Now, loo with an aquarium

In an effort to beautify its public urinals ahead of the Commonwealth Games, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has installed an aquarium in one of its loos at Shahjahan Road. While the civic agency is looking at other viable options to make public loos look more pleasant, it hasn't ruled out installing aquariums at other urinals as well.

NDMC is constructing 25 new public toilets in New Delhi area in time for the Games and is also upgrading 42 existing toilets. These will be constructed and maintained by a private company which will be allowed to advertise on these toilet blocks for generating revenue.

"For providing better service, the toilets — coming up at strategic locations like Shanker Market, Ashoka Road, Gole Market, Janpath Lane, near RML Hospital, Parliament Street, KG Marg, etc — are expected to have diaper-changing boards, shelves among others. We have started construction work for new toilets and are upgrading the existing ones. We want these to be more visually-appealing for the public and have installed an aquarium in one toilet at Shahjahan Road. We will look at installing more aquariums in other urinals, if it is viable," said an NDMC official. The public will not be charged for using them.

Work on the upgrade of 42 other toilets north of Rajpath has also started. There will be minor structural changes at these to ensure easy maintenance. Added an official: "New glasses, toilet pots and washbasins are being added and once the toilets are ready, NDMC's health department will keep a regular check on their cleanliness. The company advertising on these toilet blocks and eight of our garbage stations will pay us Rs 22 lakh per month."

CGF to test athletes before Games

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) would be testing athletes prior to the Delhi Commonwealth Games apart from conducting a record number of 1500 tests during the Games. In what is termed as the ‘Games period', beginning from the date of opening of the Games Village (around September 23) to the closing of the Games (October 14), the CGF will have the jurisdiction to test the athletes.

“During this time the CGF is empowered to conduct doping control tests on all athletes accredited for the Games no matter where they are, both outside and inside India,” said the CGF Medical Commission Chairman, M. Jegathesan, in a communication to The Hindu.

Dr. Jegathesan, winner of the 200 metres gold in the 1962 Asian Games and sprint double winner in the 1966 Asiad, said that if the sportspersons were to be in India at that time, then the CGF would utilise the services of the anti-doping team of the Games for the dope control.

If they were going to be outside India, then the CGF would enlist the help of a variety of individuals and organisations including the National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs), the International Federations and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to “collect samples on our behalf,” Dr. Jegathesan said.

Pre-competition tests

“These tests which we do will be called as ‘pre-competition' tests”, he said.

“Outside of this period the responsibility and authority to conduct out-of-competition testing will be in the hands of national authorities, international federations or WADA and they have ongoing programmes to do so,” said Dr. Jegathesan, who is also a member of the Medical and Anti-Doping Commission of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Hopefully, the NADOs, wherever in existence, including that in India and the WADA would step up their out-of-competition testing programme to target the athletes months before the start of the Games. For, dope cheats normally ensure that traces of most of the prohibited substances are flushed out of their systems weeks before competition arrives.

The pre-Games testing done before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, including those outside the International Olympic Committee's prescribed period, and that prior to the recent Vancouver Winter Olympics had proved highly successful.

Lot needs to be done before CWG, say Indian shuttlers

India's top badminton players on Wednesday said a lot needs to be done before the Commonwealth Games to make the facilities at the newly constructed Siri Fort Complex at par with international standards.

Saina Nehwal and Jwala Gutta said the dusty warm-up area is one of the few points that need immediate attention. Though both agreed that the stadium is turning out to be of world-class standards, there are areas that need to be improved.

"The warm-up area is dusty. It is difficult for us to do stretching there before the match with so much of dust. It can cause allergy," said Saina.

"At the moment you cannot compare it with the facilities at Melbourne where the last Commonwealth Games were held. I think a lot need to be done before the Commonwealth Games."

Jwala concurred, saying things could be more organised.

"No doubt it is a world class stadium. But the arrangements could have been done in more organised way," she said.

Even international players complained about the dust and uneven drought of the air as the stadium is yet to be completed.

CBC to broadcast Commonwealth Games

CBC Sports will be the broadcast home of the XIX Commonwealth Games, beginning Oct. 3.

CBC, CBCSports.ca and Bold will bring Canadians comprehensive coverage of the 12-day event, which takes place for the first time in Delhi, India.

It's the second time that the Games are making their way to Asia. They were in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.

"We're excited to once again be Canada's broadcaster for the Commonwealth Games," said Scott Moore, executive director, CBC Sports and general manager, CBC media sales and marketing.

"CBC has a long and proud history of providing Canadians with the best in amateur sports from around the world. The Games began a rich tradition of world-class competition in Canada in 1930, and there is no better place for coverage of this tremendous event than on CBC."

CBC has been home to every Commonwealth Games since the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games were held in Vancouver.

Canada has a storied record at these Games, dating back to the original event when the legendary Percy Williams brought home gold in the 100-yard dash.

Since then, several Canadians stars have had an impact: including two-time high jump gold medallist Mark Boswell (track and field), gold and silver medallist Clara Hughes (cycling) and multiple medallist Alexandre Despatie (diving).

Taufik is flustered by heavy security cover

Indonesian great Taufik Hidayat finds the unprecedented security at the Badminton Asia Championships here "disturbing."

The tournament, which is a test event for the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games, has players from 21 countries participating.

Taufik, who was in Hyderabad last year for the World Championships, said he has never seen such a security cover before and the players are not used to it.

"There is too much of security around. It is more than the Olympics and the Asian Games and it is a bit disturbing for the players. Players do not want to see so many security men around, it affects us psychologically," he said.

Japanese head coach and former South Korean doubles exponent Park Joo-bong had also expressed similar views Tuesday.

Taufik, Olympic champion and three times World Champion, has happy memories of India, having won the singles title at the Indian Open last year.

He looked in good touch as he breezed through to the third round here Wednesday, demolishing Nepal's Indra Mehta 21-6, 21-9 in the first round and then outclassed Vietnam's Ha Anh Le 21-10, 21-16, in the second.

"In India, I get a lot of crowd support. I won the Indian Open last year, but now I am taking one game at a time as there are some very good players in the draw," said Taufik, six-time winner of the Indonesian Open.

"I was a bit casual in my second match and he pushed me to a fair distance. But I came back strongly, which is a good thing."

The 28-year-old is happy with the facilities at the Siri Fort stadium.

"The facility here is good, the best I have seen in India and that includes Hyderabad. It is a little dusty though and you also have to be conscious of the inconsistent draught."

Some of the big names are missing from the Championships, but Taufik said the tournament is still very competitive with a number of quality players capable of beating anyone on a given day.

"Though some of the players have not come, it is still a strong field with Lin Dan, Long Chen and a couple of other good players in the draw," he said.

Sheila Dikshit meets Sonia Gandhi, discusses preparations for Commonwealth Games

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit today met Congress president Sonia Gandhi and is understood to have briefed her about preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in the national capital.

When asked, Dikshit said it was a routine meeting. "It was a routine meeting. I keep meeting her."

Sources said the chief minister briefed the Congress chief about preparations for the mega sporting event to be held from October 3 to 14.

The Delhi government has spent over Rs 10,000 crore to strengthen infrastructure in the city ahead of the event.

12 nations confirm participation in CWG netball event

Twelve nations, including defending champion New Zealand, Australia and England, have confirmed participation in the netball competition of this year's Commonwealth Games.

"The International Federation of Netball Associations and the Commonwealth Games Federation have confirmed that the following nations have accepted the invitation to participate in the netball competition in the Delhi Commonwealth Games in October this year," the CGF said in a statement.

The competition will take place at the renovated Thyagaraj Stadium, which is solar powered and is India's first green venue.

In Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Australia had won the silver while England had settled for bronze.

The competition will consist of two pools of six teams playing each other in a round-robin format with the two leading teams in each pool advancing to the finals.

The confirmed participants: Australia, New Zealand, England, Jamaica, Malawi, South Africa, Cook Islands, Samoa, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Papua New Guinea, India.

You can watch the entire Games live on the 3G mobile: Bhanot

Want to watch the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games live without going to a stadium or switching on the telly? All you need is a 3G mobile handset that brings you all the action even when you are travelling.

The Games Organising Committee is also looking at developing a number of mobile applications to provide a lot more at your finger tips.

"You can watch the entire Games live on the 3G mobile. A first for any major Games, it will be an exciting experience. It was not there even at the 2008 Beijing Olympics," Organising Committee secretary general Lalit Bhanot said.

The 3G (third generation) telecom services allow faster connectivity and enable applications such as internet TV, video-on-demand, audio-video calls and high-speed data exchange.

"We already have 3G-enabled phones in India and companies like MTNL and BSNL are already providing 3G services," he added.

The auction to award spectrum for 3G telecom services across the India is on and once it ends, the service providers will roll out the new technology in a big way.

Over 100,000 people will be in Delhi for the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games.

"Twenty years ago, a visitor would have been greeted with a booklet with information about important officials, helpline numbers and basic route maps. Now, all the information can be had on your mobile," Bhanot said.

Bhanot said the mobile applications will have everything, from basic information about the Games, which is in a sleek booklet form now, to even the minutest detail a visitor would like to have, such as venues, key bus and metro routes, helpline numbers, road maps, shopping and eatery joints.

"Much of the information is very critical for everyone and it will be a free service to the Games family," he added.

But the Organising Committee has not taken a call as yet on whether to charge visitors and Delhiites.

"We may still charge some amount for certain applications as there is a cost for providing a service," Bhanot said.

"In the basic information application, Games mascot Shera may take you on a virtual tour of the venues. Shera will be in a swimsuit at the swimming venue, talking about the event. Similarly, at the archery venue, he may be with a bow and arrow. These are basically user- friendly," he explained.

The committee is also looking at developing small video clips having important moments during the Games or memory chips with highlights of India.

"We are planning to provide capsules of public interest. For instance, a small video clip of an athlete winning a race and then receiving a medal can be sold for a small price like selling souvenirs," Bhanot said.

"We also want to market memory chips with cultural highlights during the Games or visits to heritage monuments. If an athlete or tourist goes to a cultural event and is fascinated by a dance or a music concert, he can get a video clip of the programme in a memory chip," he said

"It is almost like a walking coffee table book on the new age mobile," he added.

CWG 2010 offer great opportunity for India

Brand Equity got in a candid conversation with the Secretary to the government of India and director general on tourism to get an insight into preparations for Commonwealth Games. Excerpts:

What is the roadmap to put India further on the global tourism map?

During the current year, the XIX Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi in October 2010 offers a great opportunity for India to showcase its vast and diversified culture, heritage and rich history. Tourism in our country derives its strength from the diversity of its product . There is great potential for growth of new and niche products like adventure, rural, eco and wellness tourism which will bring about dispersal of tourists, as each area of the country offers some unique experience and take tourism to the next level.

More vigorous promotion of Incredible India brand will be undertaken in the overseas markets — focused print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the source markets. Road shows in association with tourism stakeholders would be undertaken to promote niche tourism products such as medical & wellness tourism, cruise tourism, caravan tourism, heliport tourism, MICE tourism, etc. The Visa on arrival scheme has recently been introduced for the citizens of Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore and this facility is expected to provide a quantum jump in foreign tourist arrivals to India from these markets.

Road shows are being organized in these countries, to generate greater awareness about introduction of the scheme and to ensure that maximum number of eligible tourists is able to avail the benefit of the facility. Infrastructural facilities in the country are being augmented in a well planned manner, in partnership with the State Governments and the private sector. Destinations/circuits which are frequented by a large number of tourists have been identified, for integrated development as mega projects. modernization of major airports in the country has been undertaken through Public - Private Partnership. Measures are being initiated to augment hotel accommodation in major metros and tourist destinations in the country and a "Bed & Breakfast" scheme has been launched which would give tourists the opportunity to stay with an Indian family and experience Indian customs and traditions.

What are the incentives/help extended by the centre to the respective states?

The Ministry of Tourism extends financial assistance to State Governments / Union Territories for the development and promotion of tourism and upgradation of tourist infrastructure at tourism destinations and circuits, on the basis of specific proposals received from them, subject to availability of funds and interse priority, under the following schemes: Product / Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits Assistance for Large Revenue Generating Projects Computerization and Information Technology Fairs, Festivals & Events Rural Tourism - Infrastructure and Capacity Building for Service Providers The Ministry of Tourism also extends support to the North East States, Jammu & Kashmir and the newly formed states of Uttarakhand , Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh for production of publicity collaterals on 50:50 cost sharing basis.

What are the challenges enountered when it comes to developing tourism?

Tourism is a state subject and development of tourism infrastructure is largely the responsibility of the states / UTs. Moreover, tourism as an activity involves not only the ministry of tourism, but a large number of Ministries that are responsible for providing the basic infrastructure and facilities required for development of tourism, e.g. ministries of external affairs, home affairs, railways, civil aviation, road transport, culture, etc.

Very often, the steps required for the development of tourism are not directly under the purview of the ministry of tourism and need to be taken up and pursued with the concerned ministries. Some of the other challenges faced in promoting and developing tourism in the country are : India is a long-haul destination for tourist generating countries such as USA and countries in Europe. High room tariffs in hotels in India Lack of hygiene and solid waste management at tourist places. Lack of world class infrastructure facilities and amenities at all tourist centres. Safety concerns Competition from countries in South and South-East Asia, such as Maldives, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. Lack of direct air connectivity from some key source markets.

CWG 2010 offer great opportunity for India

Brand Equity got in a candid conversation with the Secretary to the government of India and director general on tourism to get an insight into preparations for Commonwealth Games. Excerpts:

What is the roadmap to put India further on the global tourism map?

During the current year, the XIX Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi in October 2010 offers a great opportunity for India to showcase its vast and diversified culture, heritage and rich history. Tourism in our country derives its strength from the diversity of its product . There is great potential for growth of new and niche products like adventure, rural, eco and wellness tourism which will bring about dispersal of tourists, as each area of the country offers some unique experience and take tourism to the next level.

More vigorous promotion of Incredible India brand will be undertaken in the overseas markets — focused print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the source markets. Road shows in association with tourism stakeholders would be undertaken to promote niche tourism products such as medical & wellness tourism, cruise tourism, caravan tourism, heliport tourism, MICE tourism, etc. The Visa on arrival scheme has recently been introduced for the citizens of Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore and this facility is expected to provide a quantum jump in foreign tourist arrivals to India from these markets.

Road shows are being organized in these countries, to generate greater awareness about introduction of the scheme and to ensure that maximum number of eligible tourists is able to avail the benefit of the facility. Infrastructural facilities in the country are being augmented in a well planned manner, in partnership with the State Governments and the private sector. Destinations/circuits which are frequented by a large number of tourists have been identified, for integrated development as mega projects. modernization of major airports in the country has been undertaken through Public - Private Partnership. Measures are being initiated to augment hotel accommodation in major metros and tourist destinations in the country and a "Bed & Breakfast" scheme has been launched which would give tourists the opportunity to stay with an Indian family and experience Indian customs and traditions.

What are the incentives/help extended by the centre to the respective states?

The Ministry of Tourism extends financial assistance to State Governments / Union Territories for the development and promotion of tourism and upgradation of tourist infrastructure at tourism destinations and circuits, on the basis of specific proposals received from them, subject to availability of funds and interse priority, under the following schemes: Product / Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits Assistance for Large Revenue Generating Projects Computerization and Information Technology Fairs, Festivals & Events Rural Tourism - Infrastructure and Capacity Building for Service Providers The Ministry of Tourism also extends support to the North East States, Jammu & Kashmir and the newly formed states of Uttarakhand , Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh for production of publicity collaterals on 50:50 cost sharing basis.

What are the challenges enountered when it comes to developing tourism?

Tourism is a state subject and development of tourism infrastructure is largely the responsibility of the states / UTs. Moreover, tourism as an activity involves not only the ministry of tourism, but a large number of Ministries that are responsible for providing the basic infrastructure and facilities required for development of tourism, e.g. ministries of external affairs, home affairs, railways, civil aviation, road transport, culture, etc.

Very often, the steps required for the development of tourism are not directly under the purview of the ministry of tourism and need to be taken up and pursued with the concerned ministries. Some of the other challenges faced in promoting and developing tourism in the country are : India is a long-haul destination for tourist generating countries such as USA and countries in Europe. High room tariffs in hotels in India Lack of hygiene and solid waste management at tourist places. Lack of world class infrastructure facilities and amenities at all tourist centres. Safety concerns Competition from countries in South and South-East Asia, such as Maldives, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. Lack of direct air connectivity from some key source markets.