London: This was supposed to be India's big coming-out parade. A £1.6 billion (Dh9.32 billion) showcase of can-do ability, a global opportunity to turn around every obsolete cliche the country had earned (fairly or unfairly) of corruption, shoddy workmanship, child labour and unacceptable security risks.
So what has the New Delhi Commonwealth Games produced so far? A reinforcement of every negative stereotype of India. The phrase "high-risk" has been firmly slapped on all aspects of the Games, and athletes around the world are reconsidering their options. Do I sit in a bus aisle covered in long clothing to avoid drive-by terrorists and dengue fever-riddled mosquitoes or train in comfort for the London Olympics?
Increasingly the best athletes are staying at home. The Indian government wanted to use the Commonwealth Games as a stepping stone to an ambitious bid for the 2020 Olympics. That, surely, is now lying in a tangled mess along with the pedestrian bridge that collapsed on Tuesday.
Local officials are in denial about the state of preparations, adding to the worldwide consternation. Let's tick off the incidents in the past few days, discounting, but not forgetting, the deaths of nearly 50 construction workers employed on Games projects in the past two years.
Terrorism
A busload of Taiwanese tourists were shot at, and two injured, outside the Jama Masjid mosque in New Delhi on Sunday. Police insisted it was an isolated incident, until the Indian Mujahideen claimed responsibility in a chilling statement which read: "As we bleed, you will bleed, we know the preparations for the Games are at their peak."
Cost overruns
The budget is believed to be rapidly approaching £2.6 billion — £1 billion more than the original estimate.
Corruption
Organisers have accused highly-respected international companies of internal failings and taking kickbacks, which has raised eyebrows at the highest levels of world sport.
Dodgy construction
India's own Central Vigilance Commission revealed fake completion certificates had been granted to Games sites. Which brings us to the athletes' village, the jewel in the construction crown. The fact that this showpiece development has dissolved into a leaky, smelly, dangerous mud heap at the first sign of monsoon rain is testament to its rushed construction and organisational chaos.
The portents for other Games venues when they too are put under pressure is not good. Parts of the athletics track collapsed a month ago. If we get to the closing ceremony without another Games-related death everyone will breathe a sigh of relief. And then it will be Glasgow's turn.
