"Teams not advised to miss Delhi"

The Foreign Office today stressed it had not advised any British teams not to compete in next year's Commonwealth Games.

A front-page report in the Daily Telegraph quotes a senior Whitehall source saying there was "virtually no chance" an England team would be sent to Delhi due to security concerns.

However, a statement from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) read: "The FCO has not advised any of the British teams not to participate in the Commonwealth Games.

"We are aware that the Commonwealth Games Federation had some concerns about preparations for the Games.

"We continue to work closely with the Indian authorities who are doing everything they can to ensure a safe and secure Games."

The issue of security for the Games has been under scrutiny since a number of terrorist incidents in the region and several major sporting events have already been moved from the subcontinent.

The England team withdrew from the World Badminton Championships in Hyderabad in August after terrorist threats.

In March the Sri Lanka cricket team were ambushed while being driven to a match in Lahore, Pakistan. Twelve gunmen attacked their convoy, killing eight Pakistanis and injuring six Sri Lankan players.

After that incident, the Indian Premier League was moved to South Africa.

England deny Games withdrawal fears

ENGLAND'S Commonwealth Games officials insist they have received no security warnings to indicate the team must withdraw from the New Delhi event next year.
England general team manager Ann Hogbin issued a strong denial of a front page report in Wednesday's edition of the Daily Telegraph that claimed there was ``virtually no chance'' a team would be sent.

An online version of the report quoted unnamed political sources as saying that the formal pullout would be announced in the new year because safety there could not be guaranteed.

``That is definitely not the case. Our current and strong intention is to field a team for the games in Delhi next year,'' Hogbin said in a statement to The Associated Press. ``Of course, we have a duty of care to the athletes and other team members which we take very seriously.

``Despite having been given extensive briefings from relevant authorities, we have not received any indication that we should not participate in the games and we will continue to work hard to put in place the best possible arrangements for our team.''

Britain's Foreign Office told the AP that it has ``not advised any of the British teams not to participate in the Commonwealth Games.''

``We are aware that the Commonwealth Games Federation had some concerns about preparations for the games,'' the statement added. ``We continue to work closely with the Indian authorities who are doing everything they can to ensure a safe and secure games.''

The Telegraph claimed that Paul Stephenson, commissioner of London's Metropolitan Police, voiced ``serious concerns'' about security arrangements in New Delhi following a visit this month.

Security at the Oct. 3-14 event has been under scrutiny since last year's terrorist strikes in Mumbai and the March attack on Sri Lanka's cricket team in neighboring Pakistan.

Safety concerns and lax security were cited this year when England's badminton team pulled out of the world championships in Hyderabad, and Australia refused to play a Davis Cup match in Chennai.

The Commonwealth Games are set to be the biggest multiple-sport event staged in India since the 1982 Asian Games.

Organizers are expecting nearly 8,000 athletes and officials from 71 nations and territories, along with nearly 30 heads of states.

This year, India's Home Secretary Gopal Krishna Pillai said he was not aware of security threats to the games, and added that no special security measures will be undertaken for athletes from specific countries.

England may pull out of Commonwealth Games

There appears to be a genuine risk of England pulling out of next year's Commonwealth Games in India with police and security advisers fearing the team will be the target of Pakistani militants.

UK Metropolitan Police Commissioner Paul Stephenson visited Delhi earlier this month to inspect the Games sites and is said to have voiced serious concerns about the security arrangements.

A spokeswoman for the English Commonwealth Games has told the Daily Telegraph newspaper that the security situation is being monitored and a final decision on whether to take part will be made next year.

The UK's Daily Telegraph says advisers feel the safety of athletes cannot currently be guaranteed.

It would be the first time England has not competed in the 80-year history of the Games, to be held in New Delhi in October.

The report comes after the England badminton team pulled out of the world championships in India in August, saying security in the host city of Hyderabad was lax.

New Zealand's commitment to participating in the Commonwealth Games has not changed according to New Zealand's Olympic Committee.

Little girl to civilise Delhi

Delhi’s citizens are about to be introduced to a range of civic awareness messages over the next 10 months, right up to the Commonwealth Games in October 2010.A wide-ranging advertising campaign, ‘Come on Dilli’, with the messages delivered by a new city mascot — a cartoon-drawn, seven-year-old girl named Delhi ki Beti — has begun to dot Delhi’s billboards since December 12. India’s Capital will play host to athletes from 71 nations at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.The Delhi government feels that in addition to providing world-class infrastructure and facilities for the event, it is also critical that Delhi’s people come together as hospitable hosts. To instill that sense of hospitality, pride, care and concern for the city, it decided to undertake a public communication exercise.The ‘Civility Campaign’ has started with the outdoor media and will move on to radio, print and television. The campaign has been developed by Dentsu India’s social communications division, citizen dentsu, to which the local government’s stated objective was to enhance Delhi public’s civic sense, to address certain deep-rooted behaviour patterns typical to the city’s civic mindset.

The messages developed by Dentsu point to a greater range of civic awareness building than what may typically be required for just the Commonwealth Games. The use of solar power or the rejection of the use of plastic bags, for example.

Other issues such as pollution, car pooling, using the cellphone while driving, breaking traffic signals and defacing heritage sites are covered through messages that use English and Hindi, English nursery rhyme lines and even references to Ghalib.

Building pride in the city’s heritage is seen as a unifying factor since a significant number of Delhi’s residents have come in from other parts of the country.

Cartoon animals have been used in a rather tongue-in-cheek manner.

The youth who’s taken a toss off his motorbike because he jumped a red light is a monkey; the person defacing a heritage building’s wall is a rat; the chap chatting on his mobile phone while driving is an owl.

“The idea is to convey, in a dignified manner, that the people, in doing the things the ads bring up, are behaving like animals,” said Gullu Sen, national creative director, Dentsu India.

On whether the local Delhi population would respond to a little girl as the city’s mascot, he said: “Our initial mascot idea was a boy, but the chief minister felt we should use a girl child. Besides that, a lot of cities abroad have mascots.”

While it is tempting to compare Delhi ki Beti with the Amul girl who also delivers sharp, witty social messages, Sen preferred that the two not be compared, saying the Amul property has been built over time.

While the campaign’s budget is rumoured to be in the range of Rs 100 crore, there is no official confirmation on the figure. PK Tripathi, principal secretary in the chief minister’s office, said there was no fixed budget.

“We will intensify the campaign over the next few months and will release money depending on the various media used for it. The three-phased campaign will progress from ‘inform and inspire’ to ‘involve’ messages, to culminate with ‘hospitality’ statements.

Dentsu India won the Civility Campaign’s pitch in competition with 11 of the 15 government-empanelled advertising agencies that include some of India’s largest agencies.

Delhi in BA's Top 10 destinations for 2010

British Airways has selected its top 10 destinations for 2010, taking into account events like the FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Winter Olympic Games, that can influence travel calendars.

Delhi, India is the stepping off point for tiger safaris at Bandhavgarh & Kanha besides being the venue of the Commonwealth Games.

Cape Town, South Africa expects to get half a million visitors for the FIFA World Cup in June, who will also enjoy stunning beaches, mountains & vineyards.

Istanbul, Turkey is a hotspot as the European Capital of Culture for 2010, offering great value for money.

Interest in Las Vegas, US has been rekindled by the film The Hangover, which also has great family entertainment.

Vancouver, Canada is a must for its skiing and the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic is on the radar for its stunning beaches and golf and spa facilities, and Dubrovnik, Croatia for its history, privacy and tranquility.

New York is always a favourite, Stockholm, Sweden has gained cred as the ‘European Green Capital’ in 2010, and The Maldives for its remarkanle beaches and coral reefs.

Watching Games may be a long haul for the disabled

Despite all the stadia for the Commonwealth Games 2010 being made barrier free for enabling the disabled and those with reduced mobility to watch the international sporting event, there is a grave risk that India may not be able to project its disabled-friendly image properly since inadequate alighting arrangements for such people near the Games venues would dissuade many of them from visiting the stadia.

The issue has been raised by Sanjeev Sachdeva, director of Sanjeevni, who has carried out access audits of various infrastructure projects such as the Delhi Metro, and buildings and premises such as the Dilli Haat. Mr. Sachdeva has noted with concern that while special parking facilities have been provided for the VVIP’s, Organising Committee members and officials, and ministers, senior bureaucrats and other selected dignitaries, but no such arrangements have been planned for persons with disabilities.

“No clear cut area has so far been marked as reserved alighting and safe zone for people with disabilities -- especially those with with mobility impairments -- and persons with reduced mobility which comprise senior citizens, families with young children and pregnant women,” he said. Noting that “due to security reasons” the general parking has been kept at an average distance of between 500 metres and a kilometre from the stadia, he said, it would be extremely difficult for people with reduced mobility or those carrying them to cover such long distances.

Delhi has been built seven times, but on this the eighth occasion, for the first time a lot of emphasis has been laid on making the sidewalks, roads and buildings, including the stadia, barrier free, Mr. Sachdeva said. He, therefore, demanded that without compromising on the security, such people should be provided with easy access to the stadia. Mr. Sachdeva has in a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit also suggested that special buses with hydraulic lifts, such as those owned by non-government organisations like AADI, Amar Jyoti and EOC University of Delhi, should be used for taking disabled and persons with reduced mobility from the parking lot to the stadium and back.

Also, there should be shuttle buses between various stadia to facilitate movement of passengers from one Games venue to the other. For the benefit of the visually impaired the main gate should be painted in bright colours (preferably yellow or red) for easy identification, he added.

Mr. Sachdeva has also suggested that special parking labels be issued by the traffic police to vehicles owned and registered in the name of persons with disabilities. These people should be told to apply for stickers and all the security regulations such as verification of disability certificate, need for an escort, and verification of other documents should be done at least two months before the Games to avoid any kind of inconvenience. “People with disabilities also have an equal right to watch and participate in the Commonwealth Games,” said Mr. Sachdeva.

England dismiss fears of mass exodus from Delhi Commonwealth Games

Chef-de-mission Craig Hunter has quashed suggestions that the Commonwealth Games will see development squads of gymnastics and athletics from England and allayed fears of a mass exodus of top athletes from the next year's mega event in the Indian Capital.

Athletics' officials have admitted that the European Championships in Barcelona next summer is of much more importance, while England's top gymnasts will compete in the World Championships in Rotterdam in a bid to qualify for London 2012. But Hunter, who managed England's swimmers at the 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games said, ''Let's wait until we board the plane in September. The majority of the household names have said they will be there but a lot of things can happen along the way.'' Team England will be sending over 380 athletes plus 200 team staff to Delhi, while Australia expect 425 athletes to travel for the October 3-14 Games. The Commonwealth Games are being viewed as a pathway into London 2012 and some sports are focusing on final preparations into the Olympics, such as Aquatics who are using it as their principle event next year. Double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington has already given his word for the Delhi Games, saying a gold medal ''will be a highlight of my career''. However, Hunter did admit that there were a few problems that the Commonwealths pose to other sports. ''The calendar does clash and with funding the way it is there are other priorities for the governing bodies,'' Hunter told 'The Telegraph Sport.' England's Commonwealth Games chairman, Andrew Foster had earlier said that England's aim would be to beat Australia in Glasgow 2014.

''We can only set ourselves a target when we have done the work behind it,'' he had said earlier this year.

Hunter meanwhile said, ''That's a challenge for us. We want to achieve our best ever Games. We are continually raising the bar to be the top nation in the Commonwealth.''

Games: Dikshit nervous but hoping for the best

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said she was nervous about the Commonwealth Games but was certain that the government would come out in flying colours.

“I should be nervous. You are nervous when there is a big event in your family,” Dikshit told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here in the capital.

“But I am sure we will manage it,” she added.

The Chief Minister said the year had gone well for her and the government hoped that the next one would be the same. “2009 achcha beeta (went well)...looking forward to 2010,” she said.

Earlier speaking at the function organised by an NGO Child Fund, she said her government was ready to offer any help to people working for social development so that India becomes a superpower not only in terms of quality of life but also as a moral society.

The need of the hour is for everyone to pool resources and develop the children of the country, Dikshit said.

“The government cannot reach out to everybody. NGOs can play a major role in this regard to reach out to people. They can give a holistic view to a child’s character and skill,” she said.

The Delhi government, with the two Dilli Haat projects has tried to put up outlets for selling handicraft and recycled items, she said.

Commonwealth Games 2010 contract referred to solicitor general

The contract between public broadcaster Prasar Bharati and UK-based SIS Live for television coverage of the New Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010 has now been referred to solicitor general Gopal Subramaniam, it is learnt.

A source in the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry said that opinion of the solicitor general has been sought on the draft contract between Prasar Bharati and SIS.

Also, the I&B ministry has written to the Central vigilance commissioner Pratyush Sinha on the coverage of the games and the tendering process for selection of the broadcaster. I&B secretary Raghu Menon's recent letter to Sinha, elaborating on the tender process, is being seen as a cautious step to ward-off controversies on a later date.

Sources pointed out that SIS wanted certain changes in its contract with Prasar Bharati, and that resulted in difference of opinion between the finance wing of the broadcaster and the Doordarshan Directorate. Subsequently, a decision was taken to seek the advice of the solicitor general.

After a tender process, in which at least 10 players participated, five were shortlisted. Finally, SIS Live of the UK was selected for production and coverage of the Commonwealth Games for Rs 246 crore.

Officials in the I&B ministry said that since Prasar Bharati does not have the expertise to conduct an international event in the high-definition television (HDTV) format, production and coverage of the games had been outsourced.

An empowered committee comprising top officials of Doordarshan and All India Radio selected the broadcaster.

SIS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Satellite Information Services (Holdings) Ltd and is owned by a combination of leisure and financial investors, according to the company website. It's into TV production, broadcasting and providing live pictures and data via satellite. It also supplies TV programming and data services to the UK and Ireland betting industry.

Among other bidders shortlisted for producing the games coverage were ADAG group's Big Products in consortium with Inter Public Marketing Services Shanghai and Tokyo Broadcasting Systems.

Sources pointed out that the ADAG group may not be keen on producing the games any more, after having put in the bid a few months ago.

India Gate spruces up for Games

A rush of makeovers is steadily propelling Delhi to put forward its best foot before the Commonwealth Games next year. It is now time to take care of the Capital’s heart.

The Central Public Works Department has taken up the task of renovating the city’s famous landmark, the Central Vista — or the entire area surrounding the India Gate, including the Rajpath, the lawns flanking it and also the National Stadium.

The idea is to give it back its pristine look when India Gate was unveiled in 1931, Chief Architect of CPWD and Secretary of the Central Vista Committee R K Kakar told Newsline.

On the drawing board are flattening of the lawns, changing all damaged stones and vertical posts, also known as bollards, and cleaning up the area’s water bodies.

Longer-lasting granite bollards will replace the simple cemented ones all along the Rajpath. Parts of the iron chain that gatekeep the lawns along Rajpath have gone missing and will be put in place, Kakar said.

Kakar said level of the lawns has also increased over the years due to layers of manure and soil dumped on the surface regularly. Since the lawns have become elevated, the rains wash away the soil into the nearby water bodies, thereby choking them.

“We will flatten the lawns to their original level before planting fresh grass. We are also looking at ways to gather rain water around trees, so that the water does not flow down to the water bodies,” Kakar said.

Due to wear and tear, the Rajpath has also shifted course at places from the straight road it used to be. To make it appear straight, the CPWD has decided to keep the dust off the road, since dust dilutes boundaries.

For this, two strips of sandstone will now be placed on the entire stretch — one, between the Rajpath’s lawns and the bollards and the second, between the road and the red gravel sidewalks.

Both strips will act as buffers — so that dust from the flowerbeds does not reach the lawns and that from the sidewalks to the road. Without the dust flying around, the road will appear sharper, and seem straight, sources said.

At present, sandstone strips are being erected on an 80-metre stretch in the middle of Rajpath to check if the idea is feasible. Work on replacing bollards, the chains and cleaning the water bodies is also on. Besides this, the CPWD is also working on laying fresh footpaths of red sandstone on the Central Vista.

For the rest, CPWD is looking at a Republic Day deadline. Kakar said: “Finalising all details is an ongoing process. The spruce-up should be completed well before the Games.”

Ministry acts tough on age frauds, issues guidelines to federations

The Sports Ministry on Tuesday cited some of the measures it had taken up this year, including efforts to prevent age frauds, strengthening of anti-doping mechanism and increasing accountability of national federations.

In a press release, the ministry detailed the expenses and measures taken by the government to bring transparency in the functioning of sport federations and curb doping. The government sanctioned a budget of Rs. 1620 crore and appointed officials in various capacities in the Commonwealth Games organising committee to improve management and financial administration.

However, the most important actions came after the ministry took note of several cases of age fraud with specific guidelines being drafted and issued to National Sports Federations (NSFs).

The NSFs are now required to issue identity cards to national athletes, draw a clear policy with regard to submission of documents in support of age proof and medical procedure for verification in case of doubt and appeal procedures.

Action has also been undertaken to collect and maintain the data and documents with regard to legal, financial, management and operational status of NSFs.

The government also announced pocket allowance of $25 per athlete per day participating in any major international events aboard. Till now, the government was providing allowance only to participants in major multi-disciplinary events.

A comprehensive action plan has prepared to increase the annual sample testing capacity of NADA from the existing 2000 to 5000 in 2010 to meet the demands of the Commonwealth Games. The plan includes upgradation of technology, recruitment of manpower, availability of foreign experts and setting up of new test methods as per WADA guidelines.

Muslims angry at plan to ban city's thousands of donkeys

Plans to remove all working donkeys from India’s capital in a bid to clean-up the streets ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games have left hundreds of families fearing for their livelihoods.

Across Old Delhi there are an estimated 2,500 donkeys and mules usually carrying bricks to construction sites or removing concrete rubble from demolished buildings. They are led by their owners or labourers employed for the day to tend to the animals.

In October, officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and local police officers visited the owners of Delhi’s working donkeys and warned them their animals would have to be removed from the city soon. The move is part of a campaign by Delhi to gloss over its filthy streets and present itself as a “world class city” during the games next October by removing beggars, vagrants, rubbish and anything else that spoils this image – including the city’s working animals.

In parts of the old city nearly 1,500 mostly poor and illiterate Muslim families are directly dependant on donkeys and mules for their livelihood, estimated Yusuf Mohammed, a leader of Delhi’s horse, donkey and mule owners union. They are now waiting to see if the city’s authorities will take them away.

“We have been told, our animals will be impounded and we shall be thrown out of the city if we don’t leave Delhi [along with the donkeys] on our own.” said Sheruddin, as he fed and watered his two donkeys at their makeshift stable on the pavement after a day’s work clearing a demolition site in Old Delhi’s Turkman Gate area.

“For generations we have been doing this job in this city, along with these animals,” he said. “We cannot understand how our animals and us have suddenly turned into a nuisance for them now.”

Sheruddin, a 45-year-old who lives in a nearby slum with his wife and three children, said he was not sure what he would do if the plan to remove the animals goes ahead.

“We have nowhere to go. The government is not doing the right thing by being so cruel to us,” he said.

In Turkman Gate owners of about 250 working donkeys and mules are worried about their fate.

“MCD officials surveyed the area recently and we have been asked to remove all donkeys and mules and clean up the stables because, they said, they don’t look good in a beautiful city,” said Saleem Mohammed, who keeps two donkeys in the Turkman Gate stables and is the son of 76-year-old Yusuf Mohammed, the union leader.

“We were born and have grown up in this city. We have got our families settled here. Our children have been studying in local schools. We will be at sea if we are forced out of our native place now.”

Yusuf Mohammed said the animals have a 400-year-old medieval heritage which dates from when nomadic groups arrived from Multan and settled in Delhi to help construct the city in the early 17th century under the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

“They should not take an abrupt decision to throw out the animals without planning a proper rehabilitation package of our families and the animals,” said Mr Yusuf. “The process of real rehabilitation in this case will take long years because we cannot leave this traditional profession unless our younger children get enough education and find jobs in another world when they grow up.

“But before they decide to ban the animals in the city it must be debated in the first place whether the animals have really no longer fit in today’s or tomorrow’s Delhi.”

No one from the MCD or the police would comment on the ban on working animals, claiming that no official notice has yet been served. Yusuf Mohammed said that sources in the MCD had privately informed him that an official notice asking the donkeys and mules to be removed from the city was being prepared to be served to the animal owners next month. In an attempt to delay the plan, his union executives will meet the city officials and police next week.

For Mohammad Nazar, who owns two donkeys and one mule, the eviction cannot work. The 50-year-old believes that as congestion in the old part of the city grows and roads and lanes becomes narrower, construction companies will come to rely more on the donkeys and mules.

“Eighty per cent of construction sites in Old Delhi are not adjacent to bigger roads,” he said. “Inside most of the narrow winding lanes and by-lanes even mini vans cannot enter to bring in the bricks [to a construction site] or take out the rubble. Donkeys and mules cannot be outsmarted by any other mode here.

“As the population is growing, roads and lanes are getting narrower. In this situation I think the utility of the donkeys and mules is in fact increasing in Old Delhi. You don’t need them in well-planned modern parts of the city where most construction sites are connected with wide roads. But you need our animals in Old Delhi, where congestion is higher.”

To champion a cause

Cricketers, present and former, continue to play on a very nice wicket compared to other sportspeople in India.

And while nobody really resents the earnings of cricketers, the financial rewards for some other personalities in other disciplines is disgraceful.

Recently, the Times of India’s Biju Babu Cyriac touched the hearts of millions of readers when he wrote a story about Geetha Bai, a national level powerlifter who survives on selling polythene bags for a living in Mangalore, a town in southern India.

Geetha’s day kicks off at 5am when she boards a bus to reach the Mangala Stadium where she trains from 6.30am-9am. She then heads to the market half an hour later. She sells bags till 7pm – a job fetches that her Rs80-100 (Dh6-8) per day.

Sport personalities in India doing 9-5 jobs is common, but not for such a meagre return. And while there is no shame in doing an extra job to earn a living, selling bags is not something to be proud of.

Even before recession hit the Indian subcontinent, job opportunities dwindled for sports men and women. Corporate houses no longer believe it is great publicity when employees prosper at state and international level.

For them, productivity in the office counts for more. That is why we find even cricketers in certain cities such as Mumbai struggling to find good jobs.

Geetha explained the problem well. “Except for some help I got from the Mangalore City Corporation, I’ve been on my own. I want to continue powerlifting but don’t know how far I can go on like this. I want to compete in more international meets but there’s no way I can raise the money,” she was quoted as saying.

One wonders how many of her sport’s administrators read the last part of her quote. They should have been scampering to the sports ministry to help her survive. But Indian sport does not only lack performers of the highest calibre. Heart and soul among the people who call the shots is sorely missing too.

Champions cannot expect to achieve maximum performance with a poor diet. Geetha survives on just vegetables. Not because she is vegetarian but because she cannot afford meat, fish and chicken. Luckily her customers sometimes give her with money for a non- vegetarian meal to sustain her 95kg frame.

Geetha and fellow powerlifter Keerthi, who is a post-graduate and serves the Karnataka State Police, recently missed out on the Ekalavya Award from their state government when sports followers believed they deserved the honour.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports do have the machinery to help needy sportspersons, but their unimpressive budget, which by the way, only got revised last year after 14 years, is far too less.

The deplorable state of affairs concerning present and past sportspersons should question the logic of spending crores on a Commonwealth Games when sports in India could get a fillip if the same kind of money is used in building infrastructure and improving the lot of sportsmen and women, who are pleading for better facilities to compete with the best in business.

That the Commonwealth Games has a fresh set of fears in terms of Delhi being ready to host it next year is another matter. India’s sporting czars have a lot of answering to do to sports lovers who have lost hope about a sporting India. Geetha is just another case highlighted by the media, but there are thousands out there who do not have the courage to lash out at insensitive and corrupt officialdom.

Desperation could lead India’s sportspersons to undesired professions. Nisha Shetty, a state-level athlete turned to prostitution because she could not earn a decent living from her sporting endeavours.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India have to be lauded for their efforts to help sportspersons from other fields. But, probably, it is time our cricketers come together and start a foundation which could help deserving toilers.

Sachin Tendulkar does quite a bit of charity work and so do other members of the team. Forming a body like cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar’s “Champs” (Caring, Helping, Assisting, Motivating, Promoting Sportspersons) would mean going one step further.

Inspiration for cricketers is not very far away. The good work by former England great Sir Ian Botham will provide enough of it. The maverick cricketer-turned-commentator does not make a big noise of his charity work, but he has done some great things for society during and after his playing days.

In 1985, he did the first of his 11 charity walks which helped leukaemia patients and now plans another one next year which will mark the 25th anniversary of his first experience. Only recently, he made another trip to tsunami-hit Galle in Sri Lanka to lend a hand in a special project.

Ian Terence Botham has a heart of gold and India needs someone like him to assure their sportspersons a better tomorrow. If not, we will continue to hear and do nothing about cases of sporting poverty.

It is not the time to look too much into the past, but the fact is that Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, independent India’s first individual Olympic medallist, died a pauper. Wrestler Jadhav won a bronze medal at the 1952 Helsinki Games and remained India’s only medal-winner until tennis player Leander Paes clinched bronze in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Jadhav got funds to make it to Helsinki with the help of a principal in Kolhapur (a town in Maharashtra state) who mortgaged his house to meet Jadhav’s ticket expenses. His end came in a road accident.

Come on champs, show you care.

Will CWG be a success in state of rising crimes, asks BJP

Members of Delhi BJP Trader Cell today staged a dharna here to protest against the ''deteriorating situation of law and order in Delhi'' and raised the question of safety in view of the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Addressing the protestors, Delhi BJP President O P Kohli said, ''Recent crimes against businessmen in areas like Sadar Bazaar and Mundka show the apathy of the Sheila government.'' ''One cannot feel safe in the city even in broad daylight.

How will the Games be managed in such a scenario?'' he asked.

Expressing displeasure on the growing insecurity of businessmen, BJP State treasurer Praveen Khandelwal said, ''About three lakh traders come here from different parts of the country everyday for transactions. The Centre must take immediate steps to ensure their safety.'' He also informed the media that a delegation of traders met Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police Karnail Singh to impress upon the need of forming a joint committee representing police officials and traders.

Members of the Cell and other party workers shouted slogans against the Sheila government and later burnt 'Arthi' (funeral pyre) of anti-social elements.

Mr Kohli also informed mediapersons that a BJP delegation will soon meet Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna and Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal to demand a tighter curb on crimes against businessmen in the city.

David Millar ready to fight for Scotland

David Millar hopes to use the 2010 Commonwealth Games to repay Scottish cycling for their support since his return from a doping suspension.

The 32-year-old was given the go-ahead to compete in the event in Delhi next year after Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) reneged on its decision to ban him for life for using EPO.

"I am absolutely delighted with the decision," Millar, who served a two-year suspension from all cycling in 2004, said. "It would be an honour to race for Scotland and to give something back to the country that has given me so much.

"I am proud to be a Scot and feel that I have been supported incredibly through the bad times as well as the good by Scotland.

"I made mistakes as a younger athlete in a dirty sport, and I will have to live with those mistakes for the rest of my life, but I have changed and I know I bring something beneficial to not only cycling, but also sport as a whole."

Millar, part of the Garmin-Slipstream team, should have little trouble qualifying for the Scottish squad heading to India. He competed in the Tour of Italy and the Tour de France this year and won a stage on the Tour of Spain. "If the example I give and education I provide can prevent a younger version of me from making the same mistakes I made, then I could not ask for more," he said.

Jon Doig, the CGS chief executive, said: "The CGS board felt that since his return to cycling David has become an active campaigner and educator about doping in sport and has gone to great lengths to rehabilitate himself and share his experiences with others in an attempt to promote the anti-doping message."

Scotland lift Millar ban ahead of Delhi 2010

Cyclist free to make Commonwealth Games team after doping ban.

Cyclist David Millar will be allowed to compete for Scotland in next year’s Commonwealth Games after winning his appeal against a lifetime ban. The 32-year old was banned for two years by British Cycling after admitting to using EPO but Commonwealth Games Scotland imposed a lifetime ban.

The cyclist lodged an appeal with CGS and has now had his ban lifted with chief executive Jon Doig citing Millar’s anti-doping campaigning as a major reason for the decision. Millar has offered advice on anti-doping measures to British and world cycling bodies as well as to UK Sport.

"The CGS board felt that since his return to cycling David has become an active campaigner and educator about doping in sport and has gone to great lengths to rehabilitate himself and share his experiences with others in an attempt to promote the anti-doping message,” Doig said when announcing the decision.

"David has now been cleared to compete for Scotland in Delhi subject to achieving the necessary performance selection standards.”

It is likely that Millar will meet the selection standards without any problems and is now in line to compete in several events at the Delhi games. The road racer, who has won three stages at the Tour de France, expressed his relief at the decision to allow him to be selected.

"I am absolutely delighted with the decision,” he said

"It would be an honour to race for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and to give something back to the country that has given me so much. I am proud to be a Scot and feel that I have been supported incredibly through the bad times as well as the good by Scotland.

"I made mistakes as a younger athlete in a dirty sport, and I will have to live with those mistakes for the rest of my life, but I have changed and I know I bring something beneficial to not only cycling, but also sport as a whole.

"I have been so pro-active in my fight against doping because I believe I can make a difference and I also believe that the mistakes I made as an athlete were fully preventable.If the example I now give and education I provide can prevent a younger version of me from making the same mistakes I made, then I could not ask for more."

Though now almost certain to be part of the Scottish team that will travel to India, the door is still closed on a place at the next Olympics. The British Olympic Association take a harder stance against doping and will not consider Millar for London 2012.

Miller cleared to compete in delhi Commonwealth Games

Cyclist David Millar has been given the green light to compete for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games after appealing against his life ban.

Millar, 32, was banned from cycling for two years in 2004 after admitting to using EPO.

He has since campaigned against doping in sport and has returned to top-level professional cycling.

Commonwealth Games Scotland had banned him from competing for life in the Commonwealth Games, but have now been persuaded to let him compete in Delhi next year.

CGS chief executive Jon Doig said: "The CGS board felt that since his return to cycling David has become an active campaigner and educator about doping in sport and has gone to great lengths to rehabilitate himself and share his experiences with others in an attempt to promote the anti-doping message.

"David has now been cleared to compete for Scotland in Delhi subject to achieving the necessary performance selection standards."

Millar said: "I am absolutely delighted with the decision.

"It would be an honour to race for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and to give something back to the country that has given me so much.

"I am proud to be a Scot and feel that I have been supported incredibly through the bad times as well as the good by Scotland.

"I made mistakes as a younger athlete in a dirty sport, and I will have to live with those mistakes for the rest of my life, but I have changed and I know I bring something beneficial to not only cycling, but also sport as a whole.

"I have been so pro-active in my fight against doping because I believe I can make a difference and I also believe that the mistakes I made as an athlete were fully preventable.

"If the example I now give and education I provide can prevent a younger version of me from making the same mistakes I made, then I could not ask for more."

Millar should not struggle to meet the standards required for entry and he will look to compete in several events.

He is not eligible to ride at the Olympics as the British Olympic Association take a hard-line stance against drug offenders, but he has represented Britain in other major championships and has competed in the Tour de France since serving his ban.

Millar has offered guidance on drugs to UK Sport, British and world cycling bodies and the World Anti-Doping Agency, and CGS have confirmed he will deliver an anti-doping seminar to young Scottish athletes as a condition of his return to the Commonwealth Games team.

Delhi Games Baton Here Next Week -UGANDA

UGANDA's journey to the Commonwealth Games starts on December 30, with a three-day Queens Baton relay from Entebbe to Jinja.

The relay will go around the world in promotion of next year's Commonwealth Games due in New Delhi, India.

According to John Bosco Bananuka, the chairman of the Sports for All commission at the Uganda Olympic Committee, the baton, due to leave the country on January 2, 2010, will visit more destinations than in 2006.

"This time round we hope to reach different groups of people and give them a chance to feel it," Bananuka said , adding that there are plans to have it make a stop over at State House, Entebbe.

The baton left Buckingham Palace in November for a trip to the Commonwealth member states, and will make the final stop at the Games where the Queen's message will be read at the opening ceremony.

Uganda's Dorcus Inzikuru (3000m s/chase) and Boniface Kiprop (10000m) are preparing to defend titles they won at the 2006 Melbourne edition.

Arriving from Tanzania on December 30, the baton will go to the Equator, Naggalabi Coronation site, Suubi Watoto Village, Kasubi Tombs, Mildmay Centre and the Indian High Commission.

On December 31, revellers at Club Silk and Ange Noir will have a feel of it after another stop over at New Year's Day celebrations at the Sheraton.

Govt releases progress report for CWG preparations

The sports ministry on Monday released the progress report on the preparation of athletes for the Commonwealth Games. In a statement, the ministry provided details of the 1126 elite athletes from 18 disciplines undergoing intensive training in a fully-funded programme that includes participating in competitions outside the country.

As many as 192 coaches, including both Indian and foreigners, with a support staff of 79 are also part of the programme called “Preparation of Indian Teams for Commonwealth Games 2010”.

The ministry also clarified that the beneficiaries were being assessed at regular intervals through pre-decided parameters besides providing the break-up of the participants. The list includes 105 in aquatics, 64 in archery, 171 athletes, 40 in badminton, 42 boxers, 53 cyclists, 59 in gymnasts, 72 in hockey, 30 each in lawnball and netball, 28 in rugby 7s, 146 shooters, 27 squash players, table tennis 36, tennis 40, weightlifting 54, wrestling 85 and 44 from para sports.

Barapullah Nullah elevated road work to continue

The work on elevated road over Barapullah Nullah, which will connect Commonwealth Games Village with Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, will continue despite the High Court declaring the expert committee, formed by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), illegal on October 30 and further asking ASI to issue notices to all 177 sites passed by the committee.

Barapullah Nullah project was also given a go-ahead by the committee.

Claiming that work can not be stopped even for 12 hours on the stretch, the Delhi government has issued internal orders to continue work here. The government will go to Supreme Court to “rehear the process”.

“The order does not say that we have to stop work on the stretch. We are going in for an appeal,” said Public Works Department (PWD) minister Raj Kumar Chauhan, who has been inspecting Commonwealth sites after Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit expressed doubts over on-time completion of several projects.

The High Court in its order held that the ASI had no right to form a committee without legal basis and permit construction within prohibited limits. The court also directed that all projects approved by the committee must be reviewed.

The matter went to court when Supreme Court lawyer Gaurang Kanth challenged the ASI committee’s permission to a private builder to construct within 88 metres of Humayun’s Tomb.

The six-member panel, formed by the ASI in 2006 comprising historians and town planners, got 150 requests for relaxation of norms from Delhi alone and approved 116 of them. It got over 400 applications from across the country.

Nearly 64 per cent of work on the Barapullah nullah has been completed and the PWD expects to complete the work by June.

The project, which started on October 24, 2008, is divided in two phases. First phase will connect Sarai Kale Khan to Mathura Road with road length of 2,654 meters. And the second connects Mathura Road to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with road length of 2,080 meters. Apart from this, two loops near Sarai Kale Khan and slip roads near Lala Lajpat Rai Marg are also being constructed to facilitate traffic.

These will be the best Commonwealth Games: Gill

The challenge is acknowledged but is to be met with fire. The task, as Union Sports Minister M.S. Gill would like you to believe, is gigantic but India will be ready to host the Commonwealth Games next year.

As he takes stock of time spent in sports, he emphasises that things have changed for the better. And promises things will shape up to the benefit of India’s sports fraternity.

The agenda, Mr. Gill insists, is “continuing”. The focus, to conduct the Commonwealth Games, is in place. “I was fortunate to get a chance by accident.” He is the fifth sports minister since 2003 when India was allotted the Commonwealth Games.

“I’m deeply interested in the job. I have taken the job so I am responsible. I won’t walk away from the challenge. Decisions have been taken and I am to be ready in time. I am not to question the past. We all want to bring India a good name. I want to do everything humanly possible.”

Having promised and taken some decisions to lift the morale and stature of Indian sportsmen, Mr. Gill confesses much remains to be done. “Indian sportsmen deserve a better deal. A lot more expenditure is needed to give them the best. Sport builds better leadership, better citizens and ensures general improvement of the people,” he said.
Best way

So what is the best way to improve the lot of Indian sportsmen. Mr. Gill was candid. “The Indian education system is hostile towards sports. It is a little strong but perhaps not wrong to say. The system is marks-based and the mind is frightened of the future. I don’t believe the marking is accurate.”

On the vexed issue of doping, Mr. Gill assured firm steps. “We are doing our best to keep a check. We will continue frequent, surprise tests to catch the culprits and punish them. As an Indian I too want my nation to win 50 medals in the Olympics but then even if I have to win one medal I want to win it with honour. To do that, we must have credible people. We are working towards that goal.”

Did he honestly believe staging the Commonwealth Games will mean a better future for Indian sports? “It is not the occasion for me as a minister to speak on what you are really asking. We have taken some steps.

“There is an increase in allowances to players. We have been training well for the Games. So, it is not just about conduct. We are focussing on preparing to win medals too. Coaching used to get so little. Not anymore. We are also spending a lot on foreign coaches. I have been pushing for the equipment.”

On the role of sports federations and the growing allegations of corruption and nepotism, Mr. Gill maintained, “The federations are manifestations of democracy. My objective is to correct them. They are not unanswerable.”

Mr. Gill also had a warm message to the workers engaged in creating the infrastructure for the Commonwealth Games. “They are the real people, the builders of India. I want to tell them that I have total confidence in them. I wish them a very happy new year. And they better wish me an early completion of all the stadiums.”

Mr. Gill concluded with a promise. “The 10,000 athletes, 400 officials will get a deserving welcome. These will be the best of all the Commonwealth Games”.

PM Manmohan Singh urged to clear air on Games preparation

Former Union Minister of State for Sports Vijay Goel on Monday appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to come clean on the issue of Commonwealth Games preparations as with just 285 days to go for the event, the Games Organising Committee, Commonwealth Games Federation chief, Union Sports Minister and Delhi Chief Minister were all making different noises about it.

Mr. Goel criticised the Chief Minister for playing political games in the name of the Games.

“Since 1998 Ms. Dikshit has been in power while the Games came to Delhi in 2004. All through her 11-year regime she has been claiming to have brought tremendous development to Delhi but now `that the Games are fast approaching she insists that she is nervous whether all preparations would be completed on time or not,” he said at a press conference.

Cautioning that all this could be a ploy to further increase the cost of preparing for the Commonwealth Games 2010, Mr. Goel said it has already crossed Rs.10,500 crore.

He also feared that the Delhi Government and the Organising Committee may start giving arbitrary orders in the name of avoiding delays that might escalate the cost. Mr. Goel said: “This is unprecedented. The event is meant to showcase a country for its sporting prowess and planning. But what do we have here? Leaders showing us as a confused people and a nation while not doing anything for the players.”

Games contractors missing deadlines to be blacklisted

Having already expressed her nervousness at the pace of preparations for the Commonwealth Games, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday declared that the “Delhi Government will not listen to any excuses for delay in projects completion and contractors responsible for delays would be blacklisted apart from other contractual actions against them”.

Delivering the annual address at an officer’s meet at Delhi Secretariat, the Chief Minister cautioned against complacency: “We cannot afford to let down our nation and we are committed to make Commonwealth Games 2010 a grand success.”

Flanked on both sides by her Cabinet colleagues and Chief Secretary, Ms. Dikshit directed all the departments involved with the preparations to take appropriate steps for completing the Games-related projects on time and to work in tandem to avoid any confusion and duplication of work that may lead to a delay.
Civility campaign

She informed that the Delhi Government has also launched a civility campaign to bring awareness on courtesy, etiquettes and good manners in order to make the event a “memorable” one.

As the host city, she said, Delhi has also got an excellent opportunity to take up enormous projects because of the Games. The developed infrastructure will become an integral part of the city for all time to come, she noted.

With the cleaning of the Yamuna remaining another area of concern as after spending of crores of rupees it still flows dirty, Ms. Dikshit said: “It is now time to bring improvement in water supply and take up cleaning of river Yamuna at the earliest.”

She said the cleaning work would be started in “true spirit” within one year and declared that there will be no dearth of funds for this project. Calling for improvement in the collection mechanisms of all departments for generating required revenue, the Chief Minister said the Delhi Government was also looking at doing away with delays in delivery of basic services. For this, she said, service level agreements would be reached on services like issue of certificates and licences for making the delivery time-bound and officers failing to meet the time-frame would be liable for a fine.

Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit warns Commonwealth Games contractors

With just over 285 days left for the mega 2010 commonwealth Games to begin in the Capital, the Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit is getting jittery because of the continuous delay in the completion of the projects.

In the latest review done by the international experts of the Commonwealth Games Federation, though the officials were happy with the progress yet they raised concerns over the continuously extending deadlines of games projects.

The officials have said that the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JNS), which is the main venue for the event, is lagging behind and was supposed to be delivered by December 31 this year but the new deadline has been extended to June-end. Apart from JNS, the SP Mukherjee swimming venue is also delayed and the deadline has been extended again.

"We are committed to make the Commonwealth Games 2010 a grand success. The government will not listen to any excuses for delay in projects completion and contractors responsible for delays would be blacklisted apart from other contractual actions against," said Dikshit.

Dikshit further instructed the concerned officers and departments to take measures for completion of projects relating to CWG 2010 and work in tandem to avoid causing any delay.

Although the games are just 10 months away in October 2010, the organisers are particularly worried that if the projects are delayed repeatedly, the Indian organisers would find it difficult to carry out test runs in the stadiums and hostels which might lead last minute problems and chaos.

CWG 2010: After prayers, CM threatens contractors

After offering 'prayers' to ensure successful organisation of the Commonwealth Games 2010 in the state, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has resorted to threatening the contractors.

Raising concern over the delay in projects related to the CWG 2010, the CM on Monday, Dec 21 threatened blacklisting of contractors failing to complete the construction in time.

"We cannot afford to let down our nation and we are committed to make Commonwealth Games 2010 a grand success,” Dikshit said while speaking at a function in the capital.

"The government will not listen to any excuses for delay in projects completion and contractors responsible for delays would be blacklisted apart from other contractual actions (being taken) against them," she added.

With the mega event just eight months away, the CM has directed all the concerned departments to take steps for completion of projects and to work in tandem in order to avoid any confusion which may cause delay.

Further, speaking on the civility campaign launched by the government for awareness about courtesy, etiquettes and good manners, Dikshit said, "As the host city, we have to work together to make the prestigious Games a memorable event which has provided excellent opportunity to take up enormous projects simultaneously. The developed infrastructure will become an integral part of legacy."

Venue delays stressful for 2010 Games Federation

CONSTRUCTION delays at the two main stadiums for the Delhi Commonwealth Games next year are causing ''distressing'' concern for international sports officials.

The Commonwealth Games Federation president, Michael Fennell, said while there had been significant progress with operational planning there were big problems with the venues.

Fennell said the delays in construction were so extreme that test events and the time required to prepare the venues with Games-specific ''overlay'' would have an impact on the organising committee's tight timetables. This means that the venues will have little time to test key components such as broadcast and timing equipment before the Commonwealth Games opening on October 3 next year.

Yesterday, Fennell expressed great disappointment at the latest report on the delayed delivery of the venues, and, in particular, how the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and the SP Mukherjee swimming complex were so far behind schedule after holding a series of meetings with Games organisers and Indian politicians.

''We have continuously received assurances on the delivery timelines for these projects and to now hear that there are further delays is distressing,'' Fennell said.

''These delays will have an impact upon the organising committee's operational planning, particularly in relation to the conduct of test events and overlay installation.

''There can be no further delays and I was pleased to receive directly from the Sports Minister, Dr Gill, his assurance today that the venues will not encounter any further delays.''

The Commonwealth Games Federation has been forced to provide the Indians with immediate direct support in the areas of venue operations and making the venues functional for the Games, as well as helping to source and train 30,000 volunteers and getting the Games ready.

However, Indian media are reporting that there are also delays at a third venue, the Indira Gandhi Stadium, which will host gymnastics, wrestling and cycling. The Indian Express reports delays on the designs of the landscape and drainage system have held up the start of a complete renovation of the stadium.

Delay in Games projects: Sheila Dikshit threatens blacklisting of contractors

Concerned over delay in projects related to the Commonwealth Games which is just eight months away, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit today threatened blacklisting of contractors failing to complete the construction in time.

"We cannot afford to let down our nation, and we are committed to make Commonwealth Games 2010 a grand success.

"The government will not listen to any excuses for delay in projects completion, and contractors responsible for delays would be blacklisted, apart from other contractual actions (being taken) against them," Dikshit said at a function here.

The chief minister also instructed all the concerned departments to take measures for completion of projects relating to the mega event, and work in tandem to avoid any confusion and duplication of work, causing delay.

She said her government has launched a civility campaign for awareness about courtesy, etiquettes and good manners.

"As the host city, we have to work together to make the prestigious Games a memorable event which has provided excellent opportunity to take up enormous projects simultaneously. The developed infrastructure will become an integral part of legacy," she said.

Expressing "regret" over the delay in construction of venues for the event, Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell recently warned the organisers that further delays in the construction of stadia would seriously impact the conduct of test events.

'Commonwealth, Now Major Force On Global Matters'

President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has said the Commonwealth of Nations has progressed from being just a handful of nations representing former British colonies to a major force on global matters. According to him, Nigeria remains a proud member of the Commonwealth and a strong promoter of its unique objectives.

A statement from the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Ima Niboro, said Yar'Adua made the remarks Saturday through the Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, who received the Queen's baton for the Commonwealth Games on the president's behalf from members of the Queen's baton team in State House, Abuja.

It said the President described the Queen's baton as "a unique tool for spreading the Commonwealth spirit", pointing out that Nigerian athletes have always joined their counterparts from other member nations to radiate the spirit of friendship and unity through the quadrennial Commonwealth Games.

His words: "The Commonwealth has progressed from being just a handful of nations representing former British colonies to a major global force on matters of universal peace, democracy, human rights, economic and social development, as well as youth development and sports."

He then wished the Queen's baton team a successful journey and safe arrival at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Games in Delhi, India.

The VP formally received the prestigious Queen's baton on behalf of Mr. President from Sports Minister, Sani Ndanusa.

Regional Vice President (Africa) of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Abdoulie Touray, who led the Queen's baton team to Nigeria, thanked the Nigerian Government for the warm reception accorded his team, and for successfully hosting the concluded U-17 FIFA World Cup, saying Nigeria made Africa proud.

In his remarks, Habu Ahmed Gumel, President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, said it is a good omen that the Queen's baton is visiting Nigeria for the third consecutive time, attributing it to the Commonwealth's recognition of Nigeria's high profile among member nations in its fold.

Other government functionaries who witnessed the baton presentation were the Honourable Minister of FCT, Adamu Aliero, Director-General, National Sports Commission, Patrick Ekeji, and Presidential aides.

The Queen's baton relay is one of the greatest traditions of the Commonwealth Games, having been the curtain-raiser to every edition of the Games since Cardiff 1958. The baton will travel through all the Commonwealth countries until it lands in Delhi, the host city for the 2010 Games.

Commonwealth games:Desperate Delhi starts praying

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit said yesterday she can only pray for a successful Commonwealth Games next year after admitting to delays in the construction of venues.

"I only keep praying that we won't let the country down," Dikshit told the Press Trust of India as concerns mounted over the slow progress of work for the October 3-14 Games in the Indian capital.

Dikshit's remarks came after Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell said he was distressed by a report that two major venues won't be ready till June next year, barely three months before the opening ceremony.

The CGF's co-ordination commission said last week that work on the Nehru Stadium, where the opening and closing ceremonies and the athletics programme will be held, and the swimming complex, was way behind schedule.

"We have continuously received assurances on the delivery timelines for these projects, and to now hear that there are further delays is distressing," Fennell said in a statement.

"These delays will have an impact upon the organising committee's operational planning, particularly in relation to the conduct of test events and overlay installation. There can be no further delays," Fennell added.

Dikshit, whose local government is charged with building the infrastructure for the Games, admitted the construction was lagging, but was confident the work had picked up in recent months.

"There will be areas of concern, but everybody is trying, everybody is on board, the funds are there. So we just need to see that it is implemented," Dikshit told PTI.

"(But) we will be ready. We have got eight months to go.

"Actually, nine months to go but I said eight months.

"And you can see work going on all over Delhi."

Dikshit said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had formed a group of ministers (GOM), which met almost every week to review the preparations.

"We meet once a week or eight days," she said. "We pool our experiences together. It is a good system we have set up. I only keep praying that we won't let the country down."

The CGF general assembly in October warned India it faced "an enormous challenge" to be ready for the Games, which involve 6,000 international athletes competing in 17 sports. The federation highlighted problems ranging from ticketing, accommodation and transport to accreditation and logistics, besides the construction of venues.

The Commonwealth Games, the biggest multi-sport event to be staged in India since the Asian Games in 1982, will feature 71 nations and territories, mainly from the former British Empire. Meanwhile, the Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) yesterday said it would recruit 700 students as "extra manpower" during the Commonwealth Games.

An ITDC spokesperson said the students will be selected from top 10 colleges of Delhi as well as hospitality institutes across India through on-campus interviews and group discussions. Designated as 'hospitality executives', they will be based in Ashok, Janpath and Samrat hotels � the 'official family Games hotels'.

"All 700 students will get a stipend from ITDC for the five-month period," an ITDC official said.

Swimming: Welsh ace may quit after Commonwealth Games

DAVID DAVIES admitted next year could be his last in the pool after bringing the curtain down on 2009 at Manchester’s Duel in the Pool.

The 24-year-old joined a host of swimmers from Britain, Italy and Germany for the biennial meet, but could do little to stop United States lifting the inaugural crown 185-78.

Davies kicked off by finishing sixth in the 400m freestyle in a time of 3:47.64min as American Peter Vanderkaay took victory, coming home over 12 seconds quicker.

However, the Barry-born flyer did manage to pick up a point for Europe in the 800m freestyle a day later, finishing third behind winner Federico Colbertaldo in a new British record of 7:36.47min.

But Davies – who claimed Olympic 10km open water silver in Beijing last summer – admitted his time in the pool may come to and end after next year’s Commonwealth Games.

“It was a fun two sessions of swimming in Manchester. It was something new, something different and I think the atmosphere was what we all want in Britain,” said Davies.

“But the big one for me is the Commonwealth Games because that will decide whether I stay in the pool for 2012.

“It is going to be pretty difficult next year with the suits changing to post really good times, but, in terms of how I perform, I have got a good marker in Canadian Ryan Cochrane, who was third in the 1500m freestyle at the Olympics in Beijing.

“If I am too far behind him and I can’t see myself getting a medal in London, it would make sense to drop it and give it my all in the open water because I have got a great opportunity there.”

Davies’ decision to opt out of the open water event in favour of the pool at the World Championships in Rome this summer raised eyebrows.

And, while the Cardiff flyer stands by his Italian decision, he admitted he will have to be smart if he is to upgrade his Olympic open water silver to gold at London 2012.

“I have got to look at things, think about them and be sensible,” he added.

“The four years between Beijing and London are all about one meet and that is a hard thing to prepare for.

“But I have got Olympic bronze and silver and I want to get gold and, without getting too wrapped up in it, I have got to do what is right to hit that target and 2010 will be a pivotal year in deciding what I do.”

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Quality, hygiene to be part of platter before Games

Safe Food, Tasty Food scheme: Guidelines for small restaurants and dhabas to upgrade standard
Delhi is set to ensure that the one ingredient, hygiene, missing from some of city eateries that offer delicious food, is added in time for the Commonwealth Games.
The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) recently launched its ‘Safe Food, Tasty Food’ scheme that has specific guidelines for small restaurants and dhabas to upgrade their standard of food to international level.

The scheme, launched on Monday, will rate food joints as platinum, gold, silver and bronze, which will be accredited by the Quality Council of India (QCI) after strict scrutiny of different parameters like quality of food, hygiene, service among others.

Under the scheme, which was in the pipeline for over a year, dhaba and restaurant owners can file a request for registration with FSSAI.

For the eateries owners it will mean that the Delhi government, QCI and the FSSAI will advertise the food joints and mention them on their websites as hygienic joints thus bringing in more customers.

The guidelines have a say in all things related to the food, from the time the ingredients are procured till the time food is served. The ingredients need to be bought only from licensed sellers, frozen food must maintain a certain standard of temperature and safe drinking water has to be available at all times. All guidelines are available on FSSAI and QCI websites.

“The scheme will work both ways. It will ensure clean and hygienic food for customers and dhabas will get a bigger crowd of patrons,” says Giridhar J Giani, secretary general, QCI.

The scheme will also seek help from New Delhi Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Resident Welfare Associations, colleges and registered societies, which will act like the watch dog.

“They will form the nodal agency that can keep a check by demanding quality food and a proof of certification, there by keeping a pressure on quality service,” Giani adds.

The scheme though under FSSAI, is a joint effort by the Delhi Tourism, ITDC, CII, QCI and FICCI etc. If the pilot project in Delhi is successful, the scheme will be launched in cities.

Delhi underground

Glad tidings
After a brief impasse, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee and the Games Federation seem to be coming to a better understanding. During a recent press brief, the CGF chief Mike Fennel expressed satisfaction at the progress of work in Delhi and also commended OC Chairperson Suresh Kalmadi for the work put in by him and his team. Kalmadi said he is, “satisfied and extremely happy”, and have credit to the holiday season to the positive turn of events. “The last time Fennel visited, things looked bleak. However, it is all fine now. I think it is the festive season that has brought about the change in mood. The next time I need to call any foreign delegates for inspection, I will ensure they visit during Christmas,” he said.

Up in smoke
The Ministry of Environment and Forests advocates going paperless, but several of its records are in paper files. For an annual award that the Ministry gives for wildlife preservation by individuals in rural areas, the Ministry has called for nominations. It has specified that those even who had applied in 2007-08 can reapply. Reason?
The official notice sheepishly admits that old proposals for the same award — among many other paper documents — were gutted in a fire that broke out in Ministry in April this year.
And for the same reason, no awards were given for the previous year.

Road laws
During a Delhi High Court hearing on the guidelines for the police over sharing of information about investigations in criminal cases, Solicitor General Gopal Subramaniam had to appear for the Centre. He, however, got a little late in reaching the court and expressed his apology saying, “I am sorry for reaching late — I got stuck in a traffic jam.” The Bench, which had minutes ago dismissed a PIL for opening the BRT for all vehicles, had a suggestion in store. “You (Government) can certainly make an exception on the BRT for your law officers so as to avoid traffic snags,” the Chief Justice said in a lighter vein. Subramaniam, did not mince words and replied, “Being an amicus curaie, I shall be the last one to seek an exception for myself.”

Tower of Babel
If the Assembly session is supposed to be a war of words and political banter, the recent session of the Delhi Assembly surely lived up to the mark and better still, also witnessed political duels in different languages. While BJP MLA Harcharan Singh Balli delivered most speeches in Punjabi, in one of the meetings held last week, BJP MLA Anil Jha took offence to Finance Minister A K Walia answering one of the questions put to him by the opposition in Punjabi. Jha, who is the ‘Bhojpuri face’ of the BJP in Delhi, resisted ‘Punjabi’ dominance and rattled out a sentence using words from four different languages — Hindi, Bhojpuri, Tamil and Telegu. “I can speak 11 different languages,” he told the bewildered House.

Image makeover
With ‘development’ being its prime agenda, the Haryana government is planning to rope in NRIs from the state for the Department of Public Relations, Information and Cultural Affairs. The newly-appointed director of the department, Shiv Raman Gaur, recently revealed that an annual get-together of the NRIs of Haryana would be held. Asking his officers to contribute for the preparation of an NRI directory, Gaur also advised them to enrich their vocabulary. Interestingly, the director also plans to organise workshops for the officials with a focus on English, in which veteran mediapersons would give them tips on preparing press notes.

Weathering the jibes
Weathermen who usually remain anonymous in the media seem to have had enough of the jokes and cartoons surrounding them. Recently, when they gathered in the capital to talk about climate, a weather expert mentioned how the jokes have entered the silver screen too. In the recent Bollywood movie Tum Mile, weathermen are depicted as a bunch of lazy buffoons who are too busy playing carrom to check weather updates or signal a warning when heavy rainfall is knocking on the computer screens. He said that all this has ‘tarnished’ the reputation of weathermen who do play carrom but also take their jobs seriously!

New technology paves way for a smoother ride

Mandakini Gahlot takes a look at the technology used in laying and resurfacing roads in the Capital

The Public Works Department (PWD) has introduced at least three new technologies over the last year to repair damaged roads and build new ones. But with all attention focused on roads linked to the Commonwealth Games projects, Delhi continues to be riddled with potholes.

Recycling (In-situ)
Conventionally, a new layer of asphalt is deposited on the road each time it is resurfaced. That increases the level of the road. In recycling, the top layer of asphalt on the road is removed, which is mixed with fresh bitumen and then laid on to the road. “Nearly 70 per cent of the material is recovered and only 30 per cent fresh bitumen is added,” said K K Sharma, Secretary PWD, “it is an environment friendly method”. Roads fixed this way have a lifespan of five to seven years. Plus, they dry fast and can be used within hours. Sharma said the PWD has sanctioned Rs 90 crore for repairing roads through this technology and work is underway on Ring Road from South Extension to Dhaula Kuan and Africa Avenue, among others.
The PWD has set a June 2010 deadline for 23.69 km of roads. The stretches include the road from Old Seemapuri to Swami Dayanand Marg, Maujpur to Deputy Commissioner's Office, Loni flyover to Bhopura Road and Wazirabad Road, Apsara border to Ghazipur crossing, UP Link road to Club Road, and Dallupura to Vasundhara Enclave.

Waste plastic technology
With this method, the Delhi government hopes to kill two birds with one stone — reuse burgeoning plastic waste and repair bad roads. Plastic waste is shredded and mixed with bitumen to yield a compound called polymerised bitumen, which is used for surfacing. Roads built with this suffer less damage during monsoons. They cost around 5 per cent more than conventional technology, but last longer. The PWD intends to resurface 242 km this way by June 2010 — the cost will be Rs 250 crore. Work is underway on 71 kms in South Delhi and 32 kms in East Delhi. The stretches include the airport area, Rama Road, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, IGP Slip Road, Bhairon Marg, Okhla Estate Marg no-13, Bhakti Vedanta Marg, and Anuvrat Marg.

Micro-Surfacing
In this method, cracks in roads are filled and resurfaced with a mixture of fine stone aggregates and cold bitumen emulsion. This is ideal for roads in which the wear and tear does not demand a complete resurfacing. By January 2010, the PWD intends to complete work on 16.81 kms of roads in East Delhi at a cost of Rs 7.25 crore using this technology. These roads include Road No 57, 57A, 58, 69, 70, 65, ITO Chungi, ITO to Karkari Mor, and Zafrabad to Keshav Chowk. Works is underway on 71 km in South Delhi and 32 km in East Delhi, where a mixture of waste plastic technology and micro surfacing is being used.

Rare praise from Commonwealth Games Federation president

Finally, a word of praise from Mike Fennell, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, who has been scathing in his criticism of preparations for the 2010 Games in Delhi.

“We have seen improvement in the operational side,” Fennell told Hindustan Times in an exclusive interview on Sunday, a day after he said he was worried about the delay in delivery of stadiums and venues.

“No doubt their construction will be over,” he said. “As the Games approaches, this (delay in projects) is the area we should not be worrying about.”

Is he contradicting himself? Perhaps not, because there is general optimism among the authorities now about reaching there in time despite privately held or publicly expressed reservations.

"I am nervous,” said Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, emerging from a meeting of ministers on the open and closing ceremonies of the Games on Sunday. But she quickly added, “It will be done.”

About his earlier criticism of the preparations, Fennell said he meant what he said and it had the desired impact.

"Mr (Suresh) Kalmadi himself said on Saturday, ‘thank you for the wake-up call’,” Fennel said. “At that time he might not have agreed, but now he must have realised it was necessary.”

Fennell is in Delhi for a series of meetings on the preparations for the Games.

Archery venue also set to miss target

Yet another Commonwealth Games project has run into extra time. After concern was raised over missed deadlines in the case of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and S P Mukherjee Swimming Complex, now work at India Gate lawns the venue for the archery finals is stuck in a turf war.

Work at the site, also known as Central Vista, is reportedly getting delayed because both the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and Organising Committee (OC) have issued tenders inviting bidders for the same job. "Since the responsibility was given to us, we had issued an expression of interest in September and are now in the process of selecting bidders,'' said a senior CPWD official.

However, department officials claimed that they had come across a tender notice issued by the OC too in a national daily earlier this month, which had created "confusion''. OC, on the other hand, maintained that there was no lack of clarity. Said a senior OC official: "The tender has been issued for overlays in sporting arenas.'' Even as the squabbling continued, experts felt that further delay would compromise preparations for the 2010 Games.

The CGF head, Michael Fennell, had on Saturday raised the issue of delay in construction of venues, especially pertaining to J N Stadium and S P Mukherjee Complex with the sporting body. Central Vista is the venue for the finals of the archery competition. The practice sessions and preliminary events will be held at DDA's Yamuna Sports Complex. YSC is expected to be completed in March 2010, along with most other Games venues.

The Central Vista plans include a temporary structure on 2 acres of land on the India Gate lawns at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore. About eight reputed firms with expertize in construction of temporary structures for sporting events have already submitted tenders. The venue will be equipped with modern facilities, including a waterproof roof, and will have a seating capacity of over 3,000.

Trying to catch up with lost time: Gill

Union Sports Minister M.S. Gill on Sunday asserted that the government and organisers of the 2010 Commonwealth Games were busy doing the catching-up job and came out with the promise that everything would be in place well before the October 3-14 games next year.

Mr. Gill’s declaration came a day after Commonwealth Games Federation president, Michael Fennell said he was “distressed,” as some of the venues would not be ready before next June. “Whatever time has been lost since 2003, we are trying to make it up,” Mr. Gill told journalists after a meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) here.

Mr. Gill said, “Mr. Fennell had said repeatedly that a lot of progress was made of late and we are doing the catching up job. Engineers are working hard; give them some credit. Workers from Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal are working hard and it is these people who are putting up the game and not me. God willing, I am sure we will get there in good time.” A clear direction would be given on the final plans after the next GoM meeting on December 29, he said.

Fennell's worry, Sheila's too: 2010 Games readiness

Chief Minster Sheila Dikshit has echoed what Commonwealth Games Federation President Mike Fennell's had always feared: that world class stadiums may not be in ready in time in the national capital for the October games.

Sports Minister MS Gill optimistic despite delay concerns

Sports Minister MS Gill today claimed that the organisers for Commonwealth Games were trying to make up for the time that was lost due to the late start of the project work but assured that all the venues will be ready well in time.

Only yesterday, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) chief Mike Fennell claimed that he was disappointed that some of the venues, including the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium which is to host the opening ceremony for the October 3-14 Games, will not be ready until June next year.

'Whatever time has been lost since 2003, we are trying to make up for that,' Gill told mediapersons here.

'Fennell has said it again and again that a lot of progress has been made of late and we are doing the catching up job,' he added.

Gill further lavished praise on the engineers for their dedicated support round the clock.

'The engineers are working hard, give them some credit. The workers from Bihar, Orissa, Bengal are also working hard and it's these people who are putting up the game and not me.

'God willing, I am sure we will get there in good time,' Gill said after his meeting with the Group of Ministers today.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit too admitted that she was a little 'nervous' but said she was confident as well that the national capital will deliver successful Games.

'I am not feeling comfortable. I'm rather nervous, but I think we can do it,' Dixit said.

Ballabgarh to get facelift to attract CWG tourists

The ancient city of Ballabgarh and its historical sites, in proximity of the National Capital of New Delhi, would be given facelift before Commonwealth Games to attract tourists.

This was stated by Haryana Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Information, Public Relations and Cultural Affairs Department Sharda Rathore here today.

She said as thousands of visitors would use the National Highway passing by the Ballabgarh city while going from Delhi to Mathura-Agra and Agra to Delhi daily during the Commonwealth Games and the National Highway Authority of India should take steps to beautify the dividers and the crossings of this road.

Delhi Commonwealth Games biggest challenge for me

With the controversies surrounding the 2010 Commonwealth Games, it’s understandable if Commonwealth Games Federation chief, Mike Fennell, felt staging the Games has been one of the greatest challenges.

During an exclusive interview with HT on Sunday, he said, “Hosting a Games is always challenging, but here it’s been different. With changes in environment globally, it’s been daunting.

“We faced different challenges in Kuala Lumpur, so in Manchester and Melbourne, but here it’s a little more. Things have changed. Security is a great challenge, so is technology on which we are so dependent,” said Fennell, who has been chief of the CGF since 1994. “This is how the world has changed. Maybe, a few years ago, security wouldn’t have given us nightmares, but this time we have to tackle this threat also,” he said.

Speaking on the areas that had irked the CGF for a while, he refused to give details but said, “Operational matters were a concern. Technology should have been procured long ago. Games information systems, management systems and result systems should have been acquired & put in place.”

On CGF CEO Mike Hooper and OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi’s spat in October:

Everybody knows my stand. It was rather unfortunate. Now I think they have understood their roles better. Such things don’t help anyone. Both of them realised that hosting a great Games is their priority.

On abolition of the Technical Review Commission (TRC):

We have seen considerable improvement. As you know, we review things as we go. We felt then it was necessary. Instead of the TRC, we will assist the OC with specific expertise. For example, there might be a lot of people who can train volunteers, but the expertise needed to host a multi-discipline event is different. So is technology.

It has grown in prestige, stature. It has set the benchmark for performance. Every regional Games has its charm. We try to live up to our motto of ‘friendly Games’. The last few Games have been great. We hope India provides a chance to further enhance the prestige of the Games. In this, we are on the right track.