We are proud of Games Village

Amid all the cynicism surrounding it, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) is proud of the Games Village and believes that it will serve as a “home away from home” for the athletes and officials.

The OC claims that every care is being taken to provide maximum comfort to the athletes at the Village, situated adjacent to the spectacular Akshardham Temple on the Yamuna banks. “Everything a person needs will be found within the premises – from luxurious sleeping to basic needs like a toothbrush or a shaving kit,” says Games Village Additional Director-General Ashok Kapur.

Nearly 8,000 athletes and officials are expected to stay in the Games Village, which has 34 residential towers comprising 1,168 AC apartments, from mid-September to the end of the mega event. The main dining hall, with a seating capacity for 2,300, has the facilities to serve around 22,000 meals daily. “The comprehensive menu will contain dishes from all the six zones of the Commonwealth. At the same time, the menu will be designed to meet the cultural, religious and nutritional needs of the athletes,” says Games Village Director Maneck Kotwal.

Mr. Kotwal says that about 97 per cent of the Games Village is ready from the estate point of view. “Twelve of the 34 towers have already been furnished, with only minor fittings to be sorted out,” he says, adding that all the towers would be ready by August-end.

Facilities like prayer rooms, a polyclinic, retail shops, a bank, a post office, a general store, a hair saloon and a tour and travel office will be in place to meet the day-to-day needs of the athletes.

The OC claims that for the first time in the history of the Commonwealth Games a training area has been included within the confines of the Village. The Village will also offer a taste of the country's cultural heritage. Several cultural programmes have been scheduled to showcase Indian music and dance, while interactive live craft demonstrations by artisans and handicraft stores will promote Indian folk art and traditions. The Village will get top priority as far as its security is concerned. Delhi Police and the NSG commandos will be responsible for securing the place. A team of 88 paid staff and 460 volunteers will look after its planning and operations .