburgh, Scotland
1982 Commonwealth Games - Brisbane, Australia
1978 Commonwealth Games - Edmonton, Canada
1974 British Commonwealth Games - Christchurch, New Zealand
1970 British Commonwealth Games - Edinburgh, Scotland
1966 British Empire & Commonwealth Games - Kingston, Jamaica
1962 British Empire & Commonwealth Games - Perth, Australia
1958 British Empire & Commonwealth Games - Cardiff, Wales
1954 British Empire & Commonwealth Games - Vancouver, Canada
1950 British Empire Games - Auckland, New Zealand
1938 British Empire Games - Sydney, Australia
1934 British Empire Games - London, England
1930 British Empire Games - Hamilton, Canada
