Commonwealth Games 2010

Glasgow calling after Delhi’s Perfect ’10

2010-10-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

After hitting the high-notes in its New Delhi edition, the Commonwealth Games move to the Scottish Highlands in 2014, and the Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the first look of Glasgow’s aspirations as host nation, and ended as the most spectacular segment of the closing ceremony - perhaps owing to its novelty for the Indian audience.

Rest assured when India toasts to its succesful conduct of the Games and retires for a sleepy night, the ten-minute presentation by 352 performers of Thursday, will put an end to the perennial joke on their attire by the cacklers —Why do Scottish men wear Skirts?

Matching India’s blingy colours with their own multi-hued tartan kilts, a vibrant modern one with sporty uppers,a lone piper with the sing-songy bagpipe took centrestage as the baton was passed on to the Scottish hosts. The merry lot then put on show some of its iconic sites with the help of some hand-carried silver giant inflated bloats - the Arc Bridge over River Clyde, the Armadillo auditorium the Celtic Knot and finally their mythical Loch Ness Monster —with perhaps the Nessie replacing our Shera in four years.

A kilometre and 800 metres cloth was used to create the different coloured labyrinths and mazes and finally the blue and Saltire Scottish flag, even as Delhi applauded the 2014 teaser.

The last time the Games were held in Scotland — at Edinburgh — India, alongwith other African and Caribbean nations had stayed away for political reasons at the height of South Africa’s apartheid troubles. However, the 2010 hosts will look to mount a massive challenge on the medals table in another four years when they visit Glasgow - a city known for its legendary football rivalries between Celtics and Rangers and in pop culture for ABBA’s Super Trouper rhythm.

The Scottish contingent have been a merry lot in their omnipresent white and blue gear and hat-props, and a little teaser of their sports anthem ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ got the rugby stadium tapping their feet when their sevens side took to the pitch. On Thursday, the entire chant-song hummed at football’s Hampden Park and rugby’s Murrayfield Park blared to a dazzled Delhi audience. Amongst other things though, Glasgow will drop tennis from its schedule, so Andy Murray will not make it to the next Games either.

Commonwealth Games closing ceremony includes a game of tag – and lots of security

2010-10-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

The closing ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Games began Thursday in spectacular fashion at the Indian capital's Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.

Just as New Delhi was starting to get used to the rhythm of life as host of the Commonwealth Games, the party has wound down.

The closing ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Games began Thursday in spectacular fashion at the Indian capital's Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.

Commemorations started with a celebration of traditional Indian sports such as kabbadi, which is essentially an evolved version of tag.

Spectators, however, could be forgiven for confusing such sports with combat training, as thousands of knife- and spear-wielding warrior-dancers and fire-twirlers moved around the grounds.

And, much like the opening ceremonies, an estimated crowd of 60,000 people was watching it all from the stands.

The creative director of the spectacle was filmmaker Bharatbala, who planned the ceremonies for 18 months. The combined cost of the opening and closing ceremonies was said to be in the region of $67 million. Some 6,000 performers took part.

Security, as expected, was extremely tight, not just at the stadium but across Delhi. In fact, Thursday was a public holiday in the city, with most markets, shops, offices, schools, and bars and restaurants closed. Authorities were keen to avoid tempting fate by allowing gathering places for crowds. Road traffic in central New Delhi was restricted.

There were about 7,500 security personnel at the stadium, while snipers, commandos, and specially trained paramilitaries were in place.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the guest of honor at the closing ceremony – something that has raised the hackles of many Tamils. More than 100 people were arrested Thursday in the southern state of Tamil Nadu after staging a protest against Rajapaksa's presence. They said that India should take a firmer stance against the Sri Lankan government over alleged human rights violations against the island nation's Tamil population during the long-running civil war.

But Tamil Nadu is far from New Delhi, where residents are now either heaving a sigh of relief that normal life can resume, or lamenting the end of the biggest – and most chaotic – party the city has ever known.

Saina, Jwala & Ashwini take gold tally to 38

2010-10-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

There’s life beyond self-doubt. Even for a country that has suffered chronic bouts of that dark feeling often when the words Commonwealth Games were uttered these last few months. Fitting then that it was three extremely self-assured sportswomen from India — seasoned shuttle-sharks Saina Nehwal and Jwala Gutta, and a third, Ashwini Ponappa, emerging as Jwala’s finest understudy over the last 10 days — who guided the country into that realm of supreme confidence and pride, that only a sporting medal could guarantee.
No dazzling pyrotechnics at the closing ceremony or Incredible India assertions prior to that held the same power of the two gold medals, coveted on the final day. Any hue lesser of the medal, any effort less on part of the badminton players, any shuttle less retrieved would have left the nagging feeling of some unfinished business to these Games.

As it turned out, India’s athletes settled for nothing less than gold in the last competitive events of the Games, playing out of their skins, and dwelling on that nucleus of their character that marks out the two Hyderabadis, Saina and Jwala, and the baby of the team, Bangalorean Ashwini, as the fiery, fearless young Indians.

The final day of the Commonwealth Games had thrown an open challenge to the hosts—that of overhauling England who had 37 gold medals for a second-place finish on the medal’s tally. India were one short with 36 at the start of the day, and as anguishing images of the hockey loss were beamed in, the Siri Fort stadium and the two precious gold medals it held suddenly became citadels that needed to be defended with grit and honour.

The trio aren’t mechanised robots though, automated to excellence at a switch of button. So a fair amount of sweat, some jangled nerve-endings and plenty of adrenaline—whipped up undoubtedly by the crowd—went into securing medals from a discipline that had suddenly acquired urgency and immediacy owing to the shoot-off with England.

There was no dearth of demons to conquer either. Nehwal admits she still gets nightmares of the Olympic quarterfinal loss that denied her a medal. She’d left this venue six months ago after going out in tears from an Asian championships semifinal.

Jwala hasn’t had the smoothest of run-ups to the Games with endless speculation about her personal life, besides a greenhorn partner by her side, who needed support more than she’d offer. And Ashwini simply didn’t want to be the one spoiling the party because of jumpy nerves.

While Ashwini went retrieving the flying shuttles at the stroke of noon, whacking them back at express speed and with strength that doesn’t show in her petite frame, Jwala put her wrist wizardry to its ultimate elasticity-test returning serves and smashes at the net, as they downed some dogged resistance from the Singaporeans. Securing a historic women’s doubles gold medal for India in badminton, they had taken India’s cause forward as badminton’s distant venue—hitherto quiet—suddenly became part of an Indian march to out-medal England.

When Saina came for her final match, India needed the one gold, and the desperation crept into her game as she went for some anxious winners. Forty-five minutes on, she was staring shockingly at a scoreline that saw her match-point down at 21-20 in the second set in what she later labelled the toughest final of her career.

Self-doubt struck all the tiers of the capacity stadium en masse, but not the core of the heart where it was kept at bay by her coach’s relentless encouragement and her own deep inner-strength, celebrated in fancy words by writers, but never tested in front of a home-crowd in the Capital.

Pulling winners out of her armoury of drop-shots and running for every net-flick even as her opponent increased the doggedness-stakes, Saina launched counters, plotting every point in mini-seconds and on her rushing feet pushing the match into a decider with a roar that she usually reserves for the end of the match. Keeping the momentum going, Saina attacked the Malaysian on her far back-hand, and then clung onto a lead like a rare icecream cone, when coach Gopichand allows her.

When Mew Choo Wong hit the shuttle long giving Saina a 19-21, 23-21, 21-13 win, it was an entire nation celebrating the return from a brink, celebrating how self-doubt could be conquered in sport. Apt that CWG’s poster girl should serve up the final dessert.

India's `Olympic Dream' Distant as Commonwealth Games Cross Finishing Line

2010-10-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

New Delhi’s Commonwealth Games ended with martial art battles and a laser show after a record haul of gold medals for India and last-minute fixes to venues rescued an event that had threatened a national embarrassment.

During a two-hour closing ceremony that also featured army marching bands wearing tartan capes and leopard skins, and a dance tribute involving 2,010 children, the games flag was handed to officials from Glasgow, host to the 2014 event. Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of the local games organizing committee, thanked officials for overcoming “serious roadblocks. We have learned a lot.”

Empty stadiums early in the event and repairs to the athletics track after the opening ceremony gave way to ticket sales of about 50,000 a day as India won 101 medals, 38 of them gold, to lie second in the overall standings behind Australia. India reached the final of men’s hockey, a national favorite, before being thrashed 8-0 in today’s final.

Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennell today praised the “very high standard of venues.” While transport and ticketing problems had to be fixed during competition, there “is no doubt that the overall image of the games has been good,” he said. “Delhi has performed.”

Photographs on the British Broadcasting Corp.’s website showing unclean bathrooms at the athletes’ village, missed construction deadlines, the collapse of a stadium footbridge, the resignation of officials for “financial irregularities” and warnings of terrorist threats forced Scotland, Canada and New Zealand to delay their departure for Delhi.

‘Miles to Go’

Those failings exposed the progress needed before India can fulfill its ambition to host the Olympic Games, said Boria Majumdar, a sports historian and the author of “Sellotape Legacy: Delhi and the Commonwealth Games.”

“The way the whole thing unfolded -- the lead up, the infrastructure delays -- shows we have miles to go before we can mount a serious Olympic bid,” Majumdar said in an interview.

The Indian Olympic Association had said a successful event this year might spur a bid for the 2020 Olympics. “I have a dream of bringing the Olympics” to India, Kalmadi said at a Oct. 12 press conference in the capital. “When, I don’t know.”

Last-minute work on the track and infield at the 60,000- seat athletics venue will “have certainly brought up an amber or a red light” with the International Olympic Committee, said Ian Henry, director of the Centre for Olympic Studies and Research at the U.K.’s Loughborough University, on Oct. 13. “The report card at the end of the day is a very positive one for the manner in which the games were conducted.”

Singh’s Inheritance

The Oct. 3-14 event, held every four years and featuring 71 countries and territories, most of them former British colonies, is dwarfed by the 204 nations who took part in Beijing’s successful $70-billion Olympics in 2008.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who inherited the Commonwealth Games from his predecessor and had to rally senior ministers last month to ensure they went ahead, spent $4.6 billion on arenas, roads and power to highlight a “confident” new India.

Instead, 97 percent of respondents to a Sept. 23 online newspaper poll believed the games, and the role of Singh’s government, had damaged the country’s image. Moody’s Analytics Inc. said that investors may reassess the attractiveness of India’s $1.3 trillion economy after preparations foundered.

Fennell on Sept. 25 expressed his disappointment with Delhi’s organizing committee, saying at a press conference that the lack of preparedness had hurt the country’s reputation. “I would hope at the end of all this, India would have learnt a great lesson,” he said then.

Sick Swimmers

After a spectacular opening ceremony that won global acclaim, early events were poorly attended, forcing Kalmadi to open more ticket booths and consider allowing school children in for free. When a dozen members of Australia’s swimming team fell ill, competition and practice pools were probed. Tests showed nothing unpleasant lurking in the water.

“Patently problems were magnified in the Western media,” Loughborough University’s Henry said. Organizers need to tell the world they understand the need for a more “rigorous approach to staging major events,” he said.

A bigger competition in India is unlikely to be “on the anvil,” Mahesh Rangarajan, a New Delhi-based political analyst, said in a phone interview. Singh’s “Congress party’s priorities are elsewhere: socio-economic reconstruction, creating jobs, improving education,” he said.

The cost of the games is almost half what the government will spend this year on a rural jobs program that has benefited more than 41 million village households. India has 828 million people living on less than $2 a day, the World Bank estimates.

Record Inflows

India’s economy, which has grown at an average 8.5 percent in the past five years and that the International Monetary Fund expects to expand 9.7 percent this year, may prove more resilient than Moody’s forecast.

Foreign funds have purchased Indian stocks valued at a record $21.83 billion this year, lured by the potential of Asia’s third-largest economy.

“People in the international investing community already know the difficulties of putting their money in India,” said Laveesh Bhandari, director at New Delhi-based Indicus Analytics Pvt., a research group. Despite its handicaps, “India is still lucrative,” he said.

Meet the first family of the Commonwealth Games

2010-10-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

The Commonwealth Games now have a first family -- in Australia. Alana Boyd won a gold medal in pole vault at the Delhi Games, emulating the medal-winning performance of her parents over two decades back.

Alana Boyd, 26, is the only child of two Games champions to win her own gold medal at the track and field competition at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, The Australian reported.

The pole vaulter repeated the feat of her mother Denise Robertson who won the 200m at the 1978 Edmonton Games, and her father Ray who won the pole vault at the 1982 Brisbane Games.

The proud parents watched Alana receive the gold medal.

Alana admitted that she had felt the pressure of public expectation as she was the child of famous parents, but not any more.

She said her parents had always been supportive.

"They are fantastic parents, they couldn't have done more. They are great," she was quoted as saying.

She denied that her gold medal-winning genes gave her an unfair advantage and added: "I am sure there are a lot of others out there who have good genes, and it's not just genes, it's hard work as well."

Commonwealth Games 2010 closing ceremony: An extravaganza awaits

2010-10-13T19:41:00.001-07:00

THE WORLD was bowled over by the Commonwealth Games 2010 opening ceremony. However, the spectators will have a feast with the closing ceremony of the games on Thursday when Jawaharlal Nehru stadium will be once again lit up with the traditional flavours.

Although the preparations for the closing ceremony are going hand in hand with the events, the closing ceremony will boast of a mélange of elements from 5,000 years of Indian culture and heritage, the closing ceremony will be more dynamic, and will emphasise modern and contemporary India.

"The closing ceremony will be a spectacular mass song and dance celebration. The closing is all about celebration. It is going to be very youthful, just like a hip hop party for all including athletes, volunteers and huge celebration time for everyone", said Viraf Sarkari, Director Wizcraft International Entertainment which is an integral part of core team that also developed concepts for opening ceremony along with Organizing Committee.

The closing ceremony will be hosted on multiple stages with spectacular song and dance celebration with a colourful laser show with India’s martial arts as the main part of the show. The main theme of the event is ‘Universal Love’. Around 2,500 school students will go to perform with 7,000 artists from across India.

Opening ceremony's star attraction Aerostat, a helium balloon will now be used in a better way; the mirrors at the belly of the balloon, which failed to play huge role in the opening, will create a magical effect. All the players will walk in a mixed manner without making any distinction of countries, which is purposefully to display the whole world as a family.

Just like the opening ceremony, the closing event will be devoid of any performance by any actors. However, the Bollywood quotient will be added by the presence of singers like Sunidhi Chauhan, Shankar Mahadevan and Kailash Kher, among others. Games mascot Shera was absent from the main opening ceremony but he will be present during closing ceremony.

The troupe from Glasgow will also put up a performance similar to what India did in the Melbourne Games 2006, the closing ceremony here will see Scotland showcase a slice of its offering as a teaser of the Commonwealth Games 2014. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his wife will be the chief guest at the ceremony.

At the end of the closing ceremony, the Commonwealth Games Federation’s flag would be officially handed over to representatives of 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The tickets are priced at Rs 50,000, Rs 20,000, Rs 4,000, and Rs 750.

India to play against Australia in CWG Games hockey final

2010-10-13T19:40:00.001-07:00

IT CAN be said that it was an unforgettable Tuesday when Indian men's hockey team stole the heart of all their fans. They were looking perfect, they were in rhythm and they dominated at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium. India defeated England by 5-4 in the tie-breaker to reach into the finals of the Commonwealth Games 2010.

During the 70 minutes of the game, both India and English team were 3-3. Once Indian team were behind 3-1 at the fully packed Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Fans were cheering for India and in the last 15 minutes of the play India never gave any chance to their opponent and scored two goals.

In the extra time both India and England were not able to score any goal. In the tie-breaker India's goal keeper Bharat Chetri saved Glenn Kirkham's penalty shot and secured the berth for final against defending Commonwealth Games champion Australia on October 14.

Meanwhile, on the ninth day of the Commonwealth Games 2010, Indian shooters Heena Sidhu and Annuraj Singh won 31st gold for the country in Women's 10m Air Pistol (Pairs) event, whereas, in the Women's 4×400m (Relay) event, Manjeet Kaur, Sini Jose, Ashwini Akkunji, & Mandeep Kaur bagged 32nd gold for the country.

In the Women's 50m Rifle Prone (Singles) event, Tejaswini Sawant and in the Men's 25m Standard Pistol (Pairs) event, Samresh Jung and Chandrasekhar Chaudhary won silver medals for the country.

In the badminton event, world third seeded badminton player Saina Nehwal reached into the women's single final. In the Women's Doubles event, Ashwini Ponnappa and Jwala Gutta also qualified for the gold medal event at the Commonwealth Games 2010.

Saina Nehwal creates history, enters badminton finals

2010-10-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

History was made at the Siri Fort Complex in front of home crowd, when she easily defeated opponent Susan Egelstaff of Scotland with straight set win of 21-10 and 21-17.

INDIA's BADMINTON sensation and world No. 3, Saina Nehwal became the first Indian woman to enter the finals of the Commonwealth Games badminton event. History was made at the Siri Fort Complex in front of home crowd, when she easily defeated Susan Egelstaff of Scotland in straight sets 21-10 and 21-17.

The spectators' cheered for her as she stepped onto the court which was the last game of the day. Because of her unforced errors, Saina lost the initial points and the crowd also fell silent. However, the match transformed into an entirely different level as she recomposed herself and took to the winning stride.

She snatched the first set in just 12 minutes from Susan. However, the next game saw Susan pressing force as she started advancing which was powered by by some uncharacteristic mistakes committed by Saina at the net.

Fear gripped the home crowd when Susan took a 17-16 lead from Saina but with maximum levels of perseverance she advanced with a five pointer to enter the finals.

In doubles match Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa also moved into the final with a 12- 21, 21- 13, 21- 11 win over Kate Wilson Smith and He Ting Tiang of Australia.

Saina will meet Malaysian second seed Wong Mew Chew in the final.“It is great to be in the final of the Commonwealth Games," Saina said proudly.

Indian men win two more bronze in athletics

2010-10-12T23:04:00.003-07:00

India today took control of the athletics events by bagging two bronze medals for the hosts in the Javelin men's and the tripple jump finals in the 19th Commonwealth Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here today.

India's Kashinath Naik finished third by throwing the javelin to a distance of 74.29m.

The 29-year-old Indian athlete followed Stuart Farquhar of New Zealand, who scored 78.15m.

The gold was bagged by Jarrod Bannister of Australia, with a score of 81.71m.

In the tripple jump event, India's Renjith Maheswary made a national record by leaping a distance of 17.07m.

The gold was won by Tosin Oke of Nigeria with a score of 17.16m.

Silver medallist in the event, Lucien Mamba Schlick, also made a national record by scoring 17.14m.

Medals rain for India on day 10 of CWG

2010-10-12T18:41:00.001-07:00

On a day when medals rained for India at the 19th Commonwealth Games, history was created when Indian athletes won their first medals on the track since the legendary Milkha Singh won gold more than half a century ago.

India, who had publicly declared their target of claiming the second spot on the medals
tally before the start of the Games, moved closer towards their goal with a haul of 32 gold, 25 silver and 32 bronze medals for a total of 89 medals.

With just two days to go before the Games comes to an end on October 14, the hosts are at the second spot among the 71 participating nations, ahead of England who have gathered 30 gold so far.

The English are however, ahead as far as the total number of medals are concerned and they can yet upset India's party over the next couple of days.

The athletes were the toast of the entire country as they bagged medals across several events to break a 52-year-old jinx and upset Milkha Singh's pre-Games prediction that the hosts will return empy handed from the track and field disciplines.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium - the main venue of the Commonwealth Games - was the place to be as the frenzied crowd and loudspeakers blaring out popular Indian tunes gelled together to create an electrifying atmosphere.

The entire stadium swung to the tune of A R Rahman's 'Jai Ho' as India claimed five medals in athletics, including a gold.

Deafening roars and wild cheers from thousands of pectators supported the athletes as they took the Indian medal tally in the athletics events to 12.

After the 52-year-old gold medal drought in athletics was broken by Krishna Poonia who won a gold in the women's discus throw yesterday, the Indian women 4x400m relay team bagged another gold for the hosts.

Indian athletes Manjeet Kaur, Sini Jose, Ashwini Akkunji and Mandeep Kaur finished first as they clocked 3:27.77s to claim the gold.

India's Geetha Satti, Srabani Nanda, Priya P K and Jyothi Manjunath clocked 45.25s to stand at the third position in 4x100m women's relay.

Complimenting their female counterparts, India's Rahamatulla Molla, Suresh Sathya, Shameer Mon Manzile and Md Abdul Qureshi clocked 38.89s to win another bronze for the hosts in the 4x100m men's relay.

In the men's triple jump finals, India's Renjith Maheswary stood third to bag a bronze with a jump of 17.07m. The effort also fetched him a national record.

The fourth bronze of the day for India came from Kashinath Naik in the men's javelin throw.

He threw the javelin to a distance of 74.29m to stand at the third position.

Vikas Shive Gowda and Prajusha Maliakkal won silver in men's discus throw and women long jump respectively. Yesterday, Harminder Singh and Kavita Raut had bagged bronze medal each in 20km walk race and 10,000m women's race respectively.

In shooting, on a day of mixed fortunes for India, Heena Sidhu and Anu Raj Singh struck gold in women's 10m air pistol Pairs event but favourites Gagan Narang and Tejaswini Sawant failed to bag the expected yellow medals.

Women's pistol pair of Heena Sidhu and Annu Raj Singh were lucky winner as they had better scores in the third and fourth series as count-back was necessitated to break the three-way deadlock for the gold, silver and bronze medals.

Heena fired a series of 96, 94, 97, 97 for a total of 384 while Annu shot 92, 95, 95, 93 as the two posted 759 with 21 'bulls eyes'.

Australia and Canada were also on 759, but Canada had to settle for bronze having scored 14 bulls eyes. But Australia had the same number of 10s as India and only in the count-back did India win the gold medal.

Melbourne Commonwealth Games' best athlete, Samresh Jung won his first medal of Delhi CWG when he and his partner CK Chaudhary took the silver medal in the men's 25 standard fire pistol.

Jung shot 384 with a series of 195, 183, 183, but Chaudhary misfired forcing India to settle for the silver. Singapore won the gold with Bin Gai and Lip Meng Poh scoring a total of 1116 against the total of 1103.

The Indian hockey team added the cherry on the cake when they defeated England 8-7 via tie-breaker to set up a title clash with Australia in the men's hockey competition.

Indians who trailed 1-3 till the 57th minute, cameback so strongly that Englishmen were left clueless and wondeing what hit them as the hosts drew level at 3-3 by the 59th minute.

As the teams failed to score anymore in the remaining regulation period, 15 minutes of extra time was played, which also failed to break the deadlock leading to the tie breaker.

The hosts converted all their five strokes and then goalkeeper Bharat Chetri emerged most unlikely hero as he blocked Australia's third stroke taken by Glenn Kirkham and paved way for India to move into the final of this competition for the first time.

For India, who were levelled 1-1 at halftime, the goal scorers were Sarvanjit Singh (two) and Vikram Pillay (one).

For England, Ashley Jackson (2) and Simon Mantell (one) scored.

In the tie breaker, Sarvanjit, Vikram Pillay, Sandeep Singh, Arjun Halappa and Shivender singh converted their strokes for the host.

For England, Richard Smith, Richard Mantell, Ashley Jackson, Simon Mantell converted while Glenn Kirkham failed to beat the goalkeeper.

As India stormed into the final leaving the Englishmen crestfallan and in tears, Indian players celebrated the win, backed by thousands of their supporters who danced and partied wildly to the sound of defeaning Bhangra music.

Meanwhile, keeping alive Indian hopes of winning a medal in table tennis, top paddler Sarath Kamal annihilated Liang Ma of Singapore to reach semifinals of the mens singles, at the Yamuna Sports Complex.

Soumyadeep Roy also kept the tri-colour fluttering as he crushed top seed Cia Xiao Li of Singapore to enter the men's singles semifinals.

Among the women paddlers, Mouma Das and Poulomi Ghatak also reached the last four stage.

Delhi Review Will Be Basis for the 2012 Olympics

2010-10-12T18:40:00.001-07:00

AN evaluation of Uganda's performance at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games will provide basis of the country's preparations for the 2012 London Olympics, James Bakama reports.

"We have to seriously study what went wrong and find remedies," said education and sports state minister Charles Bakkabulindi.

Bakkabulindi was responding to reports of lack of allowances and equipment in the Ugandan camp in New Delhi. There were also complaints of team officials' relatives taking up athletes' places.

Bakkabulindi conceded that there was a delay in payment of allowances but he attributed it to bureaucracy in India's banking system. He explained that team funds amounting to about $100,000 were wired to the account of Uganda's embassy.

"Accessing the money from India was not easy. They even wanted to give it to us in Indian rupees but we refused," he said, however adding that by the time he left every Ugandan had been paid.

He accepted that cyclists delayed to get their bicycles but insisted that other requirements like the kit were not in shortage. "If there was a problem, it was merely in sizes but not availability of a kit."

He described the trip as a big success for Uganda. Besides Moses Kipsiro's two gold medals, Uganda also won bids to host the Commonwealth parliamentarians meeting and the Games federation general assembly.

Heena, Annu trigger happy - Gagan Narang’s hope of fifth win shattered

2010-10-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

Rifleman Gagan Narang’s hopes of bagging six gold medals in the 19th edition of the Commonwealth Games remained unfulfilled, when he failed to win the 50metre pairs event on Wednesday.

Though the day began on a bright note for the hosts, at the Karni Singh range, with Heena Sidhu, Annu Raj Singh winning the record 31st gold medal for India in the 10m air pistol pairs event, the defeat of Narang and Samresh Jung in their respective pairs events dampened the spirit.

In the women’s 50metre prone event, Scotland’s Jen McIntosh won the gold with a Games record of 597. Tejaswini Sawant, the world champion in this event, got the silver with a score of 594 and Welsh’s Johanne Brekke settled for the bronze with 593 points.

“My personal best is 597 and I was competing against it and still fell short by three points. So, I am disappointed. If I had a bit more patience, I think I could have easily won the gold,” said Tejaswini.

“I was warned about the strong winds. After the third series, I became a bit over-conscious. Normally, I don’t attach much importance to the wind. But today (Tuesday), I don’t know why I was thinking so much about it ...my coaches also told me not to bother much about it,” she said.

In the men’s 25metre standard pistol, Jung (561) and C.K.Chaudhary (542) won the silver with a score of 1103.

However, with four more finals to be decided on the last day of the competition on Wednesday, India, with 14 gold medals in shooting, have an outside chance of taking their tally of yellow metals to beyond 16, a figure that they achieved in the Manchester Games, four years ago.

Tuesday’s results also ended Narang’s chance of overcoming “goldfinger” Samresh Jung’s mark of five gold medals in Melbourne. Narang, who has four gold, can still match the pistol hero if he manages to win the 50m prone individual event.

In the women’s 10metre air pistol, India, Australia and Canada were tied for the gold with 759 points. Canada got the bronze on the basis of lesser number of perfect 10s. They shot 14, while India and Australia had 21 each. India bagged the gold on the basis of count-back.

Heena (384) and Annu (375) clinched the 14th gold medal from the shooting range. The silver went to Australian shooters Dina Aspandiyarova (384) and Pamela McKenzie (375) and Canadian duo Dorothy Ludwig (380) and Lynda Hare (379) settled for the bronze.

Rebecca Adlington: 'In India I just felt selfish. I'll never moan again'

2010-10-12T18:34:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, the most balanced personality can be a split one. As Rebecca Adlington acknowledges, most of her young life has been spent in "a bubble" – a numbing, obsessive schedule of training that reduces every different pool, Doha or Delhi, to the same, daily ducking-stool test of endurance and belief as the one where it all began, back in Mansfield. And yet, within these cramped horizons, she has discovered, or preserved, a sense of perspective somehow uncompromised by an almost pathological determination to swim faster than anyone else.

These twin strengths enable Adlington to reflect on an exotic experience at the Commonwealth Games with an equanimity that appears to have eluded many others. Yes, it doubtless helps that she won two gold medals to match the pair she won at the Beijing Olympics, when aged just 19, again at 400 metres and 800m.

Now, of course, all lanes lead to London 2012, and she paid an immediate visit to the half-built Aquatic Centre on her return from India. Judging from some of the reports out of Delhi, you almost expected her to rate this sprawling building site as already a superior facility. For Adlington, however, the bellyache she shared with so many other athletes in Delhi was only a noun – emphatically not a verb. Having peered beyond the bubble, she has come back refreshed in humility as well as pride.

"We had a 40-minute bus journey every day to the pool, and I couldn't believe it," she said. "If you see someone homeless here, it just makes you feel lucky. But in India I just felt selfish. I've never seen anything like it, it just shocked me. I thought: 'Oh my God, I'm never going to moan ever again.' Every time the bus passed down the street it would make your heart stop. It was a massive eye-opener for every single person on the bus. Someone mentioned the stomach stuff. And I was like: 'Seriously! You've got a bit of belly issues... just look out of the window.' As soon as you saw that, I think everyone just got on with it."

Back in the bubble, though – surely that was another matter? How can an elite athlete, trained for a peak, fail to be physically or mentally debilitated by sickness? "Oh, there were a lot of people worse off than myself," Adlington said. "Without going into too much detail, no matter what you ate, you were going to the toilet 10 minutes later. So it was just a case of trying not to aggravate it, while trying to actually refuel. I was living off Imodium, and the team doctor was brilliant. It must have been the hardest week of his life. But we all expected to get it, we were all prepared, and it wasn't as if it was just us."

Of course, it is precisely the ability to isolate yourself from extraneous distractions – and they can scarcely be less extraneous – that in turn separates elite athletes from the rest. To Adlington, the pool will always turn whine into water. "No matter what mood I'm in, if I'm angry, I'm upset, you dive in the pool and you just forget about everything," she said. "It's the only place I feel comfortable, the only place I feel myself, where I feel I belong. I'm a bit more of a weirdo when I get out of the pool!

"And in a race most of us are so focused, so up for it, that no matter what else is going on in your life, you just switch off. So I'm not going to let a little belly thing hold me back when I've trained the whole year for this."

Perhaps the ultimate test of this zone will not be adversity, but expectation, when she competes in 2012. "Obviously, for London, we're going to feel pressure," she said. "We're all going to be in the spotlight. At the same time, with everyone cheering for you, you just get involved in the atmosphere. In Rome last year, I raced against [Federica] Pellegrini and even I felt the buzz, though the crowd were cheering for her. No matter what I come away with, a home Olympics is just my absolute dream."

After disappointing herself at the European Championships, Adlington is encouraged that she proved so at home in a quasi-Olympic environment in Delhi – sharing an athletes' village again, and watching other sports. "It was such a positive week," she said. "I've learnt I have the confidence to pick myself up when something hasn't gone right. I just raced my own race, relaxed and enjoyed it like I used to. So I think it's a massive step, for London, and a massive thing also that the year has gone so well for the British – we're definitely becoming a nation to watch in the pool. We walk in, and people notice us. People are scared of us. We're just getting better and better, and when you put in a home crowd as well, God knows what we can achieve."

In Delhi, Adlington again dominated the field from the start – always a strategy instructive of the fires within: "Thou shalt not pass". Where does it come from, this ferocious message to her pursuers? With her cheerful, unpretentious demeanour, Adlington seems immune to egotism. In the pool, however, the mermaid apparently becomes a shark. In a recent conversation with her coach, Bill Furniss, she was affronted when he told her: "Some people just can't handle you." He had to explain that it was intended as a compliment.

"I am the most driven person," she admitted. "I want to make something of my life. I'm so lucky that I love what I do, and I'm not going to waste that. I don't want to look back and regret things. I can be difficult to deal with, because I won't let people stand in my way. Sometimes I'll come across as a bitch, but I don't care – at the end of the day, I want to achieve something. You can clash, if someone is not as driven. I get angry when I see such talented people, not giving everything. I think: 'You've all the talent in the world, you can achieve something so rare, and it's just wasted.' I'm not as naturally talented as some people. I have to work hard every single day. And when I see someone doing well, when they don't work as hard, I do get frustrated, because they could be so amazing."

There it is again – the paradox of this pleasant, everyday young woman from Mansfield. She permits only the quietest hint of her distinction, in the flags of St George painted proudly on her fingernails. Becky Adlington remains scrupulously down-to-earth. Then she exchanges terra firma for water – and, suddenly and literally, she is in her element: one of the best in history, a serial record-breaker.

"You do have two personalities: one when you're competing, one when you're not," she said. "I think it's hard for people not involved in sport to be around me, because they don't understand that. I've got the rest of my life to go out and drink, to travel, to ski. People think I miss out on being a normal 21-year-old, but at the end of the day I'm getting so much more from doing something I truly love. I actually think it's them that are missing out."

Rebecca Adlington is supporting Spots v Stripes, Cadbury's campaign to get the nation playing in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympics.

Rebecca Adlington

Age 21

The 800m freestyle world record holder has won six major international gold medals in her career.

2 Adlington's golds at the 2010 Delhi games. She became the first British swimmer to win an Olympic gold since 1988 and the first double champion since 1908.

Chief of 2014 Commonwealth Games says Glasgow will be ready two years early

2010-10-12T18:33:00.001-07:00

THE facilities for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 will be in place two years before the event gets under way, chief executive John Scott has insisted.

Glasgow organisers are using the slogan "We're ready - are you?" to indicate their confidence that the completion of new stadiums and the renovation of others will be made well within the required time frame.

It is a state of preparedness in stark contrast to the situation in Delhi, where some facilities were only just finished on time and others are still not fully operational.

Mr Scott did not make the contrast explicitly, but he did not have to.

One of the key facets of Glasgow's bid for the Games was the fact that so many venues - Hampden, Ibrox and Celtic Park among others - were already built, and that others only needed renovation, which could be done with some time to spare.

"I am extremely confident that Glasgow is going to put on an outstanding Games," Mr Scott said yesterday at Scotland House, the team's base in a New Delhi hotel.

"We are a different environment (from Delhi].

"This (Scotland] is a country that has had experience of sport for a long time.

"It's a country that had a lot of its venues already in place, therefore has had some experience of staging this kind of event.

"We didn't have the scale of infrastructure and ambition that Delhi had - Delhi not only has built all these new sports venues, it has put in a metro system and an incredible new road system.

"Good for them. They wanted to move this city and this country forward.

"We are also having some legacy impact (on Glasgow]. There's the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome, the national indoor sports arena, the entertainment arena.

"We are very fortunate that we are well on track. All of them will be complete - all of the capital projects will be complete by 2012 - which will give us that wonderful window between the end of 2012 and the Games to prepare.

"We will have an opportunity to test those events. We have already secured the world junior track cycling championships for 2013.

"That will test that venue at that level of competition. We are in a very good place to be well prepared."

One important reason for that preparedness, according to Mr Scott, is the fact that London will host the Olympics two years before the Glasgow Games.

The two organising committees have already signed an agreement to work together in a number of practical ways.

"We will benefit hugely from London. London is two years prior to us: that is a big, multi-sport games in a British context. We've got excellent relationships.

"Don't forget: Glasgow is an Olympic city.

It's part of that planning."

Colleagues of Mr Scott's have been here as part of the Commonwealth Games Federation's observer programme, hoping to learn from what has gone right in the Indian capital as well as what has gone wrong.

From the feedback that Mr Scott has been given so far, he believes the sheer novelty of an event such as this has been responsible for some of the problems.

"All Games have their problems and challenges, and Delhi has had some challenges.

"The big challenge for India is that it doesn't have a familiarity with many of these sports.

"This is a sleeping giant as far as sport is concerned.

"I'm not here to criticise Delhi. Our role is to deliver a Games that fits firmly with our stated ambition.

"Glasgow is a city that is familiar with events and has done many events before, but it has never done anything of this scale.

"That's why it's important that we remain aware and cannot be complacent. You can learn from any event you go to."

The Commonwealth Games needs its Tempest in a Turban

2010-10-12T18:32:00.001-07:00

An Indian athlete in Wales was first to register in me a youthful awareness of the Commonwealth Games. Of course, it still cloaked itself in the grand imperial garb of Empire Games 52 years ago when only the sixth meet of the quadrennial series was held in the midsummer of 1958 at the old Arms Park in Cardiff.

All matters Empire were still loftily haughty, and snootily disdained was the metric measure of the Olympics. Serious business was still measured in feet, yards and inches. Thus it was in the classic 440 yards one-lap sprint in which, out of the blue and alongside the Taff, did the bearded, blistering Sikh, Milkha Singh, spread-eagle the field to have the next day's Daily Express eulogising "The Tempest in a Turban".

Two years later, Milkha was back in Britain to win the AAA's 440 yards title at White City as warm-up for the Rome Olympics, where he was fourth by a blink in an almost blanket finish in (still) the best-ever 400m final. The three medallists (an American, a German and a South African) were fractions ahead of him and the first two broke the world record. More than half a century later, it was terrific to catch a snatch of a BBC interview with him this Monday afternoon just before his young compatriot Tintu Luka failed in her brave but barmy frontrunning attempt to win the women's 800 metres final ("Alas for the bat out of hell", commiserated Denise Lewis).

As a teenager Milkha had lost his parents and three elder brothers in the horrors of 1947 partition but after Rome he was a permanent hero to Kashmir where, to encourage Indian athletes, he personally offered the equivalent in rupees of £3,000 to anyone who could break his Indian record of 45.73 seconds. It was all of 38 years till, in 1998, the Sikh policeman Paramjeet Singh claimed to have been 0.03 of a second faster at a local upcountry meet. Sensing the cop was planning to share the prize with the stopwatch timekeeper, old Milkha, apparently, flatly refused to pay up, saying he had stipulated his record had to be broken, as it had been achieved, on foreign soil.

When the Turbanned Tempest was triumphant at Cardiff in 1958, I was just over the border, a greenhorn cub covering ploughing matches and pony trials for the Hereford Times, and it was a long dozen years till my own debutant's dip into a Commonwealth Games press box where, by 1970 at Edinburgh, the Empire bit had been dropped and so had the imperial measurements.

We had piled into the grey old Caledonian city in July hotfoot and buzzing from June's World Cup in Mexico – Pelé, Jairzinho and all that joyous jazz. In the event, however, there was colourful enchantment enough to come and I've warmly hoarded ever since a vivid recall of what remains, all these 40 years on, still the most compelling championship footrace I've witnessed – the breathtaking 5,000m final when Scotland's 21-year‑old Ian Stewart blazingly held off his compatriot Ian McCafferty, with the two of them leaving stellar all-time champs Kip Keino and Ron Clarke in their slipstream. Still the stuff of wonder.

With a purr of contented recall as well, I was still in bright-eyed salad days' form eight years on at the Commonwealth Games of Edmonton, first to lay eyes on the bonny smile of Tessa Sanderson and the immense natural promise of the kids Barry McGuigan, Steve Cram and the astonishing Daley Thompson.

Since those heady times, however, have these Commonwealth Games become increasingly pointless? Ersatz competition for second-raters, a pallid colonial salute to a nostalgic and faded past? BBC's broadcasting and its dreaded jingo-jangle – only events which include Brits are bothered with – can stretch only so far.

Delhi's appeal has been only in its smiles, its opportunities only for last-gasp deserving oldies or no-hope non-elite novices. Realists can sneer only at a low-grade feeder event that, in first division global terms in track and field, makes for very small beer indeed. The rot probably set in when crook megalomaniac Robert Maxwell was allowed to "save" – hilariously not as it turned out – Edinburgh's second and bankrupted rain-sodden Games of 1986.

How many more closing ceremonies will the Commonwealth Games celebrate after tomorrow's in Delhi? Edinburgh's neighbours Glasgow in four years' time will be hard pressed, I fancy, to redeem the whole jamboree's very raison d'être and existence.

Commonwealth Games 2010: India beat England on penalties to reach hockey final

2010-10-12T18:31:00.001-07:00

England have lost another major sporting semi-final on penalties. India staged a remarkable comeback, advancing to the hockey final against Australia on Wednesday, after beating England on penalty strokes.

After leading 3-1 at the break, India turned round the advantage with the help of 16,000 baying Indians at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium as the hosts won 5-4 on penalties.

Glenn Kirkham missed the vital stroke but he formed part of an England side who played their hearts out on another memorable evening for Indian hockey and more importantly for the Commonwealth Games.

The win handed India a final berth for the first time since the sport's introduction at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur. It will also have atoned for their 3-2 defeat to England in the World Cup on the same pitch earlier this year.

Ashley Jackson's deadly instinct in front of goal looked to have swung the semi-final when he scored two contrasting penalty corners to give England the advantage.

But India's full-scale fightback started when Vikram Pillay scored with a majestic strike before Jackson hit the post going for his hat-trick.

A 4-1 score line would have sealed a final berth against a spirited Indian side but the hosts were unnerved and a series of attacking plays were rewarded when Saravanjit Singh stroked the equaliser between James Fair's legs.

The England stopper, named goalkeeper of the tournament when England won the European title last year, was by far the busiest of the night, keeping out a persistent wave of Indian attacking as Barry Middleton's side held on until full-time and throughout the 15 minutes of extra play.

Earlier, Shivendra had the first genuine chance 15 minutes into the match when he was fed an inviting cross right to his stick. Shivendra turned quickly enough on to his left but saw his shot go just wide of Fair's far post.

Two minutes later the National Stadium erupted as India won their first penalty corner. The crowd sensed something – after all the hosts had blitzed Pakistan apart on Sunday with two early goals – and they were rewarded again when Saravanjit Singh slotted past Fair after the Englishman's initial save from Sandeep Singh, India's lanky defender and drag-flicker.

Almost immediately, Simon Mantell had space inside India's circle to equalise but his shot whipped away from goal and the advancing Ashley Jackson, England's top marksman here, couldn't quite convert.

It was set to be the last meaningful chance of a first-half dominated by India, but there was one final twist when England were handed a vital penalty corner with 10 seconds remaining. Adam Dixon teed-up Jackson who stroked it low past Bharat Chetri.

Jackson's jubilation gave England renewed impetus heading into the break with several players looking a spent force as the penalty corner was awarded.

But with India getting themselves back into contention it seemed the pendulum of fortune had sung in their favour.

Despite Fair's heroics during normal and extra time, it was not to be when the strokes were taken and England must now play New Zealand for the bronze.

Wednesday's bronze medal play-off between England's women and South Africa will be their third of the summer following two bronze medal success against Germany, one at the Champions Trophy in Nottingham in July and one at the World Cup in Rosario in September.

After the women's tearful defeat to the Australians, they will do well to raise their game for both bronze play-offs.

CWG: TT federation still waits for complimentary tickets

2010-10-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) says the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee has not responded to its request for complimentary tickets for table tennis matches at the Yamuna Sports Complex, though many seats remain vacant.

We wrote a letter to the secretary general of OC for providing us with complimentary tickets four days ago. We have got no response from him till date. Table tennis is not a popular game in this country and it is critical for us to invite people who can fund us for organising tournaments, a TTFI official told IANS requesting anonimity.

The complex can seat 4,200 people with 1,100 seats at the show courts and 3,100 at match courts. Forty percent of the tickets have been reserved for the general public and the rest for sponsors and foreign tourists. Not many foreign tourists have been seen at the complex, according to the official.

The federation officials said since they did not have the complimentary tickets they took the help of police officials Monday to get entry to the complex for an 'important' guest.

"We did not have the tickets Monday but we had a very important guest coming to see a match. So, we spoke to the police officials for granting him entry without the ticket. There was no other option, said the TTFI official.

Lalit Bhanot, the secretary general and the official spokesperson of the OC, was not available for comments.

CWG closing to be 'different'

2010-10-12T07:51:00.001-07:00

It will be a "spectacular mass song and dance celebration" at Thursday's Commonwealth Games closing ceremony, with a colourful laser show as the highlight, according to the creative team behind the show.

"The closing ceremony will be a spectacular mass song and dance celebration. The closing is all about celebration… it is going to be very youthful, just like a hip hop party," Viraf Sarkari, director Wizcraft International Entertainment, told IANS.

Sarkari revealed that unlike the opening ceremony, which was a melange of elements from 5,000 years of Indian culture and heritage, the closing ceremony will be more contemporary.

"We will be showcasing martial arts, then there will also be a group of 2,010 school children performing in a segment called ‘Tribute to Motherland', followed by a song and dance segment called ‘Music of Universal Love'… All in all the closing ceremony will have 7,000 performers," said Sarkari.

The Rs.40 crore-worth aerostat will be the star attraction at the closing ceremony too. It was successfully used to project animation and graphics during the CWG opener Oct 3. This apart, a special laser show has been planned as well.

Just like the opening ceremony, the closing event will be devoid of any performance by any actors. However, the Bollywood quotient will be added by the presence of singers like Sunidhi Chauhan, Shankar Mahadevan and Kailash Kher, among others.

"These singers will be part of the song and dance segment. But any speculations about a Bollywood actor performing at the event are untrue," clarified Sarkari.

According to Sarkari, a troupe from Glasgow will also put up a performance after the CWG flag is handed over to officials for the next CWG in 2014.

The closing ceremony will be very different from the opening event, he promises.

"The opening ceremony was very formal. But the closing has to be fun… the whole mood will be very different. Those who have won medals will celebrate… and the purpose of the closing ceremony will be pure enjoyment and celebration," said acclaimed ad filmmaker and lyricist Prasoon Joshi, who is part of the three-member committee for the event.

But will the show be better than the opener?
"They can't be compared… they are very, very different," Sarkari concluded.

India equals its best ever performance with 30 Gold medals on Day-8

2010-10-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

India equalled its best ever performance in the Commonwealth Games with 30 Gold medals, as Discus Thrower Krishna Poonia bagging a historic Gold medal for the country in athletics after 58 years here today. India had achieved this feat of 30 Gold medals in the 2002 Manchester games for the first time.India’s other two Discus Throwers went on to make a clean sweep,of the event , bagging Silver and Bronze medals. Poonia’s throw was 61.51metres, Harwant Kaur claimed Siliver with a throw of 60.16m, while Seema Antil took Bronze with a best of 58.46.In boxing, Olympic Bronze medalist Vijendra Singh suffered a shock defeat in 75 kg category. Suronjoy Singh, Manoj Kumar and Paramjeet Somata have entered the finals in their respective weight categories.Jai Bhagwan, Amandeep Singh and Dilbagh Singh lost their bouts and had to settle for Bronze medals apiece today.

The first medal of the day for the hosts came in shooting as Tejaswini Sawant and Meena Kumari won bronze in women’s 50 meter Rifle Prone pairs.Sawant, later said, that she had hoped to win more than a Bronze in the competition.In Skeet pairs shooting, Mairaj Ahmad Khan and P Allan Danials finished fifth, as the Gold medal in this event was won by Cyprus.In Badminton, a host of Indian players moved into the quarter-finals of the individual badminton event on Monday, raising hopes of multiple medals from the badminton courts .India’s Saina Nehwal and Aditi Mutatkar advanced to the quarter-finals of the Women’s Singles event. World No.3 Saina defeated Caroline Black of Nigeria, 21-0,21-2 while Aditi defeated Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland 21-11, 21-17 in their respective matches.Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa pulled off a fine victory against Malaysian Eei Hui Chin and Woon Khe Wei 15-21, 21-10, 21-16 to advance into the last eight in women’s doubles.Aditi Mutatkar also moved into the women’s singles quarter-final with a 21-11, 21-17 victory over Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour. The Indian now faces second seeded Malaysian Mew Choo Wong.In men’s singles, Parupalli Kashyap got the better of Kieran Merrilees of Scotland 21-12, 21-5. Kashyap, too, will have a difficult opponent in fourth seeded Mohammad Hafiz Hashim in the quarter-final.

Top ranked Indian and third seed Chetan Anand defeated Jamie Van Hooijdonk of Wales 21-8, 21-2 in another third round match. He will take on England’s Carl Baxter in the evening session for a place in the semis.Mixed doubles second seeds Jwala Gutta and V. Diju defeated compatriots Rupesh Kumar and Ashwini Ponnappa 15-21, 21-18, 21-16.In Rugby, the Indian team, however, disappointed its fans as it lost the match against Wales by an embarrassing 7-53 score.In Weightlifting, one gold was to be decided on Monday night, in men’s 105 plus Kilogram weight category. Sarabjit carries the Indian medal hopes in this event.In Women’s Hockey, India defeated Canada 3-0 in a final classification match.In Table-Tennis, Indian duo, Sharad Kamal and Shubhjeet Saha ,have entered the Men’s Doubles quarter-finals by defeating Australia’s Justin Henn and Shimon Gerreda.With five more Bronze won on Monday India continued to hold on to its second position with 30 Gold, 23 Silver and 28 Bronze. England has 26 gold, 47 Silver and 34 bronze. However, Australia continues to head the table with a total haul of 62 Gold, 40 Silver and 39 Bronze medals.Meanwhile, the New Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games were hit by a doping controversy today in the same 100 meter Women’s event that earlier saw the disqualification of Australia’s Sally Pearson who was stripped off her medal for a false start.Oludamola Osayomi, a Nigerian Gold Medalist of women’s 100 meters, was tested positive in dope examination.

In the dope test methyle hexalimine stimulate was found. Addressing the customary press conference at Main Press Center, the President of the Games Federation Mr Michael Fennel said the athlete tested positive has requested for ‘B’ sample test and the hearing will be held later today.Meanwhile, the Organizing Committee Chairman, Suresh Kalmadi said today that big video screens will be put up during road events including Marathon and Cycling events along the route. He said cycling events will be held at Noida- Greater Noida Expressway and all arrangements have been completed.Indian players will also be seen in action in Table-tennis and Squash tonight.

Missing Shera replica found in UT village

2010-10-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

Chandigarh crime branch sleuths tracked down Shera -- the official mascot of Commonwealth Games 2010 -- late Monday evening, hours after it went missing from the Verka Chowk in Mohali. The statue was found abandoned near a private school in Toga village of UT.

The crime branch officials found it following a tip-off and informed the SSP, Mohali, GPS Bhullar, immediately. The SSP directed the SHO of Phase-I police station to visit the place and collect the statue.

Earlier in a day, to fend off embarrassing queries like why were there no police personnel at Verka Chowk, which is considered to be the busiest intersection in the state, officials said Shera's replica would be replaced at the earliest. The mascot was stolen on Sunday.

Mohali deputy commissioner Parveen Kumar said a new statue would be installed in the next couple of days since its manufacturer, Abninder Singh Grewal had agreed to provide another statue 'free of cost'.

Scotland to emulate Indian Games experience in 2014

2010-10-11T19:28:00.001-07:00

Taking a leaf out of the Indian experience, Scotland — the host of the next Commonwealth Games in 2014 — is all set to stage a similar "spectacular opening ceremony" at Glasgow. In New Delhi to participate in the Games, Scotland is not missing any opportunity to push hard business, economic, energy
and educational ties with India.

"The opening ceremony was spectacular," Alex Salmond, the first minister and head of the devolved Scottish Government said.

"We haven't made any plans for training facility for the athletes at the Games Village in Scotland. However, the Games Village here has it. So, we will try to have it in Glasgow as well," Salmond told HT.

Salmond said the Glasgow Games Village is planned as a pure residential area.

However, he said, since 70 per cent of the infrastructure is already there, there shouldn't be any delay in executing various projects.

Salmond is here to take part in the Games besides forging closer ties with India in various areas - from renewable energy to business and educational partnerships.

"Energy cooperation, especially in the renewable sector can be big. India has such a long coastline," he said.

Scotland has barely a quarter of Europe's offshore wind tidal energy.

An estimated 206 gigawatt of practical offshore wind, wave and tidal resources contribute 40 per cent of the total energy resources of UK, he said.

Salmond is set to meet Union Minister for Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah on Thursday.

So far, 16 major Scotland companies are operating in India, while 11 Indian big firms have their offices there.

"But the effort is to have more joint ventures and partnerships before the next Commonwealth Games" the minister said.

Vasant Kunj Flats Have Few Takers, OC Says Apartments Meant For Delegates Not Up To The Mark

2010-10-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

The Vasant Kunj flats that were built for Commonwealth Games delegates seem to have no takers. Even as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) claims that it had 1,300 flats ready by September 23, only 620 people turned up to stay in them. In fact, according to officials working at the complex, even the national technical officials who were staying there have started leaving ``after having completed their work''.

Besides the Kaveri Tower, all other towers are far from being complete. On Friday, when Times City visited Vasant Kunj, the complex looked deserted. According to the guards, while the dining hall had been completed from the outside, a lot of work inside the hall remained incomplete.

In Saraswati Tower, where officials claimed that 90% of the work had been completed, iron rods could be seen jutting out from various flats. No landscaping work was done and several portions had been barricaded to hide away the under construction areas. An official said: "A lot of work could not be completed on time due to the heavy rains."

DDA claimed that it had handed over the flats to the Commonwealth Games organizing committee on September 23, and some volunteers had started living there from September 16. Said an official: ``We had 1,300 flats ready by September 23, which meant that 2,700 rooms were made available for the delegates. Only 620 of them are occupied at present. Some national technical officials, who had been staying in the flats earlier, were shifted. We do not know the reason behind this.''

Commonwealth Games 2010: England struggle to overhaul India into second place in Delhi

2010-10-11T19:21:00.001-07:00

England is struggling to overhaul India for second place on the Commonwealth Games medal tally as leaders Australia claim superiority across most sports including the pool.

India has set itself a target to stay ahead of England as the two countries swap positions for second and third.

England has won a total of 105 medals by day eight of the Games, but has been relegated to third on the medal tally because of a deficiency of gold.

So far India is beating England because it has won 29 golds compared to England's 26. But on the total medal count England is superior with 105 to India's 74.

Australia is leading the medal tally with 137 medals, 61 of them gold. But in the sport of swimming - one of the few sports considered of world class standard and a litmus test of progression leading up to the London 2012 Olympic Games, Australia has claimed an early victory.

Australian head swim coach Leigh Nugent said his team had scored a psychological blow over the Home Nations even though England had secured its best away result with a tally of 34 medals, 11 more than Melbourne four years ago. Of the 34, England won seven gold medals and Scotland contributed two gold.

But Australia also improved its golden tally to 20 (up from 17 in Melbourne).

Nugent said the British team had "taken a big hit" in a critical time before the London Games and said the Brits would be shaken by the experience.

National performance director Michael Scott revealed the target for British swimmers had been exceeded by three medals.

He did, though, identify improvements which needed to be made, such as coming out on top in close races as well as starts and turns.

He said: "It was a challenging environment. I was pleased - our last two days were our strongest days."

England team leader John Atkinson was satisfied with his squad's effort which saw them exceed by five the target of 24 they had set based on world rankings, while the number of finalists had risen to 68. "We can go away really proud with what we've done," he said.

Commonwealth Games 2010: Delhi belly 'will not affect swimmers' performance pay'

2010-10-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

British Swimming has promised the Home Nations' competitors who succumbed to Delhi belly last week that it will have their "interests at heart" when it reviews performance-related pay.

National performance director Michael Scott revealed that a dozen athletes, notably Fran Halsall who collapsed poolside, fell foul of mystery illnesses that swept through several nations' camps in New Delhi.

Athlete Personal Awards are made to swimmers on an annual basis and the money comes out of British Swimming's £25 million four-year purse issued by UK Sport, the government quango.

But British Swimming, the national governing body which viewed these Games as its priority meet of the year, stressed that no athlete would be at a disadvantage as London 2012 looms.

"We have an injury and illness clause in our policy," said the Australian, who took the helm at British Swimming in 2007. "I will get a report from the doctor on every athlete on whose performance has been impacted.

"I can guarantee you that I have already told the athletes their interest is at heart. We are not going to undo six to eight years of good years out here. If there is a legitimate illness, then this will be taken into consideration."

A British Swimming spokesman added: "There may be a case where athletes' funding is reviewed every six months as opposed to 12 months. In some aspects it gives the athletes more incentive to perform."

In the pool, Scott believed there were several areas where performances could be raised as they aim to bridge the gap on Australia, the second best nation in world swimming behind the United States.

He said: "We have to convert and improve technically - that's where the Australians showed us up. "

Britain, though, were rewarded with a combined haul of nine golds, 10 silver and 15 bronze in the pool at the Games.

The Australians secured seven medals less than 2006 but with England also improving their tally by six, it meant the gap between the two has considerably narrowed.

However Leigh Nugent, Australia's head coach, still had time to strike an early blow for Britain's chances in London 2012 before leaving Delhi. Nugent said: "Have a look at the scoreboard. I'd think they've taken a big hit here and that they'd have been shaken by their performance here."

Adlington countered: "They have always had that depth. Now we are coming after them and I think we've caught them up and we are going to start overtaking them."

Meanwhile, British Swimming has confirmed to Telegraph Sport that plans to stage the 2013 European Championships in London have been dropped.

Officials will look to accomodate the 2016 event after discussions with LEN, Europe's swimming federation.

Meanwhile, the Duel in the Pool, the Ryder Cup-style event between the United States and Europe, will be staged in Atlanta's Olympic pool in Dec 2011.

Indian medal tally boosts Doordarshan income

2010-10-11T19:19:00.001-07:00

India's glowing medal tally in the Commonwealth Games is boosting public broadcaster Doordarshan's earnings, with mounting viewership leading to more advertisements, officials said Monday.

"With India's medal tally increasing by the day, viewership has definitely increased... That's why corporates are now keen to book slots for advertisements during the matches," a Doordarshan official said.

Doordarshan's initial assessment based on estimates of audience measurement agencies had put the number of homes in India that watched the opening ceremony Oct 3 at over 87 million.

India is second in the medal tally with 29 gold, 22 silver and 23 bronze medals.

Doordarshan's advertisement revenues had so far been poor. Its original revenue forecast of around USD 40 million was revised down to USD 20 million.

To make up for the deficit, the Indian government had asked public sector units to book ad spots. But the picture is changing now.

With increasing viewership, the spot buy rates have now been hiked from Rs.90,000 (USD 2,040) to Rs.250,000 (USD 5,660) for a 10-second slot.

The Commonwealth Games Village newspaper quotes some corporate houses as saying that they are looking forward to advertise on Doordarshan.

"We cannot do anything now in terms of sponsorships and other ground activities during the Games. But what we can do is take up ad spots and place advertisements since the TRP is increasing," said Anirush Dhoot, Videocon Industries
director (Sales and Marketing).

Pepsico executive vice president Sandeep Arora said: "We are evaluating opportunities as to what a brand like us, which is not a sponsor, can do during the Games."

CWG Day 8: All three medals to Indian women in discus throw

2010-10-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

India continues an impressive run in the Commonwealth Games medal tally after Indian women swept gold, silver and bronze in the discus.Krishna Poonia won gold, bagging the top spot with a throw of 61.51-meters, thus becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold in athletics at the Games in New Delhi.

India’s first Commonwealth Games gold medal in track and field came in 1958 when Milkha Singh won the 440-yard track event in Cardiff.

On Monday, Harwant Kaur won silver with a throw of 60.16 meters and Seema Antil a bronze with a 58.46-meter throw.

Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of the Games Organizing Committee presented the medals as the crowd in Jawaharlal Nehru stadium went wild for Ms. Poonia. The Hindi presenter called for another round of applause for the medal winners as a modern version of the song Vande Mataram was played.

The first medal to come India’s way on the eighth day of competition was from its shooters.

Tejaswini Sawant and Meena Kumari won a bronze medal in the 50-meter women’s pairs rifle event.

India’s aspirations of winning a bagful of gold medals from boxing were dashed after Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh was knocked out in the semi-final of the 75-kilogram boxing competition.

Amandeep Singh, Jai Bhagwan and Dilbag Singh won a bronze medal each in 49-kilogram, 60-kilogram and 69-kilogram events.

India’s favorite badminton player Saina Nehwal entered into the quarter-finals after defeating Nigerian Caroline Black 21-0, 21-2.

Australia is currently leading the Games’ overall scoreboard with 139 medals; England stands second with 106 medals followed by India with 81 medals.

Ho-Ho bus service launched for Commonwealth Games visitors

2010-10-11T02:29:00.000-07:00

Recently launched by Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dixit, the service will offer visitors to the mega sporting event a hassle free and smooth ride to tourists to monuments, museums and markets.

Ho-Ho name sounds somewhat interesting when it is connected with a bus service. What is Ho-Ho? It stands for ‘hop on, hop off’ (Ho-Ho) bus service, modeled on popular concept of transport facilities in European countries and this is first time in India that such services will be provided to visitors during Commonwealth Games in capital. After getting low floor green colour buses and red colour air conditioned buses, it is time for Delhiites to see new purple colour buses on the roads.

Recently launched by Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dixit, the service will offer visitors to the mega sporting event a hassle free and smooth ride to tourists to monuments, museums and markets. In this service, buses would ply on the designated route every half an hour so that tourists do not have any obligation on time spent at a spot. They can board the buses anywhere they want to and go to the next destination. Tourists can hop on and hop off at any of the stops along the way as per their expediency. The buses will ply from 8 am. to 8 pm through the year.

The bus service will ferry the visitors to not only to the historical monuments, museums and other popular tourist destinations but also to authentic Indian restaurants and popular markets. Tourists using this bus service do not have to need to stand in the queue to buy their entry tickets for historical monument as entry tickets will be available for sale inside the ‘Ho-Ho’ bus.

The buses will start from Coffee Home, Baba Karag Singh Marg in Connuaght Place and will have stoppages at Delhi Gate, Red Fort, Raj Ghat, National Gallery of Modern Art India Gate, Purana Quila, Humayuns Tomb, Defence Colony Metro Station, Lotus Temple, Metropolitan Mall Saket/Select City Walk, Qutab Minar, Hauz Khas Village, Dilli Haat (INA), Safdarjung Tomb, Santushti near Hotel Samrat, Teen Murti Marg-Nehru Museum, National Museum Janpath and Jantar Mantar.

The visitors will be able to visit Khooni Darwaza, Feroz Shah Kotla, Gandhi Museum, Ambedkar Stadium, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Salimgarh Fort, various Samadhis around Raj Ghat, National Stadium, Children's Park, India Gate, Pragati Maidan, Crafts Museum, National Zoological Park, Isa Khan Tomb, Nizamuddin Dargah, Gole Gumbaj, Sunderwala Burj, Defence Colony Market, Lajpat Nagar Central Market, Kalkaji District Park, ISKCON Temple, Hotel Intercontinental Eros, Hilton Garden Inn, Garden of Five Senses, Quila Rai Pithora, Ahimsa Sthal, Butterfly Park, Indian Handicraft Emporium, Deer Park, Hauz Rani monument, Hauz Khas Market, Dilli Haat, INA Market, Lodi Garden, Jaipur Polo Ground, Nehru Planetarium, Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, Janpath Market, Crafts Emporium, etc.

The bus which is equipped with state of art technologies like digital video screens and GPS system also has trained guides and guest relations executives who will be responsible for giving information about the sites. After Games, government will start an open-roof service for tourists in the winter season only so that the tourists can enjoy winter of Delhi too.

Tourists can download city maps, information brochures and informative videos to plan their trip better. Information such as type of hotel, booking services, bed and breakfast establishments, guest houses, transport and flight services, currency converter and weather updates besides detailed information on city’s heritage, must-see attractions and eateries are being made available at the click of a mouse even before they set out for Delhi.

The purple-coloured air-conditioned buses will hit the roads from Oct 1, 2010. From September 28th to 30th, 2010 the buses will offer free rides to under-privileged children and senior citizens. The bus will charge Rs.300 from adult and Rs.150 from every child less than three feet in height.

The service is provided by joint venture between Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions Private Ltd, Pune and Urban Mass Transit Company Ltd (UMTC) and contract is for next ten years.

for more information visit http://www.hohodelhi.com

India look forward to seven medals in boxing

2010-10-10T23:53:00.000-07:00

India are looking up to their star-studded boxing squad that includes Olympic Games bronze medallist Vijender Singh, to provide a further impetus to their medal harvest on the eighth day of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Monday. Seven boxers would be seen in the ring in which the semi
final bouts would be contested and even a loss at this stage would assure them of at least a bronze, but it's certain all of them would be targeting the gold. The seven are: Anandeep Singh (lt.-fly), Suranjoy Singh (fly), Jai Bhagwan (lt. welter), Manoj Kumar (lt. welter), Dilbag Singh (welter), Vijender Singh (middle) and Paramjeet Samota (super heavy).

Their opponents are from Northern Ireland, Pakistan, England, Bahamas and Tonga. Today's winners would progress to the finals on Wednesday after Tuesday's break. Thus far, India's tally includes 29 gold, just one shy of their all-time best of 30 in 2002 at Manchester, 22 silver and as many bronze medals and is made up mainly of those won in the shooting range and on the wrestling mat.

Out of the total gold heist, the shooters, who are still in the fray, have scooped up 13, the all-powerful wrestlers and the fast-improving archers - both through with their campaign - have picked up 10 and 3 respectively. Also, out of the record overall medal heist of 73, these three sports have injected 51 - a sure indication of their vast contribution.

The surprise packet for India have been the athletes who have garnered two silver and as many bronze medals, also the best-ever from any single Games. The medal winners have been field athletes Vikas Gowda (men's discus), Prajusha Malliakal (women's long jump), Harminder Singh (men's 20km road walk) and Kavita Raut (women's 10,000m).

Today, triple jump hope Renjit Maheshwari would be in action along with seasoned women's discus throwers Krishna Pooniya and Seema Antil. Young Gayatri Govindraj takes her bow in women's 100m hurdles while preliminary rounds of all four relay events would also be gone through and India have entered in all.

In rugby 7s, India - who are making their debut - lost to Wales. In shooting, world champion Tejaswini Sawant and Meena Kumari are in fray in the 50m rifle prone event for women along with skeet shooters Allan Daniel Peoples and Mairaj Ahmad Khan. Sarabjit Singh will appear in men's 105kg Weightlifting competition.

There's Indian presence in the squash doubles event too. Indians would also seen in action in table tennis and badminton's individual competitions.

India on verge of CWG medals record as 16 gold medals at stake on Day 8

2010-10-10T23:51:00.000-07:00

With 16 gold medals at stake on the eighth day of the XIXth Commonwealth Games, India would be keen to continue the impressive run as they are on the verge of equalling their best ever Commonwealth Games gold medals record today.

India has so far won 29 gold and another gold would put them level with their all time list of 30 gold, which they achieved in 2002 Manchester Games.

Out of six gold medals in Athletics on Monday, all eyes would be on discus thrower Krishna Pooniya and Renjit Maheshwari, who will compete in men's triple jump.

Despite showing a dismal performance in the 2010 Games so far, the Indian swimmers and divers would look to better their performance today with Hari Prasad Thimmarayappa and Manesh Kumar Mohan competing in men's 3m-springboard event, and Hrutika Parvatayya Shriram and Deepti Panwar in women's 10m-platform event at the SP Mukherjee Swimming Stadium today.

Indian boxers Suranjoy Singh and Amandeep Singh will be fighting in their respective semi-finals.

Indian shooters have been impressive in the 2010 Games and will eye upon gold today as well. Tejaswini Sawant and Meena Kumari will participate in the Women's 50m Prone Rifle Pairs event, while Allan Daniel Peoples and Mairaj Ahmad Khan will aim for gold in the Men's Skeet Pairs event.

Weightlifter Sarabjit fight for gold in 105+kg Men Finals.

The gold medals at stake today include: aquatics (2), athletics (6), lawn bowls (2), shooting (5) and weightlifting (1).

Anuj hoping CWG silver will help him get promotion

2010-10-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

Arjuna awardee and Olympian Anuj Kumar Chaudhary believes in positive thinking. After winning a silver in 84 kg freestyle wrestling event in the Commonwealth Games on Sunday, now Anuj is eagerly waiting for a promotion in the department.

Talking to The Indian Express, the 28-year-old Uttar Pradesh Police wrestler who has brought laurels to the state and the country on numerous occasions, said, “My department is already very happy with my efforts. Presently, I am posted at Noida as an inspector. My file for promotion as Deputy SP is pending with the UP government since 2006. I think the silver medal today will help me in getting my due promotion and recognition from the government.”

Anuj who hails from Badari village of Muzaffarnagar said that after a medal at the Commonwealth Games, now he will be working hard for the upcoming Asian Games and the 2012 Olympics.

Anuj got a job in the Uttar Pradesh Police in 2000 as sub-inspector through the sports quota. Owing to his performances in the national and international arena he got promoted as inspector in 2003. He was given the Laxman award (the highest state award in sports) in 2001 and the Arjuna award in 2005. Talking about his performances in the international arena— he won a silver in the Commonwealth Games held at Manchester in 2002 and a gold in the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship in 2003. He bagged a bronze in the Asian Wrestling Championships held in China in 2005 and a gold at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships the same year.

When contacted secretary Uttar Pradesh Police Sports Control Board and IG Police Arun Kumar said, “The proposal for his promotion is already under consideration. Now we will ensure that he gets promoted at the earliest.”

Arjuna awardee Ranveer Singh who is assistant director sports in UP Police and former captain of the Indian volleyball team said, “Anuj’s promotion is pending with the government due to some technical reasons.

I hope that the technical difficulties are done away with soon and he gets promoted as DSP as per the Government order. Talented players get encouraged with recognition. Anuj has done the state and the country proud on several occasions.”

Commonwealth Games 2010: party time as India beat Pakistan to set up England clash

2010-10-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

It was the night when the Commonwealth Games came to life. A sell-out crowd of 20,000 flag-waving fans screaming themselves hoarse as India thumped seven goals past their old hockey adversaries, Pakistan, to clinch a semi-final place against England.

Finally, after six days of half-empty stadiums and general indifference among locals to the sporting events that have turned their city into a military zone, the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium erupted into a giant party yesterday. Jose Brasa, India’s Spanish coach, likened it to being inside the Bernabéu.

If only the rest of the Games could have been like this. How different it all was to the eerily empty streets that had greeted the cyclists for the men’s and women’s road races just a few hours earlier.

Even the omnipresent police and security personnel appeared to be fighting a losing battle as spectators ignored their exhortations to sit down, many choosing to stand and cheer for the entire game.

Among them in the cheap seats was Indian National Congress Party president Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul, who, in an apparent political gesture, eschewed the Games VIP area and chose to sit with paying customers behind one of the goals, heralding a mass outbreak of rubber-necking when the pair were spotted.

This was not a time for class distinction. Indians, facing a must-win clash with Pakistan in their national sport, were in it together.

The match had long been billed as the “Game of the Games” - ever since the last ticket was sold 3½ months ago — but what was not known then was that the cross-border showdown would be a winner-takes-all affair, deciding who would go forward to the semi-finals and who would be leaving with nothing.

With both sides tied on six points before the match but with Pakistan boasting a superior goal difference, the visitors needed only a draw while India required a victory.

India’s lame 5-2 capitulation to world champions Australia just three days earlier had not exactly inspired much confidence going into yesterday’s match, particularly since Pakistan had looked impressive in their previous pool games.

But India were clearly galvanised by the passionate home support.

Astonishingly, they were 4-0 up within 20 minutes as Sandeep Singh lashed home two penalty corners, Shivendra Singh scored a rebound from another and Saravanjit Singh touched home a long-hit pass from Sandeep to make it an all Singh-ing and dancing start for the hosts.

Two goals for Pakistan before half-time quietened the crowd for a while but by the time Danish Mujtaba swooped on a rebound from a penalty corner just after the interval and poked the ball home, the victory celebrations had begun.

A goal for Dharamvir Singh and a second for Shivendra were met with two Pakistan replies, the match ending 7-4.

India now meet England tomorrow for a place in the final after Barry Middleton’s men secured a 2-1 victory over South Africa earlier in the day to finish on top of their pool. Another sell-out crowd will test their mental fortitude.

“The crowd was excellent,” said Brasa. “I think it is incredible to play with this support. The crowd started shouting and supporting the players as soon as they arrived on the pitch and they carried on shouting every time an Indian player got the ball and looked to attack.

“That is very difficult to find in another country. In football we have something similar in Spain with Real Madrid but it is difficult to find something equal.

“When Spain were playing in the final of the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 the crowd were supporting us, but it was nothing like this.”

Commonwealth Games 2010: technology and ticketing providing no end of problems

2010-10-10T20:18:00.001-07:00

Olympic organisers say they will learn lessons from the serious ticketing and technology problems at the Commonwealth Games that have been so bad the system has teetered on the verge of collapse.

The most basic information needed for athletes, officials and technical delegates to conduct the competitions in New Delhi have ground to a halt.

In addition, the technology surrounding the sale of tickets has been immersed in scandal and incompetence, with spectators told venues are sold out, only to see on television the stands are half empty. Ticket offices often sell tickets but are then unable to print them out.

The ticketing debacle has even extended to fraud. On Sunday police arrested two people, including a volunteer who worked with the organising committee, for selling tickets at double the face value even though they were supposed to be given to schoolchildren for free.

“This has been an eye-opener into how not to do things, and how important it is for the whole system to be integrated from the word go, and tested months ahead of time,” said a London official who has been embedded in the Games staffing.

“The technology has been the biggest disaster and it has only been the goodwill of everyone being patient and trying to work around the issues that any results are being published, it is a nightmare. Technology and tickets, the two big items and they have failed both here, it has been a really valuable lesson for us not to cut any corners with this.”

Behind the scenes the results and information service which provides basic details such as schedules, times, placings, medal tallies and flash quotes from athletes has failed miserably. Commentators and journalists have to rely on scoreboard timings that flash up at a venue, sometimes for just seconds. The alternative is to wait more than four or five hours for such results.

“The main area we are very unhappy with is the Games info system,” Commonwealth Games Federation president Mike Fennell said.

Organising committee executives said the problem was the integration of the information at the venues on to the mainframe. Experts have been working on the problem of corrupted files and unworkable slow data speeds since before the opening ceremony, but it has now got to the stage that the information is being emailed around on pdf files.

Swiss Timing was charged with integrating the system at each venue into the main system but with just four days of competition remaining, the system still does not work.

Fennell said integration of the results was always challenging at Games and the contract had to be carefully handled.

Boxing: Khan, Barnes win CWG medals

2010-10-10T20:17:00.001-07:00

Haroon Khan guaranteed a Commonwealth Games medal at the Talkatora Stadium in Delhi on Saturday.

However, he insisted beating a British fighter gave him more satisfaction than knowing he will head home with at least bronze.

The 19-year-old, wearing the vest of Pakistan, squeezed past Welshman Andrew Selby on countback after a tight 3-3 draw, then said he felt vindicated after alleging he had been frozen out of the Great Britain squad.

Khan said: "This is what I wanted to do - get a medal and beat a lad from the Great Britain podium squad. I've done that and proved them wrong. It [beating a Briton] is more important than the medal."

Responding to comments made by Selby after the previous round in which the Welshman said Khan was not worthy of a podium squad place, Khan said: "Selby said he battered me in sparring - well look what happened then.

"My hand was lifted and I'm just so proud. My job was to come here and prove the selectors wrong and I've done that. I've got a medal at 52kg and the British lad hasn't got it. I wanted a medal to prove I'm good enough and I've done that."

Khan took the lead with a left hand through Selby's tight guard in the opening round, but a good left in return allowed the Welshman, whose more accurate shots lacked power, to draw level.

A crisp counter-punching right from Khan put him back in front in round two but Selby's dogged persistence paid off with a second equalising punch towards the end of the round, setting up a dramatic finale.

Both fighters exchanged single points again in the third with Khan's looser, more powerful performance ultimately catching the eye of the judges and sending him through to a semi-final against India's Suranjoy Mayengbam.

Northern Ireland light-flyweight Paddy Barnes was less happy with his bronze medal and was in no mood to celebrate despite a strong and sharp 4-2 victory over Australia's Andrew Moloney.

Barnes, the European champion and Olympic bronze medallist, dodged the interview mixed zone after claiming earlier quotes he had given in which he claimed boxing was "boring" had been taken out of context.

Middlesbrough heavyweight Simon Vallily got his Games campaign under way with an explosive first-round stoppage of Dominic Winrow of the Isle of Man.

Vallily rocked his opponent with his first punch of the fight and forced a standing count with just 20 seconds of the contest gone. A huge left hand clubbed Winrow to the canvas and he was helped groggily back to his corner.

Vallily said: "It was good to get out there. I wanted to get into the tournament and get the ball rolling because all of this is a new experience for me but it's just great to be at the Commonwealth Games.

"There's a bit of pressure on me but it doesn't really affect me. I just train hard and get in and do what I've got to do. The pressure just comes with winning. With my power and speed I hope I can have a good tournament.''

Northern Ireland's Steven Ward moved within one more win of a medal with a 7-4 win over Australian Giancarlo Squillace, while Scottish heavyweight Stephen Simmons eased past South Africa's Masana Manganyi 10-2.

Simmons decked Manganyi with a strong right hand in the last round but the Scot, who was dropped from the fully-funded Great Britain podium squad earlier this year, was far from happy with his performance.

Simmons said: "I give it five out of 10. I'm here to take gold here and prove a point but I will need to make my performance better to do it. I'm never going to win gold with a performance like that.''

Riverland's champ celebrates another gold

2010-10-10T20:16:00.000-07:00

Loxton-born Sophie Edington has added another gold Commonwealth Games medal to her trophy cabinet.

A triple gold medalist in Melbourne, Sophie Edington has taken gold in the 50 metres backstroke in Delhi.

Setting a Commonwealth Games record, she touched at 28 seconds, ahead of England's Gemma Spofforth with 28.03 seconds and Welsh swimmer Georgia Davies, third, at 28.33 seconds.

In Melbourne, Edington also won gold in the 100 metres backstroke and 4x100 metres medley relay.

Kalmadi thanks Delhiites and others for 'successful' CWG

2010-10-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi today thanked Delhiites and "unseen" people for their contribution in making various events successful during the grand sporting event and said "excellent" results will help spread the message of Olympics in New Delhi. "The citizens of
Delhi have happily joined hands with Delhi Police to ensure the implementations of the Games Lane so that the athletes’ schedules are not affected by traffic. No event of this magnitude can be successful without the contribution of several people, unseen but vital," Kalmadi said in ‘Village News’ – a special daily newspaper, meant for Commonwealth Games Village residents.

He said there have been some fabulous results from the velodrome and the pool.

"The number of new Games records set is a testimony to the quality of competition and the field of play," he said adding that "I am confident that such excellent results will help spread the message of Olympic sport in India."

Kalmadi said his colleagues in the Indian Olympic Association share the optimism that "we can build on the surge of interest and enthusiasm among sports fans in the country. We know we can build on this to sustain the development of many new champions.

"It is pleasing to note that all competitions have been held according to schedule thus far."

The 19th Commonwealth Games being hosted by the country was marred by several controversies including corruption and filthiness in several facilities meant for athletes.

Over 7,000 athletes from 71 nations are living in the Commonwealth Games Village here to participate in 12-day-long sporting event scheduled to end on October 14.

Haryana chief minister wants Olympics in India

2010-10-10T08:15:00.001-07:00

With players from Haryana leading India's gold medal hunt in the Commonwealth Games, Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda Sunday said India should now host the Olympics.

'The country is capable of organising the Olympic Games. People have noticed the potential of the country. If the Olympics are held, I can say our players will bring laurels to the country,' Hooda said in Sonipat.

At least 11 players from Haryana have won Commonwealth gold medals out of India's tally of 28 golds.

'Being a sportsperson, I know players of country in general and Haryana in particular. They have huge potential. If they are provided facilities and support, the country can lead the world in sports,' he added.

Hooda said that international-level sports academies in boxing, wrestling, hockey, cricket and basketball were being set up in the state to provide the best sporting facilities to players from the state.

The Commonwealth medal winners and coaches of the state would be honoured in a function on Haryana Day Nov 1.

The players winning gold, silver and bronze medals would get cash awards of Rs.1.5 million (15 lakh), Rs.1 mn (10 lakh) and Rs.500,000 respectively.

Coaches of medal winners would be honoured with cash prizes of Rs.300,000, Rs.200,000 and Rs.100,000.

Commonwealth Games 2010: shambles continue as swimming pool filtration system fails

2010-10-10T08:14:00.001-07:00

Where's the boss? Where's the tickets? and where's the chlorine? As the Commonwealth Games heads into its eighth day of competition there is no let up of the glitches and stuff ups that have marred the lead up preparations and the actual competition.

At the aquatic centre on the final day, the main pool was so cloudy and dirty, swimmers couldn't see more than two metres underwater, impacting on their turns. The wide television pictures illustrated a stark contrast between a sparkling blue diving pool and a brownish murky tinge to the main 50m pool.

Sources say the problem stemmed from the filtration system that failed completely. Ellen Gandy, an England bronze medallist on the last day, said that she couldn't see more than two metres in front of her during the warm-up.

Kamlesh Nanavati, competition manager at the SP Mukherjee complex, admitted to Telegraph Sport that it was a backwash problem with the pool's filtration but that no federation had directly complained.

He said: "The pool was not dirty but it certainly wasn't clear. We had two tests on the pool and there were no problems."

However British Swimming performance director Michael Scott filed an official complaint with the organisers an hour before the start of competition, but received no satisfaction.

"I feel I have a responsibility to my swimmers who have put in significant hours of training to make sure they have the best possible conditions.

"Would you expect a Formula One racetrack to have substandard conditions? I am obligated to ask the question."

This is the same pool that passed water testing two days ago after it was feared to have been the cause of a spate of ill swimmers, possibly from pigeon droppings contamination.

Divers derigging TV output on the final day said that they had never seen a competition pool so unclear. One said: "There were black bits [from the roof] floating on the bottom and the water has got worse throughout the week."

The Indians are crying foul that they are being unfairly treated by their visitors as the Games continue on their shambolic way.

The Indians claimed an English official was rude at the archery, and the South African swimmer Roland Schoeman had racially offended an Indian spectator calling him a monkey. Both had been cleared after investigations by their respective delegations.

On Saturday the chairman of the organising committee, Suresh Kalmadi – the author of the gaffe about Prince Diana – failed to show at the daily press conference for the second consecutive day.

His replacement, the organising committee secretary general Lalit Bhanot – the author of the line about westerners having different standards of cleanliness to Indians – instead had to take the wrath of an increasingly frustrated Commonwealth Games Federation.

The main problem is the poor crowd attendance at some venues, even though some had been boosted by free tickets to schoolchildren. Bhanot tried to bat away complaints about the sparse attendances, claiming close to one million tickets had been sold, including 54,885 yesterday and said the size of the crowd at the athletics was very good, the boxing was full and of course, the hockey, India's national sport, was sold out for

Indian matches, including Sunday's crunch clash against Pakistan. But the CGF president Mike Fennell stepped in noting "you weren't at this morning's meeting" and revealed an internal investigation was under way.

"When people go to the ticket office and can't purchase a ticket because they are told the event is sold out, something is not right about the ticket sales and we have asked for a thorough report on it." said Fennell.

Of course many of the animal capers are unavoidable. The cobras in the athletes village – the count is up to five snakes –, the swooping crows at the hockey, the wayward dog on the athletics infield, add colour to a Games.

It's the drama the Games don't need.

Australians Win Fan-Free Road Races At Comm Games

2010-10-10T08:13:00.002-07:00

Tight security featuring gun-toting police on top of steel barricades kept most of the spectators away during a Commonwealth Games women's cycling road race won by Rochelle Gilmore of Australia on Sunday.
It was a perfect day for the race — moderate temperatures, sunny skies and a scenic course through some of the most picturesque parts of downtown New Delhi, including the famous India Gate and Presidential Palace. Even a dog and a monkey sighted on the course didn't bother the competitors.

Gilmore won in a sprint finish in 2 hours, 49 minutes and 30 seconds. Elizabeth Armistead of England was second and another Australian, Chloe Hosking, took bronze.

Another Australian, Allan Davis, won the men's road race of 168 kilometers (103 miles) later Sunday in a sprint finish over Hayden Roulston of New Zealand in a time of 3:40.48. David Millar of Scotland took bronze. Pre-race favorite and Tour de France sprinter Mark Cavendish finished seventh.

But the morning race, staged over eight laps of a 13.7-kilometer (8.45-mile) course, was almost devoid of fans. Television footage showed mostly soldiers and other security officials standing behind the fenced and barrier-laden course.

The lack of crowds didn't bother Gilmore.

"Perhaps it was for the best in terms of security," she said. "We knew a lot of spectators would be watching us on TV."

Gilmore's victory comes after Australian cyclists won 12 of 14 gold medals on the track.

It was a Kiplagat kind of evening at the nearly full Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where 800-meter runner Boaz Kiplagat Lalang led the way to win gold in 1 minute, 46.60 seconds. Richard Kiplagat was next in 1:46.95 and Abraham Kiplagat took bronze in 1:47.37.

David Greene of Wales surprised defending champion Louis van Zyl in the men's 400 hurdles, beating the South African to the finish line in 48.52 seconds. Van Zyl was second in 48.63 and Rhys Williams of Wales took bronze in 49.19.

In the women's 400 hurdles, Muizat Ajoke Odumosu of Nigeria won in 55.28, followed by Eilidh Child of Scotland in 55.62 and Nickiesha Wilson of Jamaica in 56.06.

Nicole Forrester of Canada won the women's high jump, clearing 1.91 meters. The men's discus gold medal went to Benn Harradine of Australia, who threw 65.45 meters.

Diving began its four-day run and Canada took both golds Sunday.

Jennifer Abel and Emilie Heymans won the women's 3-meter synchro. Australians took the other medals — Briony Cole and Sharleen Stratton the silver and Jaele Patrick and Olivia Wright the bronze.

Alexandre Despatie defended his title in the 1-meter springboard by taking gold later Sunday. One of the biggest names in the diving competition — Olympic 10-meter platform champion Matthew Mitcham of Australia — won the silver.

It was Despatie's record seventh gold Commonwealth Games gold for Canada. His first came in 1998 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia when he was 13.

"It feels like a long time ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday," said Despatie. "Hopefully I have a bit more to give. At 25 years of age it's weird being called a veteran."

Meanwhile, organizing committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said a volunteer on the organizing committee had been reported to police over the alleged sale of counterfeit tickets. Local media also reported that two people were arrested for scalping games tickets and that some games credentials were also sold illegally.

Commonwealth Games Federation President Mike Fennell said 850 of the planned 1,500 doping tests at the games had been conducted, and that 600 tests that have been returned were all negative.

There was a positive tone Sunday from Bhubaneswar Kalita, India's chef de mission. Despite a host of problems at the Commonwealth Games — late construction of venues, transportation and security concerns and clogged roads — Kalita said he remained optimistic that India would one day hold an Olympics.

"Yes, our good performance and hosting games like this will definitely step forward (the bid) to host the Olympics in India," Kalita said.

Wrestler Sushil Kumar wins 28th gold for India

2010-10-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

World champion and Olympic bronze medalist Sushil Kumar of India has beaten Heinrich Barnes of South Africa to win the the 66-kilogram freestyle wrestling final at the Commonwealth Games to bring India's gold tally to 28. Kumar pinned down his opponent in the second round when leading 2-0, 5-0 to
clinch the gold on Sunday.

Sushil Kumar had earlier in the semifinals pinned Famara Jarjou of Gambia in a mere nine seconds.

The world champion had also not conceded a point in the previous two bouts.

The fierce battle for gaining the second spot in the Commonwealth Games continued in earnest between India and England on the seventh day of competitions with the hosts edging in front by bagging four gold medals.

Teenage archer Deepika Kumari upset an Olympic bronze medallist to win the recurve gold, Harpreet Singh clinched the 25m centre fire pistol gold, archer Rahul Banerjee grabbed the men's individual recurve gold and world wrestling champion Sushil Kumar won the 66kg title by destroying all his rivals.

Vijay Kumar bagged silver behind Harpreet, freestyle wrestler Anuj Kumar also got a silver in men's 84 kg, trap shooter Manavjit Singh Sandhu secured a bronze while Jayanta Talukdar finished third behind Banerjee.

Sania Mirza and Rushmi Chakravarthi beat compatriots Nirupama Sanjeev and Poojashree Venkatesh to secure the women's doubles bronze in tennis and swell India's medal kitty.

Banerjee's sister Dola finished third in women's recurve and grappler Anil Kumar got the bronze in 55kg freestyle as India came up with another impressive display to jump over England and regain the second spot behind leaders Australia.

Asian silver medallist Jai Bhagwan (60kg) and nine-time national champion Dilbag Singh assured India of two more boxing medals but defending champion Akhil Kumar made a shock exit in the Commonwealth Games by advancing to the semifinals on Sunday.

Jai, a Commonwealth Championship gold-medallist, blanked Waheed Sogbamu of Nigeria 10-0, while Dilbag (69 kg) thrashed Botswana's Moabi Mothiba 11-3 in while Akhil Kumar bowed out after losing to Olympic bronze-medallist Bruno Julie of Mauritius in the 56 kg quarterfinals.

The two boxers joined Amandeep Singh (49kg) and Suranjoy Singh (52kg), who won their quarterfinal bouts on Sturday, in assuring themselves of their maiden CWG medals.

The haul of four gold, two silver and five bronze medals took the Indian tally to 28-19-22 while England were once again made to play catch-up with a haul of 25-45-29. Australia were far ahead with 57-33-35.

India were also just three gold medals short of overhauling their best-ever harvest of 30 at the Manchester Games in 2002 when three gold medals were awarded for each weight class, a practice that has been discontinued since.

The day opened with 17-year-old Ranchi-born Deepika, daughter of an autorickshaw owner, stunning 2004 Athens Olympics bronze medallist Alison James Williamson 6-0, showing amazing precision and steady nerves in windy conditions to win her second gold of the Games.

Gagan creates history with fourth Commonwealth gold medal

2010-10-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

Shooter Gagan Narang scripted history by winning the fourth gold medal at the Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi on Saturday. He bagged the gold in the Singles 50 m Rifle 3 Positions (Men) event and took India's gold medals to 22.

ACE INDIAN shooter Gagan Narang scripted history by winning the fourth gold medal at the Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi on Saturday. He bagged the gold in the Singles 50 m Rifle 3 Positions (Men) event and took India's gold medals to 22. At the rate at which Narang has been performing in the Commonwealth, India can expect few more such medals in the coming days.

Meanwhile, shooters Harpreet Singh and Vijay Kumar too clinched gold medals in men's 25-metre centre fire pistol pairs event. The Commonwealth Games has brought to the fore some incredibly talented athletes and sports persons. In athletics, Harminder Singh secured a bronze medal in men's 20 km walk. Another feat was achieved by Kavita Raut on Friday when she created history by winning bronze medal in women's 10,000 metres.

Other possible events, where India can expect gold is in women's individual recurve event in which India will be represented by archers Dola Banerjee and Deepika Kumari. In the men's segment, Jayanta Talukdar and Rahul Banerjee may fetch another gold in men's recurve event.

In wrestling, all hopes are pinned upon Sushil Kumar in men's freestyle wrestling. Yogeshwar Dutt (60kg), Anuj Kumar (84kg) and Anil Kumar (55kg) are the others, who will represent India in different categories.

CWG Tennis: Sania goes down fighting in singles final

2010-10-09T20:42:00.001-07:00

India's Sania Mirza saved four match points but fell short in the decisive final set tie-breaker to lose a nail
-biting women's singles tennis final

3-6, 6-2, 6-7 (3) to Australia's Anastasia Rodionova at the Commonwealth Games here Saturday.

The 23-year-old-Indian, world ranked 137, had to content with a silver at the Games where tennis had made its debut.

With a set-all, the momentum shifted dramatically in the decider. The two players shared four breaks of serve before the match went into the tie-breaker, where the Australian prevailed and even earned a thunderous applause from the partisan crowd which cheered on her every error.

It was a heartbreaking loss for Sania, who rallied against the top seeded Australian, world ranked 62. With spectators from the overflowing stands cheering Sania, the Indian was up a break in the decider but allowed the advantage let slip.

Sania, however, won the hearts of those packed the centre court. The guests included Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalamadi, actress Nafisa Ali and Olympic silver medallist shooter Rajyavardahn Singh Rathore.

"It was an honour playing for the country. The important thing is that I gave my best, though I fell short." Sania said.

Both the players showed nerves in the beginning with neither able to hold serve in the first three games of the match.

Sania's serve again let her down, as she was not able to hold her service even once in the first set, and a stream of errors flew from her racquet in her attempt to go for outright winners.

With crowd firmly behind her and cheering for her on every point, the Indian raised her game by several notches in the second set and broke the Australian in the third and the seventh game, making it a set all.

Ironically, she double faulted when she was serving to stay in the match.

Rodionova, who is a Russian by birth, said: "I have been working hard. Now I feel like a real Australian after winning the Commonwealth Games gold."

The bronze medal match between Australians Sally Peers and Olivia Rogowska will take place later in the evening.

India wins 3 golds on Day 5, Somdev and Sania in singles finals

2010-10-09T20:41:00.001-07:00

Indian ace shooter Gagan Narang won his third gold medal in the Commonwealth Games 2010 , whereas, country's top seeded tennis players Somdev Devvarman and Sania Mirza secured their berth for gold events in the men's and women's single.

INDIAN ACE shooter Gagan Narang won his third gold medal in the Commonwealth Games 2010 at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting range on Friday. Gagan Narang with Imran Hasan Khan won his third gold and this was the 16th gold overall for the Indian contingent in the Commonwealth Games.

Earlier, Gagan Narang with Abhinav Bindra had won gold medals in men's 10m air rifle pair event and in the 10 m Air Rifle Men Singles events. Indian shooters have now won nine golds, six silvers and a bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games 2010. Total of 32 golds are at stake in the Shooting event, which will continue till October 13.

Today, one more shooter Vijay Kumar won a gold in the men's singles of 25m rapid fire pistol event.

The first gold medal for India today was won by archers Deepika Kumari, Dola Banerjee and Bombayala Devi Laishram in Women's Recurve team event.

In Tennis, country's top seeded tennis players Somdev Devvarman and Sania Mirza secured their berth in the men's and women's singles final. Somdev Devvarman won against Matt Ebden of Australia 6-3, 6-1, whereas, Sania Mirza defeated her Australian opponent Olivia Rogowska by 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinal.

Indian Wrestler Babita Kumari stormed to the finals of the women's 51 KG freestyle wrestling event and ensured another medal for India. Yesterday, another wrestler Geeta had won the gold medal in the Women's freestyle 55 kg event.

Commonwealth Games 2010: Haroon Khan says he proved GB selectors wrong

2010-10-09T20:39:00.001-07:00

Haroon Khan guaranteed a Commonwealth Games medal at the Talkatora Stadium in Delhi insisting beating a British Olympic squad fighter gave him more satisfaction than knowing he will head home with at least bronze.

The 19 year-old, brother of world champion Amir Khan, wearing the vest of Pakistan, squeezed past Welshman Andrew Selby on countback after a tight 3-3 draw, then said he felt vindicated after alleging he had been frozen out of the Great Britain squad.

Khan said: "This is what I wanted to do - get a medal and beat a lad from the Great Britain podium squad. I've done that and proved them wrong. It [beating a Briton] is more important than the medal."

Responding to comments made by Selby after the previous round in which the Welshman said Khan was not worthy of a podium squad place, Khan said: "Selby said he battered me in sparring - well look what happened then.

"My hand was lifted and I'm just so proud. My job was to come here and prove the selectors wrong and I've done that. I've got a medal at 52kg and the British lad hasn't got it. I wanted a medal to prove I'm good enough and I've done that."

Khan took the lead with a left hand through Selby's tight guard in the opening round, but a good left in return allowed the Welshman, whose more accurate shots lacked power, to draw level.

A crisp counter-punching right from Khan put him back in front in round two but Selby's dogged persistence paid off with a second equalising punch towards the end of the round, setting up a dramatic finale.

Both fighters exchanged single points again in the third with Khan's looser, more powerful performance ultimately catching the eye of the judges and sending him through to a semi-final against India's Suranjoy Mayengbam.

Khan has yet to decide whether he will remain an amateur or turn pro but father Shah, who was watching ringside, is hoping he will compete in London in the colours of Pakistan.

“I’d love him to be at the Olympic Games because it’s every youngster’s dream,” he said. “As a parent, I’ve seen Amir there and I’d also like to see Haroon there and hopefully win a medal.”

But Khan senior hit out at Rob McCracken, the GB Boxing performance director and head coach of the England team in Delhi, accusing him of excluding his son without even seeing him box.

“He has not seen Haroon box at all,” he said. “All he’s seen is paperwork. He’s seen the paperwork that says Haroon got beaten at a certain stage, but that means nothing.

“If kids like Haroon get pushed away at an early stage, he [McCracken] doesn’t get to see these guys. McCracken’s never seen Haroon in a camp, so how can he pick a team when he doesn’t know about the guys?”

Haroon, who is keeping in constant touch with Amir at his training camp in the Philippines where he is preparing for his WBA light welterweight defence in December, said: “My message to the selectors is to keep their eyes open because there is so much talent out there in England.”

Meanwhile, England light heavyweight Obed Mbwakongo landed a last-second punch to become the first fighter to beat an Indian at the Games, defeating Dinesh Kumar 9-8.

His victory followed a controversial loss for English bantamweight Iain Weaver at the hands of India’s Akhil Kumar. Weaver claimed he was “stitched up” by poor judging decisions as he went down 11-6.

Middlesbrough heavyweight Simon Vallily opened his Commonwealth campaign with a first-round knock-out of Dominic Winrow, of the Isle of Man.

There were worrying scenes when Glasgow boxer Joe Ham collapsed following his 14-11 bantamweight defeat by Namibia’s Sakaria Lukas.

The 19-year-old was preparing to talk to reporters when his legs gave way. He was unconscious for five minutes before he eventually came round and was taken by stretcher to an ambulance.

Jones equals 10-gold record at Commonwealth Games

2010-10-09T20:38:00.003-07:00

Leisel Jones watched backstroke teammate Emily Seebohm touch the wall at the Commonwealth Games pool on Saturday, then plunged off the deck and into her breaststroke leg of the Australian team’s 4x100-meter medley relay.

Powering through the water, she raced her two laps of the pool, then watched as butterfly specialist Jessicah Schipper and then freestyler Alicia Coutts completed an easy first-place finish and an Australian gold medal at the Dr. Dr. S.P. Makherjee Aquatic Complex in suburban New Delhi.

Easy enough, but this one was special for Jones: her 10th gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, equaling a record career haul held by two other Australian swim stars, Ian Thorpe and Susie O’Neill.

The 25-year-old three-time Olympic champion won three gold medals in her first games at Manchester in 2002, had four in Melbourne in 2006 and in New Delhi this week won the 100 and 200 breaststroke before her medley relay gold.

“I have a feeling the team will do it for her,” O’Neill said from an Australian television network’s broadcast podium before the night’s finals.

Jones, who has won seven world titles since joining the Australian swim team at the age of 14, said it was special knowing O’Neill was in the building.

“Susie was here and saw the race and she was very gracious,” said Jones. “It was very special.”

Jones said it was good to share the record-equaling experience with her teammates.

“It was lovely,” Jones said. “We all love swimming the medley relays. It was a great way to top off for me. It’s good to be on a nice round number.”

Jones said she might not be around when the Commonwealth Games go to Glasgow, Scotland in 2014.

“I don’t know about that,” Jones said. “It is a lot of fun but my main competition is not really here.”

Jones will likely get a chance to test herself against the “main competition”—the United States—in Shanghai, China next year at the world championships and in 2012 at the London Olympics.

Commonwealth Games drug free, so far

2010-10-09T20:38:00.001-07:00

The Commonwealth Games have been completely clean so far on at least one front: 500 athletes who have been tested for doping have all been given the all-clear.

Commonwealth Games Federation President Mike Fennell told a news conference Saturday that 1,500 doping tests were planned during the games period, "and that target remains." He said all tests conducted up to Thursday had come back negative, "and that is a positive result."

The federation is responsible for testing the athletes and the World Anti-Doping Agency is observing. Fennell said the number of tests will increase in pace with the number of finals -- under the testing regime, all medal winners are tested and some are done randomly.

It was good news for the games, which have been plagued by stomach illnesses affecting some swimmers, near-empty stadiums, construction delays, concerns about dengue fever and filthy conditions in the athletes' village before the games began.

Organizing committee officials said ticket sales for the games, which end on Oct. 14, are approaching the million mark -- 946,000 as of Friday, including nearly 55,000 sold on Friday itself. And they said the reason for half-empty stadiums where tickets are reportedly sold out was that corporate sponsors were not passing thousands of them along to clients.

In parts of the Commonwealth, the organizational blunders would be described as a bit of a "dog's breakfast."

It was no great surprise when a stray dog, common on the streets of New Delhi, sauntered onto the track at the main stadium and into the infield on Saturday morning, bringing hoots and roars of laughter from the crowd as workers tried to catch him.

"It's not an uncommon phenomenon," said IAAF technical director Keith Davies, who attends track meets around the world. "We've had dogs, we've had cats, foxes."

After roaming the track and evading two workers dispatched to shoo him off, the dog disappeared through a tunnel near the 100-meter starting line and disappeared.

The track invasion happened not long after Fennell had delivered his latest urge for local organizers to improve the ticket sales situation.

"On attendance, it is not fully satisfactory," Fennell said. "We will continue to keep pressure on the organizing committee to what can be done, whether it be sales or complimentary tickets to groups."

An outbreak of dengue fever was a concern after a prolonged monsoon season, heightened after an Indian team official was hospitalized last week with the potentially fatal disease.

Nigerian table tennis player Ekundayo Nasiru withdrew from competition on Saturday, but officials with the team said it was for malaria, another mosquito-born disease which is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa but not a major concern in the Indian capital.

The first two of 32 gold medals on offer Saturday went to Australia's Jared Tallent and England's Jo Jackson in the men's and women's 20-kilometer race walks. Jackson beat Tallent's wife, Clare.

Those were also the first events held outside the heavily secured venues, protected by 100,000 police and military. And were conducted without a hitch. The men's and women's road races will be held Sunday in the streets of downtown New Delhi.

Inside the aquatics center, Australia was again the dominant nation, finishing the six-day swim meet with 22 gold medals. Alicia Coutts won five of those to lead the individual count at New Delhi, and veteran Leisel Jones picked up her third in a week to join Australian swimming greats Susie O'Neill and Ian Thorpe with a record career haul of 10 Commonwealth Games titles.

Canada's Brent Hayden completed a freestyle sprint double on Saturday by edging defending champion Roland Schoeman in the 50 final, going with his gold in the 100.

World and Olympic champion Valerie Adams easily won the shot put gold medal, breaking her own Commonwealth Games record with her first attempt of 20.47 meters in an evening athletics final.

"Job done," Adams said. "That is what I wanted, to rip it up and throw big and win gold."

India remained on target at the range, where Gagan Narang won the men's 50-me rifle three positions final to claim his fourth gold medal at New Delhi 2010. He has contributed one-third of India's 12 golds at the range, helping keep the host country in a tight race with England for second place in the overall medal standings.

Archer Duncan Busby edged compatriot Chris White in the individual compound final to register England's 600th gold medal in Commonwealth Games history, and 22nd so far in Delhi.

Faavae Faauliuli made history at the other end of the spectrum, claiming Samoa's first Commonwealth Games gold medal when he won the men's 94-kilogram weightlifting title with a total of 334 kilograms.

"I feel happy and proud," Faauliuli said. "All my countrymen will be happy about my gold.

World No. 1 Wins Commonwwealth Games Squash Gold

2010-10-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

Nicol David, the world no. 1 women's squash player struck gold Friday when she she defeated Jenny DuncalfJenny Duncalf 11-3, 11-5, 11-7 in the XIX Commonwealth Games squash singles final.

This is the only major title missing from her impressive career. Her previous best finish was fourth place at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006. Second-seeded Duncalf, who has beaten David twice this year, simply had no answer to the world No. 1’s power play.

David won in 35 minutes without dropping a single game as she did when winning last month's World Open in Egypt. She said, “This is one tournament that I really wanted to win".

The 27-year-old Malaysian, who is the first Asian to achieve the world no. 1 ranking, recently won a record-equalling fifth world title. This is her 54th month at the top of the rankings. David is also the first squash player to have won the World Junior title twice; in 1999 and 2001.

Tech power India can't keep the Games website up and running

2010-10-09T20:26:00.001-07:00

The Commonwealth Games official website has gone for a toss. Far from being uploaded automatically almost in real time, the website has been painfully slow, often well behind private media sites. This has virtually shut down an important window on the Delhi Games for the wider world.

The mess is the result of an expensive piece of technology, the Timing, Scoring & Results (TSR) system, a key requirement in modern sporting events.

The system was procured by the Games OC for a stunning Rs 112 crore, which is five times more than what Melbourne paid for its TSR system at the last Commonwealth Games. Experts here say it could be bought for Rs 35 crore.

Now, after a week of complaints and with just five days to go, Infostrada, which provides comprehensive statistics and sports information services at the Games, will now launch a new website solely for the media's use.

This cock-up is seen as a huge embarrassment, especialy as India prides itself on being a technology power. But the TSR system tripped up every day in the week the Games have been on, forcing Commonwealth Games Federation boss Mike Fennell to admit on Saturday to problems with the system.

Fennell said that there were problems with the official Games website, which has failed to provide automatic updates and been virtually useless.

"There have been glitches," Fennell said. "With the help of Infostrada and Swiss Timing we are trying for an alternative solution to the problem."

Sources told TOI that the TSR system has been bought from Swiss Timing, one of the two companies that submitted a bid. The bid of the other company, MSL, was rejected on the grounds that it did not meet evaluation criteria. The Games technology team is headed by Harsh Kumar, who is a finance professional.

Delhi Plans Wing To Maintain Games Infrastructure

2010-10-09T20:25:00.001-07:00

The Delhi government is planning to create a separate wing in the public works department (PWD) to maintain the expansive infrastructures built across the city for the Commonwealth Games.

Delhi public works minister Rajkumar Chauhan said forming a new wing was imperative to ensure that the constructions remained in shape even after the Games.

He said the maintenance of the Games' infrastructure would be a challenging task and demanded considerable expenditure, but would help Delhi arrive on the world map.

"Some Games projects like the elevated road, Ring Road bypass and Salimgarh flyover have created history as they were constructed in a record span of time. At least more than three years were required to construct the elevated road, but Delhi did it in just 20 months," Chauhan said.

XIX Commonwealth Games - Fastest Woman Controversially Stripped of Gold Medal

2010-10-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

Sally Pearson was elated when she won the women's 100m gold medal at the XIX Commonwealth Games in New Delhi yesterday. The 24-year-old became Australia's first Commonwealth Games 100m champion in 36 years when she crushed the field in 11.28 seconds. Then tragedy struck, and the Australian sprinter did not finish on the podium for the medal award ceremony at the Jawaharlal NehruJawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

England protested that she had not been penalised for a false start, and the IAAF appeals jury upheld their protest and turned down Australia's counter-protest. England argued that Pearson had broken from the blocks at the same time as England's Laura TurnerLaura Turner. Official stadium timekeepers ruled the England sprinter had in fact broken before her Australian rival by 0.001 second. Turner was disqualified and England sought to have Pearson disqualified as well to give another English athlete, Kathryn Endacott the bronze medal.

A brave Pearson returned for the medal ceremony and sat in the stands as Nigeria's Osayemi Oludamola stood atop the dais in her place. Pearson said. "It was really hard. I guess that's in the rule book but it's still pretty hard to watch the ceremony knowing that I was the fastest one on the night." When the three medallists were asked whether they felt Pearson was the fastest female over 100 metres in the Commonwealth, fourth-placed Endacott said, "Who knows?". Oludamola, who benefited from Pearson's misfortune, answered "I don't really know".

Pearson told reporters she would use her emotions, anger and disappointment to propel her to gold in the 110m hurdles, her favourite event, on Sunday. When she came face-to-face with those who succeeded in stripping her of the gold medal, she produced a conciliatory handshake that will remain with those who witnessed it forever. "She's an outstanding personality," said Steve Moneghetti, Australia's chef de mission. "It's nice to have an example of such great sportsmanship shown."

Problems continue to plague Commonwealth Games

2010-10-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

The pool water is clean, but the toilets in the aquatic venue are blocked. Ticket sales are on the increase but the stadiums still seem mostly empty. There was a "major communications blunder" at the track that nearly resulted in athletes being presented with their medals despite the race being under protest.

It's day five of competition at the Commonwealth Games. But somehow, based on all the problems, they all seem to have a common theme.

Commonwealth Games Federation President Mike Fennell on Friday said officials at the athletics stadium erred the previous night by not telling the medalists in the women's 100 that the event was under protest. The original winner, Sally Pearson of Australia, was later disqualified.

"There was a problem ... there was a major communication blunder," Fennell said.

On a day when 43 gold medals were to be presented, the sports often seemed to be an afterthought, not helped by a results system that has not worked properly since the games opened.

Fennell is part of what is called the "games-time management committee." It meets every morning, and on Friday they had several new and continuing issues to handle: a Pakistan official reporting that $550 had been stolen from his room at the athletes' village; the reports of blocked toilets at the swimming venue; poor quality of food to volunteers; and trying to get approval for helicopters to encroach on restricted airspace over the city for television coverage of the marathon and road cycling events.

But the biggest question mark of all: if 900,000 tickets have been sold, why do many of the stadiums appear nearly empty?

Previous problems in the leadup to the games included construction delays, corruption allegations, concerns about security, outbreaks of dengue fever and, perhaps the most damaging, complaints about unfinished and filthy accommodations in the athletes' village just days before teams were due to arrive.

One mystery out of the way Friday was the quality of the pool water, which was suspected of being responsible for a dozen or more cases of "Delhi belly" affecting mostly Australian and English swimmers.

Fennell said three pools were tested - including the main pool and warmup pool at the aquatics venue - "and the tests results of all those pools is that the water is in keeping with the standards that are required. There are no problems with the water in those pools."

He said the Commonwealth Games Federation doctor had spoken to several team doctors and "they all agreed that the problems they are having with some of the athletes and officials in the village is not from the water, but could be caused by a number of other things."

Fennell also said that the spiked security barrier which malfunctioned and slammed into a Ugandan team car, injuring three of its officials, would be "demobilized so there could be no fear of a recurrence."

Among the eight track gold medals on Friday's program, European champion Andy Turner led an England sweep of the medals in the 110-meter hurdles, winning in 13.38 from William Sharman and Lawrence Clarke.

Sharman picked up a stomach bug on the eve of the race and spent time in a hospital with an intravenous drip Friday between his qualifying heat and the final.

"I was close to tears this morning," he said. "The only reason why I ran the final was because my mum flew over here to watch me."

Olympic champion Nancy Jebet Kiplagat pulled away on the final lap to win the women's 1,500 in 4:05.26, a Commonwealth Games record, while Amantle Montsho of Botswana set a games mark in winning the women's 400.

Canadian Jamie Adjetey-Nelson led from start to finish to win the decathlon with 8,070 points.

Australia was dominant at the velodrome and the pool, rounding off track cycling with 12 gold medals from 14 events.

Cameron Meyer collected his third gold with victory in the 20-kilometer scratch race, while the Australians also beat New Zealand to win the men's team sprint.

World champion Alison Shanks won the women's individual pursuit, holding off Olympic silver medalist Wendy Houvenaghel of Northern Ireland.

Led by comeback king Geoff Huegill and veteran Leisel Jones, Australia won four more gold medals in the pool to lift its meet-leading total to 18.

Huegill, completing his return from a four-year retirement and the loss of 50 kilograms (110 pounds) that he packed on while not swimming, won the 100-meter butterfly.

"Words can't describe how I feel. ... The last time I swam that quickly was 10 years ago," Huegill said.

Liam Tancock, Rebecca Adlington and James Goddard gave England three gold medals for the night to partially break the Australian dominance. Tancock won the 100 backstroke in 53.59 and Goddard won the 200 individual medley.

Adlington, the Olympic champion in the 400 and 800, added the 400 to her earlier win in the longer distance, leading from start to finish in the eight-lap race.

South Africa's Cameron van der Burgh completed the men's 50-100 breaststroke double, while Yolane Kukla of Australia won the women's 50-meter freestyle from England's Francesca Halsall.

India's Sania Mirza lived up to local expectations by reaching the women's final of the first tennis tournament ever held at the Commonwealth Games, but former top-ranked pair Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi crashed out in the semifinals.

Fastest Man at The XIX Commonwealth Games

2010-10-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

Jamaican Lerone Clarke became the fastest man at the Delhi XIX Commonwealth Games yesterday when he won the 100-metres gold medal. Clarke sprinted to victory in 10.12 seconds.

The 29-year-old sprinter took advantage of the absence of fellow countrymen Usain BoltUsain Bolt and Asafa PowellAsafa Powell to win his first major championship. "It feels amazing. It's my first major championship victory. I know I am the best in the Commonwealth," he said.

His time was slower than the Commonwealth record of 9.88 seconds set by Ato Boldon, and way off Bolt's 9.58 seconds world record. Englishman Mark LewisMark Lewis-Francis, the recent European championship silver medal-winner came in second. Trinidad and Tobago's Aaron Armstrong took bronze in 10.24.

Delhi Police says 'No' to merchandising stores inside CWG venues

2010-10-08T19:38:00.001-07:00

There seems to be no end to setbacks for the Organising Committee (OC) of the XIX Commonwealth Games . And they seem to be coming with an automatic regularity everyday. This time the Delhi Police has overruled the committee's order to set up 63 CWG merchandise stores inside the stadium venues. "We cannot allow things to be taken in or out of the venue because of security reasons as it could be risky not just for the players but also for the spectators as well, " said Rajan Bhagat , spokesperson of the Delhi Police when contacted.

It has ordered the removal of the existing 17 merchandise stores from the stadium premises by Saturday. When asked if they failed to work in tandem with the OC who had allowed their merchandising partner to open stores inside the venues, Mr Bhagat refused to comment. Premier Brands Ltd. (PBL), merchandising partner and the sole retail concessionaire for CWG 2010, had a contract with the OC to open 63 stores in 10 stadium venues. Of these the merchandising partner had opened just 17 so far which is being shut down at present following the police commissioner's order on Thursday.

Thirteen out of the 17 stores were in the main Jawaharlal Nehru stadium and the rest four in other stadiums selling inventory worth Rs 1 crore. "We are in the process of removing our stores which will be done in the next two days," says Suresh Kumar , chairman, PBL. "We have incurred loss of inventory worth over Rs 4 crore in all the 10 stadium venues where inventories were dispersed and stores were yet to be opened," he added. The company has incurred a loss worth Rs 4-5 crore that includes all cost borne on inventory and the cost of venue contractors , which was Rs 2.5 lakh per store.

Mr Lalit Bhanot, OC general secretary, said he had no clue about the development. "I have no idea on the Delhi police orders as I was busy with meetings throughout the day," he said. The abrupt order has come at a time when the CWG merchandise was seeing brisk sales.T-shirts , vuvuzelas, jackets, casual wear and kid's apparels, generic items like umbrellas, key-chains and mugs were some of the popular items. PBL has sold 65,000 T-shirts already out of the first lot of 75,000. Around 21,000 vuvuzelas had been sold out of our total stock of 50,000 and 10,000 Shera soft toys have been picked up from a lot of 25,000.

"We had run out of stocks and we were filling almost everyday ," Kumar said. "Our total investment was in the tune of Rs 4 crore," he added. "We were anticipating a profit of about Rs 10-12 crore (over $2.25 million) but now we don't think we will be able to make even half of that," says Kumar. Merchandising, however, began quite late in India for CWG in comparison big ticket sports events in other nations. For the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it started as early as three years before the Games while the 2012 London Olympics' flagship store and online sales have already started functioning.

"We were given four dates earlier but the OC failed to launch the merchandise and now we are at a complete loss. No assurance has been given so far by the OC to handle the situation," says Kumar. The merchandiser was even slated to sell the products in the entire country but OC decided to restrict it only to Delhi and the national capital region because of lack of time.

One step forward, two back at C’wealth Games; Pearson loses medal

2010-10-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

The pool water is clean, but the toilets in the aquatic venue are blocked. Ticket sales are on the increase but the stadiums still seem mostly empty.

There was a “major communications blunder” at the track that nearly resulted in athletes presented with their medals despite the race being protested.

It’s day five of competition at the Commonwealth Games. But somehow, based on all the problems, they all seem to have a common theme.

Commonwealth Games Federation President Mike Fennell on Friday said officials at the athletics stadium erred the previous night by not telling the medalists in the women’s 100 that the event was under protest. Just as well, as the original winner, Sally Pearson of Australia, was later disqualified.

On a day when 43 gold medals will be presented, the sports often seemed to be an afterthought, not helped by a results system that has not worked properly since the games opened a week ago.

Fennell is part of what is called the “games-time management committee.” It meets every morning, and on Friday they had several new and continuing issues to handle: the reports of blocked toilets at the swimming venue; poor quality of food to volunteers; and trying to get approval for helicopters to encroachment on restricted airspace over the city for television coverage of the marathon and road cycling events. But the biggest question mark of all: if 900,000 tickets have been sold, why do many of the stadiums appear nearly empty?

Previous problems in the leadup to the games included construction delays, corruption allegations, concerns about security, outbreaks of Dengue fever and, perhaps the most damaging, complaints about unfinished and filthy accommodations in the athletes’ village just days before teams were due to arrive.

Dedicated traffic lane? OC sells CWG car stickers

2010-10-08T19:30:00.001-07:00

If you thought that the Commonwealth Games dedicated traffic lane in Delhi was a corridor where only Games delegates could travel, think again. Because car stickers for the Games lane are being sold by the Organising Committee.

In a bizarre move to generate income, the OC is selling these vehicle passes to Missions of the Commonwealth countries.

Sources said the OC is selling the stickers for $280 (Rs 12,440) each to High Commissions of 54 countries. These passes allow vehicles to ply on the dedicated Games lane for the entire duration of the event.

“We have to have vehicle passes for the Commonwealth Games lane since our athletes and delegates are travelling on the lane. And we don’t want to be stuck in traffic jams. That will be a coordination nightmare,” said a diplomat from a European nation.

An official from a High Commission of a South Asian country dittoed: “We were given one complimentary vehicle pass for the entire High Commission. There was no other option except buy some vehicle passes.”

Sources said the OC has been selling passes for three vehicles to every High Commission, but countries with large delegations have managed more since their requirement is more.

While most missions are buying these access passes to avoid coordination hassles, some countries are complaining about the price, saying it is steep. A diplomat from an African country said: “The government should have provided these vehicles passes gratis as a gesture of friendship. But it is charging us for a such a small thing. Quite unbecoming of a large country like India.”

Asked about the sale of these car passes, OC secretary general Lalit Bhanot said: “This facility has been extended to High Commissions and their officials since they didn’t want to get stuck in traffic. This facility is also being given to other officials like broadcasters who are involved with the Games.”

Young woman from Nashik brings home first individual track medal in 52 years

2010-10-08T19:29:00.001-07:00

India’s first individual medal in 52 years in a running event at the Commonwealth Games was won today by a 25-year-old tribal woman who grew up running double the distance she covered in the 10,000-metre race — fetching water each time the river flowing through her village Savarpada, 90 km from Nashik in Maharashtra, dried up during summers.

Kavita Raut clocked 33 minutes and 5.28 seconds to win the bronze, the 10th athletics medal India has ever won at the Commonwealth Games. The last individual medal for a Commonwealth Games track event was Milkha Singh’s gold in 1958.

Expectedly, the Kenyans—Kwamboka Grace Momanyi and Chepkwemo Doris Changeywo—won the Gold and Silver. With 1,200 metres to go, Kavita found the energy in her legs and staying power to break from the rest and cross the finish line after the Kenyans. The home crowd roared and Kavita scampered around to find a Tri-colour for a victory lap.

“I wanted to improve my best timing at the Games but I couldn’t. But this Bronze has given me a lot of confidence. I can only get better from here. I want to thank all my coaches. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I did today,” Kavita said.

Her bronze-medal winning time paled in comparison to her personal best of 32:41.31 but Kavita was confident that she would bag the Gold and improve her performance at the Asian Games next month.

On Friday, her family in Savarpada village would have been happy that Kavita’s long-time coach Vijendra Singh was adamant that the teenager put her lung capacity to better use than running to fetch water.

It took Singh, who is with the Sports Authority of India, Nashik, three years to convince Kavita’s parents that she could become a famous runner and win the country medals. “Her parents wanted her to stay back in Savarpada, complete her basic education in a government school and help the family make both ends meet by working on the farm,” Singh said.

Singh spotted Kavita at an inter-school sports competition when she was 15. “She won the 1,500 and the 3,000 metres but was really raw. Years of running up to 18-20 kilometres everyday to fetch water during the summer months had given her a lot of stamina. She even had to walk five kilometres to her school. After I coached her for three months, she won an under-16 gold. From then on she has only gone from strength to strength,” said Singh who couldn’t watch the 10,000-metre final live on television because the channel he was tuned into was telecasting boxing. And he suspects Kavita’s family, too, missed the final. “I had put up posters in Nashik to alert people that Kavita was running tonight. I doubt anyone saw it because we could only watch boxing here.”

Prince Charles's bodyguard collapses as they fly to Commonwealth Games

2010-10-08T19:27:00.001-07:00

Prince Charles was involved in a mid-air medical emergency when his security chief suffered a heart attack on the royal plane to India.

Superintendent Tim Nash collapsed during the private flight from London to Delhi last Saturday, just yards from where Charles and his brother Prince Edward were sitting.

It meant the heir to the throne was left to carry out a high-risk four-day tour of India without his most senior protection officer.

Charles’s personal doctor treated the senior Scotland Yard officer as the royals were kept abreast of the ‘traumatic’ situation.

His condition was deemed so serious that aides feared the plane – part of the Queen’s Flight – would have to make an emergency landing.

But the chartered aircraft, which is believed to have been nearing the end of its eight-hour journey, was able to touch down in Delhi at 1.35pm, where it was met by paramedics.

Mr Nash is still recovering in hospital, leaving the rest of his team to protect Charles during the Commonwealth Games.

A source said: ‘Tim had a massive heart attack and it was very touch and go – they thought he was at death’s door.

‘His career may be effectively finished – he may not be able ever to go back to work.’

Clarence House declined to comment.

Records tumble as Kumar grabs a Gold

2010-10-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

Indian shooter Vijay Kumar set a new Commonwealth Games Final Record, grabbing a Gold medal in Singles 25m Rapid Fire Pistol.

“I'm happy because this is my second Gold medal.” said Vijay.

The 25-year-old racked up 787.5 points on his way to victory, having earlier broken his own Games Qualification Record with a score of 583 points.

Malaysian shooter Hasli Izwan won Silver with a score of 760.3 points.

“I went through the first target okay, but after that I had a problem with the trigger and moved a bit too slow, so that's why I had a bad first shot. The rest of the shots were okay.” Izwan told

Meanwhile, Gurpreet Singh, the Indian Gold medallist in the Men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol Pairs and 10m Air Pistol Pairs, continued his golden run by adding a Bronze to his medal haul.

“I was not satisfied with my score,” he said.

When asked about him being under any pressure, “There was no pressure on me because my score was not good,” he added.

CWG: Shooters Gagan Narang, Imran Khan win 16th gold for India

2010-10-08T01:56:00.001-07:00

Shooters Gagan Narang and Imram Hasan Khan bagged yet another gold medal at the XIX Commonwealth Games for India at a shooting range event on Friday.

Narang and Khan won the gold in the 50 m rifle 3 position pair event, thus, raising India's gold medal tally 16.

1 step forward, often 2 back at Commonwealth Games

2010-10-08T01:55:00.000-07:00

The pool water is clean, but the toilets in the aquatic venue are blocked. Ticket sales are on the increase but the stadiums still seem mostly empty. There was a "major communications blunder" at the track that nearly resulted in athletes presented with their medals despite the race being protested.

It's day five of competition at the Commonwealth Games. But somehow, based on all the problems, they all seem to have a common theme.

Commonwealth Games Federation president Mike Fennell on Friday said officials at the athletics stadium erred the previous night by not telling the medalists in the women's 100 that the event was under protest. Just as well, as the original winner, Sally Pearson of Australia, was later disqualified.

On a day when 43 gold medals will be presented, the sports often seemed to be an afterthought, not helped by a results system that has not worked properly since the games opened a week ago.

Fennell is part of what is called the "games-time management committee." It meets every morning, and on Friday they had several new and continuing issues to handle: the reports of blocked toilets at the swimming venue; poor quality of food to volunteers; and trying to get approval for helicopters to encroachment on restricted airspace over the city for television coverage of the marathon and road cycling events.

But the biggest question mark of all: if 900,000 tickets have been sold, why do many of the stadiums appear nearly empty?

Previous problems in the leadup to the games included construction delays, corruption allegations, concerns about security, outbreaks of Dengue fever and, perhaps the most damaging, complaints about unfinished and filthy accommodations in the athletes' village just days before teams were due to arrive.

One mystery out of the way Friday was the quality of the pool water, which was suspected of being responsible for a dozen or more cases of "Delhi belly" affecting mostly Australian and English swimmers.

Fennell said three pools were tested - including the main pool and warmup pool at the aquatics venue - "and the tests results of all those pools is that the water is in keeping with the standards that are required. There are no problems with the water in those pools."

He said the Commonwealth Games Federation doctor had spoken to several team doctors and "they all agreed that the problems they are having with some of the athletes and officials in the village is not from the water, but could be caused by a number of other things."

Fennell also said that the spiked security barrier which malfunctioned and slammed into a Ugandan team car, injuring three of its officials, would be "demobilized so there could be no fear of a recurrence."

In early athletics action at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Jamie Adjetey-Nelson ran the second-fastest time in 110-meter hurdles and the second best throw in the discus to stay in the lead of the decathlon after seven events. The Canadian finished the hurdles in 14.76 seconds and threw the discus 45.21 meters to increase his total to 5,888 points.

The first of eight track gold medals on Friday's program went to Diane Roy of Canada, who won the parasport 1,500 in 3 minutes, 53.95 seconds. Chineme Bibian Obeta of Nigeria was second in 4:09.29 and Anita Fordjour of Ghana took bronze in 4:18.83.

Later, 11 gold medals were scheduled to be awarded in the pool, five each in gymnastics and shooting, and the first in badminton.

Many of those venues were completed well after they were supposed to, which prevented many so-called "test events" from being held. Staging test events would have allowed officials to iron out many of the major problems they are being forced to deal with during these games.

"I don't want to argue that if the stadiums had been delivered to the organizing committee earlier, it would have been better," Fennell said. "There is no question about that."

Glynn hammers hat-trick for New Zealand

2010-10-08T01:53:00.001-07:00

Katie Glynn scored a hat-trick on Friday to guide New Zealand into the semifinals of the Commonwealth Games women's hockey competition with a 4-1 win over England.

South Africa held defending champion Australia to a 1-1 and also moved atop Pool A.

England opened the scoring via Ashleigh Ball in the 14th minute before Glynn took over with some brilliant stick work inside the striking circle.

Samantha Harrison got the equalizer in the 25th minute and just before halftime Glynn ran into the striking circle, dived in front of goalkeeper Beth Storry and scored off a reverse stick for a 2-1 lead.

Glynn twice broke through the England defense in the second half to complete her deserved hat-trick.

"We wanted to play aggressively," Glynn said.

"I got a couple of good balls which I put through, but I think it was a good team performance."

England has six points and is expected to make it to the last four with a match against Malaysia, but Friday's result was a letdown for Ball.

"It's really disappointing as they made their chances count in the second half and made us pay for that," she said.

New Zealand which has nine points from three victories will meet Canada in its last Pool B game on Saturday.

In the first match, Hockeyroos went ahead through Ashleigh Nelson's eighth-minute field goal which was equalized by South Africa's Sulette Damons in the 31st. However, both teams defended well in the second half to settle for a draw.

"It was really hot, but I actually felt really good," Damons said.

"It was a tough match and I think anyone could have taken it towards the end."

South Africa and Australia have virtually booked places in the semifinals with seven points each, but South Africa has an advantage with a superior goal difference.

"We are going to gain a bit of momentum and doesn't matter who we play (in semifinals) because we have a tough match ahead," Australia's Jade Taylor.

Australia plays against Scotland on Saturday while South Africa takes on India.

"We just need one more point to qualify," South African captain Marsha Mareschia said. "We have a long history with India and it will be more of a mind game than a tactical one."

On a busy Friday in the hockey competition, India plays against Trinidad and Tobago and Wales will be up against Canada in the women's matches.

The two men's matches are: South Africa vs. Trinidad and Tobago and Malaysia vs. Scotland.

Used condoms block drains at Delhi Commonwealth Games

2010-10-08T01:38:00.001-07:00

THOUSANDS of used condoms blocked the drains at the Delhi Commonwealth Games village after they were flushed down toilets by amorous athletes, local media reported today.

A report in the Indian newspaper Mail Today claimed a condom vending machine containing around 4000 contraceptive packs had been installed at the village, but the precautionary measure was now causing problems with the plumbing.

Games chief Mike Fennell said yesterday he was just happy to see that so many of the 7000 competitors at the athletes’ village were being careful.

"This shows that athletes are being responsible and are promoting safe sex," he said.

Cancel Sunday Trip To Connaught Place

2010-10-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

Two Games events, cycling and marathon, will make Connaught Place out of bounds to pedestrians and motorists on Sunday (10 am-6 pm). On Saturday, Parliament Street and Rajpath will be closed (6.30 am10 am) for a race walk.Drop all your plans of visiting Connaught Place (CP) this Sunday.

Two Commonwealth Games events -cycling and marathon -will make the area out of bounds for pedestrians and motorists from Sunday morning. Following this, all shops and restaurants at Janpath and CP will invariably remain closed.

On Saturday, a 20 kilometre `race walk' will be held at Parliament Street and Rajpath from 6.30 am to 10 am, making it out of bounds for vehicular and pedestrian movement.

The traffic police have ringed Connaught Place and parts of India Gate with `iron-made security fences', which means you will not be allowed to even walk in the corridors of the shopping hub.

CWG: India cruise into final of mixed team event

2010-10-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

P Kashyap today pulled off an upset victory against world number 16 Rajiv Ouseph 21-13, 21-17 as India demolished England 3-0 to set up the title clash against defending champions Malaysia in the mixed team event at Commonwealth Games here tomorrow.

With the win, India, the second seed in the team event, also avenged their defeat to England in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. The hosts have thus continued their winning streak to six matches and moreover winning all of them in straight sets as they made it to the finals after a span of 28 years.

The crucial match of the semifinals was the mixed doubles where Jwala Gutta and V Diju came out with brilliant serves, which made their walk to victory against Nathan Robertson and Jenny Wallwork quite comfortable.

Though there were some unforced errors by the Indian pair which conceded a few points in the first game but soon took control over the shuttle, with Diju killing off his rivals' strokes by his brilliant smashes and Jwala by her usual good net plays to pull it off 21-17, 21-15 in a 29-minute encounter.

''We both played well. They are far experienced players. It was a crucial match for both the teams and we were under pressure. My strokes were going well and both of us served well,'' Jwala said.

Meanwhile Diju said, ''This was the first time that we have beaten Nathan Roberston in mixed doubles. Though he is playing with a new partner this time. We served really well and that proved to be the difference between both the pairs. It was good that there was no long rally because Nathan is world's best backcourt player.

Everything worked according to our strategy.'' However, the biggest win for the hosts came when Kashyap, the world number 32, made his higher ranked English opponent Rajiv bit the rust 21-13, 21-17 to take India two up.

Kashyap, who led from the start of the game, went on with some good rallies to win the first game easily. However, he was stretched a bit in the second game as he lost focus mid-way when he was 15-10 to concede points till it was 15 all.

However, he controlled over the game and picked up the crucial six points on a trot to eventually wrap the match.

''It was only after today's quarterfinal that I was told that I will be playing this match. I was under pressure and infact Gopichand sir was also under pressure after putting me in the singles match,'' Kashyap said.

''So I wanted to prove a point that even I can beat him. Most of my team members were confident that I am better in fitness than Rajiv.

''My strategy was to tire him out by playing rallies. So I started slow. I never lost focus in the entire match and I always play better when the crowd is behind me,'' added the ecstatic shuttler.

National coach P Gopichand also rated Kashyap's match as the best on India's enroute to the finals.

In the women's singles, Saina Nehwal who was playing her second match of the day seemed confident at the start of the match against Liz Cann, with all the morale boost her team mates have brought after the two wins.

Saina got the better of Liz 21-18, 21-11 to give India an unassailable 3-0 lead and the victory.

The Indian, however, took time to concentrate on her game before she was able to read her rival in the second game to beat her with much trouble.

''Last time, we lost to England in the team event semifinal against England. So we were little bit nervous before the match. But it was a good team effort. Jwala-Diju's match was important and they pulled it off comfortably. And Kashyap was also amazing today,'' Saina said after her match.

''I was confident of winning my match but there was pressure as I was playing in front of such a huge crowd, which I am not used to it. But it is a great feeling that we have entered the finals after a long time,'' she added.

On India's match against Malaysia, she said, ''If I play Mew Choo Wong in women's singles, it would be tough. But I have played her many times so I know her game.

Meanwhile, Gopichand said the three women's matches could be crucial tomorrow.

''Women's singles, women's doubles and the mixed doubles would be crucial matches and they will decide our fate in the finals tomorrow,'' he said.

In the other semifinal match, Malaysia defeated Singapore 3-1 to enter the final.

Seven medals but cyclists dissatisfied

2010-10-07T20:13:00.000-07:00

New Zealand's performance in the final of the men's 4000m team pursuit overnight (NZT) encapsulated their track cycling campaign at these Commonwealth Games.

It's been full of hope but splintered by the Aussies.

The sight of Jesse Sergent, Westley Gough, Marc Ryan and Sam Bewley scattered to different parts of the track as the tight Australians powered home at near-world record pace was one to behold.

New Zealand have a well funded group boasting both quality and depth - four silver medals and three bronze here attest to that - but ahead of today's final session they are existing in a green and gold shadow.

The other medals overnight were a 10km scratch race silver to Joanne Kiesanowski and a men's sprint bronze to Sam Webster.

Head coach Tim Carswell admitted gold was goal here but wouldn't criticise his riders, who he said had matched or bettered performance expectations.

He believed the Australians should instead be lauded for rebounding from a poor Beijing Olympic campaign which yielded just one medal.

"They're re-establishing themselves as the No 1 nation in the world. That's what we're up against," he said.

"We've got two years (until the London Olympics) to get it right."

Victory is not beyond New Zealand today.

Alison Shanks is a strong chance in the women's individual pursuit while the men's sprint team pack power.

The men's scratch race is the final event and will feature Ryan and Shane Archbold, who both placed fourth in qualifying heats overnight. Aaron Gate narrowly missed out in 13th.

New Zealand's best track cycling haul at a Games is nine medals, including four golds at Auckland in 1990. That mark could yet be matched or bettered.

"A lot of them are in the best form of their lives and we're certainly not unhappy with how we're going," Carswell said.

"I guess there's high standards from the team to be producing gold medals. If we're not doing that then we tend to beat ourselves up a bit."

Sergent, who added to Tuesday's individual pursuit silver, struggled to hide his disappointment.

"No disrespect to a silver medal but we really did want to win tonight and get one over those Australians," he said.

"We want to hear our anthem at least once in here."

His team led through 1000m and were easily inside national record pace at the halfway point.

Bewley dropped off the pace soon afterwards, sparking a disintegration before being lapped.

"It was a bit of a hit or miss I suppose," Sergent said of the tactics to go out hard.

"We blew up but who knows what would have happened if we didn't blow up, maybe we would have got the better of them.

"In the future, maybe we're going to have to start that fast and finish that fast. I think it's just baby steps up until London."

Kiesanowski, 31, stormed home in the wake of Australian Megan Dunn, who added to her points race gold.

Christchurch road specialist Kiesanowski helped instigate a break for teammate Rushlee Buchanan six laps from the end but when that fizzled out, she pounced on the chance to grab a medal in the final sprint.

Her recent focus has been the United States professional road circuit and she held high hopes for next week's road race here.

"But I'm really glad that I've come back to the track in this last year. I've always loved the track, it's what I started out in as a teenager."

Webster, 19, underlined his enormous potential with a 2-0 defeat of teammate Dawkins in the sprint bronze medal showdown.

He pushed eventual Australian winner Shane Perkins close in the semifinals and had too much pep for a sub-par Dawkins in their two races.

Had tears in my eyes when I heard cheers: Prasoon Joshi

2010-10-07T20:12:00.001-07:00

The build-up to the Commonwealth Games was riddled with controversies ranging from financial corruption to foot-overbridge collapse. Many of those the involved in the Games were often asked by "well-wishers'' to disassociate themselves from the event.
But well-known Bollywood lyricist Prasoon Joshi and film director Shyam Benegal who were involved in the conceptualizing and planning of the opening ceremony are glad they didn't quit midway and that their hard work paid off. Joshi is also helping out with the closing ceremony.

"Some people advised me to leave but the idea was to stay put and make it better. In fact, we didn't have time for more than one full dress-rehearsal. That was my only frustration. I had tears in my eyes when I heard the cheers during the opening ceremony. Those who had earlier advised me to leave took their words back and congratulated me,'' says an elated Joshi.

The creative brief for the project was clear: the diversity and complexity of India. "More often than not, a country is an image. That's not true for India. Ours is probably the most diverse country in the world. It is recognizable as multiple images, and also as an image outside of those presented. Yet, we are a single nation, which is amazing,'' says Benegal, who directed arthouse classics such as Ankur and Nishant besides creating the celebrated television series, Bharat Ek Khoj.

"We had the railways, the hawkers, the coolies, the rickshawwallahs. We tried to recreate both the order and chaos of India. We could've gone hi-tech but we didn't. China is hi-tech. We're hi-touch. We're a tactile nation. It was all about touching lives, bonding,'' says Joshi.

Both Joshi and Benegal worked for free. "There was no question of charging. Bharatbala, of course, was paid because we nominated him to a professional position: creative director,'' says Benegal. Joshi offers a similar view. "I was very clear from the very beginning that I won't charge. It's a matter of national pride,'' says Joshi.

The theme song of the Games composed by AR Rahman came under severe criticism from all quarters. But Joshi, who has written songs for well-known films such as Rang De Basanti, says he wasn't really involved in specific projects. "Given a chance, I would've loved to write the song. But I felt too conscious asking for something like that,'' he confesses.

Benegal, who is currently in the city, is looking forward to the swimming and athletics events at the Games. "Everyone seems to be happy with the Games. Some people are complaining that there isn't enough attendance for the events. I'll have to see for myself,'' he says.

Youth no obstacle for suprise packet Rae

2010-10-07T20:06:00.001-07:00

The youngest gymnast from any nation at the Commonwealth Games, New Zealand's Jordan Rae came surprisingly close to bagging a medal in the vault overnight (NZT).

The 15-year-old rekindled memories of 1990 starlet Nikki Jenkins, who won the vault at the Auckland Games to record New Zealand's only artistic gymnastics gold.

Jenkins' triumph unfolded nearly five years before fellow-Aucklander Rae was born.

Indeed Rae barely qualifies to be at Delhi, sneaking inside the minimum age for gymnasts by just 15 days.

Any nerves weren't obvious as she produced two consistent vaults early in the competition, drawing scores 13.350 and 12.975 for an average of 13.162, a score that challenged her seven opponents.

England's Imogen Cairns won with 13.775 points, from South African Jennifer Khwela and Canadian Gabby May, whose score was just 0.550 points clear of Rae.

"I'm very pleased," Rae told NZPA.

"I was just wanting to do good routines and see how it goes. There was no plans for medals or anything."

Rae said her composure came from a stint this year at the Texas gym of former Russian great Valeri Liukin.

There she trained alongside the likes of Liukin's daughter Nastia, the 2008 Olympic all-around champion.

"It was nice to get a taste of what it's like to train like an Olympian," she said.

"It gave me an insight on what they do and I feel like I learned a lot there."

Rae planned to take a break for school exams once home.

Meanwhile, there were three decent cracks at individual apparatus medals from New Zealand men today.

Misha Koudinov was fifth with 13.975 points in the rings, won by Australian Samuel Offord with 14.825.

Koudinov was sixth in the floor routine with 13.225 and Patrick Peng eighth with 11.900. Neither could match the 14.675 of Australian winner Thomas Pichler.

The gymnastics competition ends tomorrow with Peng contesting the vault and Mark Holyoake the parallel bars.

Taylor finds Englishman too tough

2010-10-07T20:05:00.001-07:00

New Zealander Anthony Taylor's Commonwealth Games boxing campaign came to an abrupt end last nightwhen he was outclassed by England's Bradley Saunders in a one-sided light welterweight bout in New Delhi.

The height and reach that the Tauranga boxer conceded proved too much as Saunders scored almost at will to win the secound round encounter 10-0.

Taylor found it hard to get close to his opponent, who has won a European championship gold medal in the 64kg division, and he was often reduced to defending.

He is the second of New Zealand's six boxers to be eliminated.

Commonwealth Games: 'Pride' on air

2010-10-07T20:03:00.001-07:00

Radio coverage of the Commonwealth Games is an interesting mix of pre-event and current on air programming, bringing out the pride of the city in hosting the games.

The Commonwealth Games (CWG) is all over the city. Radio stations in Delhi, too, have gone all out to make this sporting extravaganza bigger for their listeners by lining up a host of programming and on ground activities.

For the radio stations, games coverage has turned out to be a mix of sports personality based programming and on ground initiatives.

Radio Mirchi built up buzz around the games by having a 100 day countdown leading up to the games. The radio station's mantra for the games is centred on bringing out trivia and information about the games and sportspersons.

Talking about the coverage on the station, Yatish Mehrishi, cluster head and station director, Radio Mirchi, says, "After Asian Games in 1982 and Cricket World Cup in 1987, CWG is the next biggest sporting event in the country. We have been following the games right from the arrival of the Queen's Baton in the country. Our RJs (radio jockeys) and OB vans tracked the journey of the games baton from Wagah to Delhi."

Radio Mirchi especially got AR Rahman and Kailash Kher to unravel their respective anthem songs for the games on the station.

Similarly, Big FM has initiated a campaign, titled 'Dilli mein game-shame ho rahe hai, shame shame mat hone Dena' for the CWG. The radio station has taken pledges from celebrities as well as auto drivers and shopkeepers to keep their city clean and green when sporting fraternities and other visitors from various parts of the world are in Delhi.

The station is also holding on-air contests, with listeners getting an opportunity to win passes for various sporting events every hour. It is also giving out passes for concerts at the Qutub Festival, which is being organised by the Delhi Government as a major attraction for the games.

A majority of the radio stations have incorporated minute by minute updates of CWG as part of their programming and special mentions by RJs.

Fever FM Delhi also rolled out a campaign, titled 'Go India! Go for Gold', urging Indian participants to clinch medals. As part of the pre-event activities, the radio station flagged off a victory march led by Sheila Dixit, chief minister, Delhi and Suresh Kalmadi, chairperson, CWG Organising Committee.

On the activation front, Fever FM put up panels across various schools, colleges, malls, markets and offices in Delhi, inviting people to affix their hand imprints as a gesture of 'high five' in support of the Indian team. The canvasses with hand imprints added up to almost 6000 running feet, the iconic wall being a colourful visual reminder of public support.

Additionally, Fever FM has also launched an initiative called 'Games Sambhalegi Sarkar- Traffic Sambhalega poori Dilli ke saath - Fever 104!'. Fever FM listeners have been appointed to act as traffic volunteers for the games and are spread out across the city to help Delhiites take lesser known but much needed 'patli-galis' (short cuts) to their destinations.

Red FM is broadcasting all the action from the CWG stadium throughout the day. Exclusive interviews with members of the Indian contingent, news about events scheduled for the day and a regular update of the medals tally are part of Red FM's programming initiative for the CWG.

The games have the support of not only radio stations operating in Delhi but from other networks as well, which do not cater to the market directly. For example, My FM welcomed the Queen's Baton in Raipur, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bhopal, Indore and Surat.

My FM Raipur organised a contest for its listeners, where one lucky winner got the chance to hold the baton in the relay with My FM RJs, while the relay was covered live by the radio station.

Harrish M Bhatia, chief executive officer, My FM, says, "Though the CWG is very Delhi centric, My FM expressed its passion and pride for the games by welcoming the Queen's Baton to all the cities where My FM is present."

Kipsiro relishes golden race

2010-10-06T20:19:00.002-07:00

Uganda's Moses Kipsiro took the first athletics gold of the Commonwealth Games after workers triumphed in their own desperate race to repair the track and get the infield ready at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Wednesday's other big winner was Leisel Jones who grabbed her eighth career Commonwealth Games gold on as six titles in the pool kept Australia clear of hosts India at the top of the medal table on the third day of competition in Delhi.

India's sharpshooters, wrestlers and weightlifters gave the host nation six golds on day three, Gagan Narang and Anisa Sayyid both collecting their second of the Games on the shooting range and an African swimmer won a rare major competition gold for the continent in the pool.

Problems, though, continued to dog organisers but the first evening of the athletics got under way on schedule, albeit in front of a sparse crowd, after an army of workers toiled night and day at the stadium to fix damage caused during Sunday's opening ceremony.

“There was some damage to the athletics track and the in-field was in very poor condition and some general cleaning-up (had) to be done and the workers responded to this overnight,” said Michael Fennell, head of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Three hours before the eight-day athletics competition began an army of workers was still struggling to prepare the shot put ring, erect the net around the hammer ring, put up hoardings, and assemble the medal podiums.

One group were shovelling buckets of thick mud out of the steeplechase water jump and using a cycle-wheelbarrow contraption to ferry it away.

Kipsiro outsprinted Kenyan former world champion Eliud Kipchoge over the last lap to win the 5 000m on the track but the day belonged to the green and gold clad swimmers of Australia.

Jones led a podium sweep for her country in the 200m breaststroke to become the 10th most successful athlete in Games history, just two medals short of fellow Australian swimmers Ian Thorpe and Susie O'Neill who share the biggest career hauls.

The three-times Olympic champion was pushed all the way by 17-year-old Tessa Wallace but stormed home to win by 0.22 seconds.

“It was a very tough race. To get away with a win here is great,” Jones, 25, said.

Emily Seebohm, who is competing in eight events in Delhi, got her first gold in the 100 backstroke after finishing second behind compatriot Alicia Coutts in the 100 freestyle, while Matthew Cowdrey won the men's 50 freestyle for para-athletes.

Wins in the relays combined with three golds on the cycling track and three in gymnastics contributed to Australia's total tally of 21.

India are second with 11 golds, England third with six while Malaysia and South Africa share fourth with three.

While Kenyans were expected to be among the medal contenders of an athletics competition missing big names like sprinters Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell, they were not expected to take any in the pool.

Jason Dunford bucked those expectations with his victory in the men's 50 metres butterfly, his country's first Commonwealth Games swimming medal.

“There are a lot of Kenyans in the crowd tonight and to hear the anthem, it's amazing,” he said. - Reuters

Games a let down for hospitality

2010-10-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

The Commonwealth Games have been an absolute let down for the hospitality industry. Anticipating a great rush during the Games, the hospitality industry in Jaipur, had geared up to host about a lakh of tourists from Delhi. But despite the onset of the tourist season, there are no takers even for hotel rooms that are offering almost 30% discount on printed tariff.

So while the safaris at the Ranthambhore National Park are already sold out even before the park opens, the hotels there are crying for tourists. "Most hotels are empty—- but the jeeps for the safari are sold out," said a Ranthambhore Association of Hotel Owners source. Travel agents had expected a great rush and gone for block bookings in advance expecting to sell them at a higher price later.

"There is a reverse trend with this time. We have received 40 to 50% more bookings over the last year, at this time, for overseas destinations. With Delhi almost sealed, the hot selling travel destination is the Andamans," said Sabina Chopra of Yatra, a travel portal.

The seven-day package to the Andamans, with a specially hired plane for Rs 32,000 (all inclusive), has clearly taken precedence over Rajasthan for the travellers. "Besides in India, Goa is totally sold out from the 1-15 October," said Sabina. As a result, tourism has taken a severe lash in Rajasthan, with no takers, despite the season. The initial hype created around the CWG had a lot of groups buying up new properties or add rooms to the existing properties, just in time for the CWG traffic.

According to sources, to cater to the CWG traffic, an additional inventory of almost 750 additional rooms was created across segments from budget to ultra luxury. Besides, for the first time two prominent national tour operators, Le Passage to India and Sita Kuoni went ahead to expand their visibility in the state.

"The company has extended its operations beyond Jaipur in Rajasthan with the opening of four new offices in Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner the 'high footprint' cities," said Khalid Khan, executive director LPTI.

"But we can relax till mid-month as tourism has really taken a blow with the CWG. But just after the Games finish, we have a packed season," he said.

Similarly, after a span of five years, Sita Kuoni has once again started operations in Jaipur. "After winding operations from Jaipur in 2005, we have once again decided to establish our own base in the city, said Sanjay Sharma general manager Kuoni Rajasthan after inaugurating the office just before the CWG began.

Kenya: Country's 'Golden Moment'

2010-10-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

Kenya yesterday launched its medal hunt at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi with the first gold coming from the unlikeliest of sources.

Jason Dunford's victory in the 50-metre butterfly final marked Kenya's first ever swimming gold medal at games of such magnitude, and buried the myth that it's only in track events that Kenya's hopes for gold lie.

Jason's victory follows years of dedication, sacrifice and personal investment without the all-too-familiar cry that the government should help the "smaller" sports grow.

That we can dig gold from the pool is proof that with more focus, Kenya can rake in medals from sporting disciplines we traditionally ignore.

Credit must go to the government and the National Olympic Committee for casting the net wider and sending a big delegation to Delhi, fielding teams in such diverse sports as archery, table tennis, badminton, cycling, squash and lawn bowling.

As we celebrate Jason's landmark gold, we hope Kenya can build on such performances to set a solid base for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Hockey men thrashed 9-0 by rampant Australians

2010-10-06T20:17:00.001-07:00

There is a gap of 23 places in the world rankings between Scotland and Australia and it was all too evident as the tournament favourites crushed Russell Garcia's men 9-0 at the Commonwealth Games in the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi.

The contest was effectively over by half time as the Australians cruised into a five-goal lead. The Scots succumbed to Australian pressure in 14 minutes with a penalty corner shot by Luke Doerner.

Two minutes later the Wallabies doubled their lead when Chris Ciriello forced the ball home after a goalmouth scramble. Scotland's first attempt at goal came from a reverse stick shot from Stephen Dick which led to a penalty corner. Mark Ralph, on the occasion of his 150th Scotland cap, saw his drag flick charged down by a defender. Almost immediately Australia scored their third when Rob Hammond sent a fierce reverse shot high past Scots keeper Alistair McGregor. Two further goals followed before the interval, the first from a drag flick from Ciriello and then a deflected shot past McGregor by Trent Mitton.

The second half saw a similar procession of goals from the Aussies as the Scots defence came under almost constant pressure, and the total might have been higher but for some telling saves from McGregor. Towards the end Scotland did have some chances to get a consolation, with the Aussie keeper producing a great double save from Kenny Bain before Niall Stott's penalty corner effort was also blocked by the keeper and then Ross Stott hit the sideboard.

Scotland's women have the chance to progress up their pool table today when they take on bottom side Trinidad. Coach Gordon Shepherd still remains upbeat despite his side losing 2-1 to South Africa in the last game.

"I was disappointed with the first-half showing against South Africa where we didn't get the tactics right, but I was delighted with the second-half performance and I can't praise the girls highly enough. I feel that I'll have no problem lifting the girls for our next game after this setback as this side has now become used to not losing games," said Shepherd.

Sheila Dikshit sings with kids in Games' spirit

2010-10-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has much reason to cheer with the Commonwealth Games underway without any big glitches. And she didn't hide her joy as she joined 160 underprivileged children in singing songs at the Central Park of Connaught Place here.

Around 160 underprivileged children fascinated the onlookers and shoppers Tuesday evening at the Central Park in the newly renovated Connaught Place by singing and dancing which even the Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit could not resist and joined them.

A youth festival organized by the Delhi government, as part of the ongoing Commonwealth Games (CWG) celebrations witnessed the participation of the choral group of Deepalaya, an NGO working among urban and rural poor.

"The chief minister joined the kids on the stage and sang 'Teri Hai Zameen' song. Besides this song, the students sang an English song 'We are the Children, we are the world," said a member of the NGO.

After enjoying four performances by the students of Deepalaya, the chief minister said that a fantastic programme was put up and Deepalaya is doing a great job, lastly thanking all the students who participated in the event.

"She even asked the compere to inform the audience that the kids were to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the Games but could not do so because of the health constraints of some students," the member added.

The day also saw other performances such as a giant puppet show, Kuchipudi dance and fusion music by various schools and institutes.

CWG Weightlifting: Ravi Kumar sets new Games record on way to gold

2010-10-06T10:12:00.001-07:00

Indias K. Ravi Kumar won the gold in the mens 69 kg weightlifting event at the Commmonwealth Games here Wednesday, setting a new Games record in the process.

He broke the Games record lifting 321 kg (146+175) and surpassed Cameroons Venecelas Dabayas total of 310kg, achieved in the 2002 Manchester Games. It is also a new Commonwealth Championships record.

Problems mount at Games, spectators needed

2010-10-05T23:41:00.002-07:00

The empty stadiums that have marred the first two days of competition at the crisis-hit Commonwealth Games may be filled by children and the underprivileged given free tickets if attendance doesn't improve.

After weeks of problems and delays in a wide range of areas in the buildup to the Games, the sporting events are starting to grab some focus in New Delhi with host India winning five gold medals on Tuesday and England winning its first two in the pool.

But the problems persisted outside of competition. Workers were rushing to relay turf on the infield and try to clean up Sunday's opening ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium so it's ready in time for the athletics program to start Wednesday.

Police scoured the athletes village after an anonymous bomb threat, but it was later confirmed as a hoax. Authorities said a 16-year-old local boy had been cautioned after calling the police from a mobile telephone and claiming that a bomb had been placed in the village.

Led by Montreal weightlifter Marilou Dozois-Prevost, Canada won a gold and two bronze Tuesday.

Dozois-Prevost's total of 182 kilograms — 82 in the snatch and 100 in the clean and jerk — in the women's 53-kilogram class earned her a first international gold.

Fredericton wrestler Eric Fuenekes lost his third-place bout in the 96-kilogram Greco-Roman division but still won a bronze medal thanks to Hassene Fkiri's lack of manners.

The Australian was stripped of his silver for making a rude gesture to judges during his final against India's Anil Kumar. A South African was bumped up to silver and Fuenekes got the bronze.

Canada's women's gymnastics team — Catherine Dion of Gatineau, Que., Kristin Klarenbach of Edmonton, Cynthia Lemieu-Guillemette of St-Hubert, Que., Gabby May of Winnipeg, and Emma Willis of Sarnia, Ont. — also won bronze in the team competition.

Canada has two gold and five bronze after two days of competition.

Against the background of bungling, many of the venues across the city remained nearly empty, prompting local organizers to admit that they are considering giving away free tickets.

"We are working on the children from schools. Already steps are being taken in that direction," local organizing committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said Tuesday at a news conference that was sometimes farcical. "And also from the low level of society."

While Indian shooters were busy winning the country's first gold medal of the Games, the leaders of the local organizing committee were sitting alongside the heads of the Commonwealth Games Federation and faced the media for the first time since the event opened.

Kalmadi was confident that the glitches from the first day of competition Monday had been solved overnight, saying that the transportation issues were dealt with and the addition of ticket booths at all venues would lead to bigger crowds.

"As of today, things are all right," said Kalmadi, who also mistakenly noted that "Prince Diana" had attended the opening ceremony before correcting himself and identifying Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall as the attendees.

Lady Diana was the ex-wife of Prince Charles, who is the heir to the British throne and the person who officially declared the Games open. Diana died in a car crash in 1997.

Despite the optimism shown by Kalmadi, Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell said his organization still had a number of concerns.

"There are some issues that we had to deal with and we have assigned those issues to various people to correct," Fennell said. "And we're expecting that those will be corrected during the course of the day."

New scales were used for the belated weigh-in before boxing competition started Tuesday. Athletes and coaches were upset when the scales used Monday were found to be giving incorrect readings, forcing some boxers to take desperate, unnecessary attempts to shed weight.

Organizing committee secretary-general Lalit Bhanot said it had been "rectified" and "There's no problem at all."

Mike Hooper, the CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation, also responded to claims that he has been living a lavish lifestyle in India instead of ensuring that deadlines for the Games were met.

"It's just simply not true," said Hooper, who has also been burned in effigy by locals for reportedly criticizing India in the run-up to the Games.

"Obviously it was upsetting personally. I'm not going to delve into it," Hooper said. "The basis of what led to that, it's clear, is not correct."

The 19th edition of the Commonwealth Games have been plagued by construction delays, allegations of corruption and security worries, but with 18 gold medals awarded Tuesday and now 26 overall, much of the focus has now turned to sports.

India picked up two in shooting and three in Greco-Roman wrestling on Tuesday, with Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang starting the rush with victory in the men's 10-metre air rifle pairs event.

"It was always important for us to do well on home ground," Bindra said. "It gives us a good start and hopefully, we will have many more medals in the coming days."

Ravindere Singh won the 64-kilogram class in Greco-Roman wrestling, Sanjay claimed the 74-kg gold and Anil Kumar won the 96-kg event.

Singapore claimed two shooting gold medals when Swee Hon Lim and Bin Gai won the men's 50-metre pistol pairs event and Xiang Wei Jasmine and Aqilah Sudhir won the 50-metre rifle pairs.

In track cycling, Australia won the men's and women's time trial races and the men's pursuit. Olympic champion Anna Meares won the women's 500-metre time trial in 33.758 seconds, Scott Sunderland took the men's one-kilometre time trial in 1:01.411.

Jack Bobridge won the 4,000-metre individual pursuit.

England won its first two gold medals of the Games in the swimming pool. Francesca Halsall beat world champion Marieke Guehrer of Australia in the women's 50-metre butterfly, and world champion Liam Tancock won the men's 50 backstroke.

Also, Leiston Pickett gave Australia its fourth gold of the six-day swimming meet by winning the women's 50-metre breaststroke and Robert Renwick won Scotland's first gold with a victory in the 200 freestyle.

Australia won the women's team gymnastics gold for the fourth time in a row and led the medal standings after two days with nine gold medals and 23 overall. India was second with 11 overall.

Canada is sixth.

India looks towards shooters, lifters for more medals

2010-10-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

India, who broke open the gold medal chest with a haul of five yellow metals on Tuesday, once again would look up to their star-packed shooting squad and lifters to boost their medals tally in the Commonwealth Games on Wednesday.

The Games hosts looked well on way to achieve their target in the multi-sport spectacle as the second-best country on day two on Tuesday when shooters and grapplers combined to give them five gold medals as well as two silver medals for a two-day tally of 5 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze.

Australia, as projected before the Games, are leading the bunch with a 8-9-4 medal haul going into the third day's competitions. They ended the day with 9-9-5.

After grabbing the pairs gold, top marksmen Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang would compete against each other for the individual title in the 10m air rifle.

Similar would be the predicament faced by women pistol shooters Rahi Sarnobat and Anisa Sayyed who nailed the gold in the 25m pairs event as they will line up as opponents at the Dr Karni Singh range.

Commonwealth Games: Mentor's girls win again

2010-10-05T23:40:00.001-07:00

BOURNEMOUTH netballer Geva Mentor helped England make it two out of two at the Commonwealth Games, but insists they will need to up their game to hang on to their 100 per cent record.

The 26-year-old was heavily involved as England got their campaign off to a comfortable start with an 81-20 win over Barbados on the opening day of the Games in India.

Mentor ensured they repeated the trick against South Africa, although it proved to be a tougher test as England were made to work hard to come out on top 54-36.

Next up for Mentor and co is New Zealand tomorrow – strong pre-Games favourites and |reigning champions having |seen off Australia four years ago in Melbourne.

And with that in mind, Mentor – a veteran of two Commonwealth Games – insists they will have to move up a notch to maintain their unbeaten start against the Silver Ferns.

“The game against South Africa was just one of those games that we just had to grind out to get the result we wanted,” said Mentor.

“At times it looked like we weren’t going to do that but we got the result at the end of the day and that is what we needed so we have got to be happy.

“The result was a big boost for us in the end, this is what we have been training for and we will be going all out to beat New Zealand.”

Commonwealth Games: Weaver won't accept anything but gold

2010-10-05T23:39:00.001-07:00

Ferndown fighter Iain Weaver believes he has already won the psychological battle at the Commonwealth Games – but insists he will finish the job off in the ring and leave Delhi clutching gold.

The 20-year-old star has been in impressive form in his first full year with the Great Britain squad, winning silver at the June European Championships and the Commonwealth Feds, and gold in the Prime Ministry tournament in Turkey.

And while the surroundings of Delhi might be alien to some, Weaver is back in India having won gold in his last two outings there – at the March Commonwealth Feds and the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games.

But the former Ferndown Upper School pupil insists he is not done in India just yet and believes the gold medal is his to lose.

Weaver, who kicks off his Games bantamweight campaign with a bout against Vusie Simelane of Swaziland tomorrow, said: “This season has been brilliant I’m on top of my game and it will be great if I can finish it all off with gold at the Commonwealths.

“In my weight the field is quite strong but most of them I have fought and beat before so that will give me the edge when we step in the ring.

“I’ve been to India a couple of times before and have done well but this time is much better because we’re in an athlete’s village and have our own cooks.

“That bodes well for more success because when I’m well looked after outside the ring I can focus better on my game inside the ring.

“Anything less than gold will be a disappointment but I fully expect to medal. I won’t accept anything but that gold right now.”

Even though the Games will be a big notch on the belt of the Golden Ring boxer, Weaver has already set his sights on following in the footsteps of James DeGale by winning gold at London 2012.

“The London Olympics is not far off now but I’m just trying to stay at the top of my game until then,” he added.

“It’ll be superb to fight in front of the home fans and qualification starts next year so hopefully I can head into 2011 as Commonwealth champion and really give myself a boost.

“You see a lot of people like DeGale and Amir Khan make their names from the Olympics and I want to do the same – and my journey starts with the Commonwealth Games.”

• Lloyds TSB Local Heroes is an initiative in partnership with SportsAid providing support and funding to over 270 of Britain’s most talented developing |athletes on their journey to London 2012 and beyond.

Commonwealth Games pushes ONE to the top

2010-10-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

ONE pulled a share of 4.8% last night as the top digital channel for the night.

It bettered GO’s 4.5%, 7TWO’s 2.8%, 7mate’s 2.3% and GEM’s 2.0%.

Its top audience was Commonwealth Games Primetime Late with 208,000. The same broadcast on TEN was 725,000 -a combined audience of 933,000. TEN tells TV Tonight it ceased aggregating ratings for simulcast programming on TEN and ONE at the start of this year.

TEN’s combined audience for the Primetime Early session was 737,000 viewers, however TEN claims a combined audience of 1.22 million viewers watched 18-year old Leiston Pickett take out the Gold Medal in the Women’s 50m Breastroke Final.

4.8% isn’t a record for ONE, which pulled 6.2% in early April, but that was with a Formula One race in non ratings.

The top show on a digital channel last night was The Vicar of Dibley on 7TWO with 231,000.

Seven won the night in network share.

Giant screen in CP to telecast events

2010-10-05T18:50:00.001-07:00

With shoppers finally returning to Connaught Place, the Organising Committee has put up a giant LCD screen at the Inner Circle for people to watch Commonwealth Games events, especially during the cycling event in the area. The 10x15 feet wide screen has been placed in the parking lot of B-Block and, according to officials, will start working in a couple of days.

With the beautification work mostly over, many people have started thronging the area in the past few days. “Connaught Place looks very beautiful in its new coat of white paint. It is easier for people to move around and the parking spaces are well laid out. I love the new look,” said Shreya Upadhyay, a frequent visitor. She said the screen will also be a big attraction for visitors.

The Organising Committee has put such a screen in several areas of the Capital. OC spokesperson Lalit Bhanot said, “These screens are for citizens of Delhi. Those who are out shopping and dining in the markets can still catch up on every event.” There is also a Youth Festival going on in the Central Park.

Meanwhile, with a large number of people coming to CP, the Delhi Police has increased security there. Along with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Delhi Police commandos, two Quick Reaction Teams have been also stationed in the area.

Luxury train rides for winners
The government on Tuesday offered free luxury train packages to Indian medal winners in the Games. Athletes who excel in their respective fields would be gifted an all-inclusive, complimentary trips aboard the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Golden Chariot, Deccan Odyssey or Maharaja Express by the Union Tourism Ministry. Tourism Minister Kumari Selja said the medal winners will also be felicitated at a special function to be held in Delhi soon after the Games.

Malaysia lifts another gold in Delhi

2010-10-05T18:49:00.001-07:00

There were more cheers in the Malaysian camp on the second day of the 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG), when weightlifters added a gold and silver while cycling provided a silver lining to boost the medal tally.

Though defending overall champion, Australia pulled away from the pack, after taking a lion’s share of the 18 gold medals at stake today, Acricco Jumitih managed to pluck one from the men’s 62kg weightlifting category while his compatriot Naharudin Mahayudin made it a grand finish by taking the silver.

Late yester evening, Raihan Yusoff clinched a bronze in the women’s 53kg-class after lifting a total of 169kg.

Earlier in the day, cyclist Mohd Rizal Tisin made Malaysia proud by becoming the first Malaysian to win a medal in Commonwealth Games cycling events when he collected a silver medal in 1km time trial.

Host India managed to improve its medal standings, with two gold medals, while Australia continued to prove its dominance among the 71 participating Commonwealth nations and associations.

The Aussies won eight gold medals, England rose to second spot with two gold medals, both from shooting.

Today, a total of 27 gold medals will be up for grabs and swimming offers 9, the highest for today’s take.

Malaysia will be hoping for another golden outing today as four swimmers dip into the pool in search of gold while Katrina Ann Abdul Hadi moves into the final of the women’s synchronised swimming solo technical routine final.

Another Malaysian duo, Lee Zhien Huey and Png Hui Chuen would be taking part in the finals of the synchronised technical duet finals. Apart from the pool, medal hopes remain bright in the finals of the men’s artistic individual all-around competition through Lum Wan Foong.

Despite a bad outing for Malaysian shooters yesterday, they would be hoping to gun down a medal or two through Benjamin Khor and Khor Seng Chye in the finals of the double trap (pairs) event tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, Mohd Faerol Talib and Mohd Hafifi Mansor will be competing in the finals of the men’s 69kg category weightlifting finals and certainly would aspire to emulate the success of Amirul Hamizan Ibrahim and Acricco.

But while the Malaysian camp was rejoicing the win by weightlifters and cyclist, there was disappointment in the hockey arena as the Malaysian girls failed to keep up Monday’s winning momentum (defeated Canada 3-2) after losing 0-5 to New Zealand in pool B match.

The men suffered a similar fate when host India snatched a final minute 3-2 victory in their opening Group A match.

Boxing: Haroon can be better than Amir

2010-10-05T18:48:00.003-07:00

Haroon Khan stepped out of the shadow cast by big brother Amir with a stunning Commonwealth Games debut win.

And that has convinced proud father Shah he can be even better than his world champion sibling.

Shah was ringside in the Talkatora Stadium in Delhi to see Khan, wearing the vest of Pakistan, dismantle Tanzanian opponent Sunday Elias, with the referee stopped the bout midway through the third round as Khan held a commanding 12-1 lead.

Shah said: "Haroon can be better than Amir. If he puts 100 per cent into his training he can do it. He's got to fend for himself now. He's got a lot to prove and that's going to make a difference to him."

Khan made the decision to box for Pakistan after being overlooked for the Great Britain elite squad and Shah believes Haroon was the victim of politics, with jealousy over Amir's success a factor in the decision.

Shah added: "There's loads of politics in this game. 'If one [Amir] does well, why should the other do well?' - that's the thing that comes to my mind. They should have let him have a fair crack at everything.

"There's nothing else left for Haroon to do with the ABA now. Fighting for Pakistan has given him the hunger. He will probably go to the Asian Games with them in November, then we will see what happens from there."

Khan resembled his older brother in his novice days with his lightning movement and eagerness to finish the job, which looked spectacular although it left him open for counter shots from fighters better equipped than Elias.

Khan faces a possible third round meeting with one of GB elite squad members Tommy Stubbs or Welshman Andrew Selby, and he is clearly determined to take his chance to make his point.

"This is a big opportunity for me to prove the critics wrong in England and I'm glad I've done that," added Khan. "My job is to perform in the ring and I didn't let it get to me. I'm not going to bother about the bad publicity I've had."

Bradley Saunders and Anthony Ogogo got England's boxing campaign off to an explosive start as both fighters scored early stoppage victories over their outclassed opponents.

Saunders dumped Dominic Boatswain of Grenada on the canvas twice for a first round victory, then shrugged off the expectations which come with being gold medal favourite in the light-welterweight division.

Saunders said: "This is all about me coming out and performing. I think I've made my own pressure in the past. But my results speak for themselves and people expect a lot from you."

Ogogo took marginally longer to dispose of Andrew Kometa of the Kiribati Islands. Ogogo slammed home right hands to force Kometa to take two standing counts before the referee waved the fight off with Ogogo 8-0 ahead.

Ogogo said: "The first one's always going to be nerve-racking but everyone gets nervous, from Ricky Hatton to Lennox Lewis. It was a massive occasion for me and I tried to keep a level head.

"This is my big chance. I've been dreaming, sleeping, eating and drinking the Commonwealth Games. I want to become known as a boxing superstar rather for any of the other stuff I've done."

Northern Ireland had two winners out of three on the first day with middleweight Eamonn O'Kane a 5-0 winner over Ranil Jayathilkage of Sri Lanka and Mark O'Hara beating Namibia's Mikka Shonena 6-3 at flyweight.

Welsh middleweight Keiran Harding beat Habib Ahmed of Ghana to move into the second round and the Ebbw Vale youngster paid tribute to the help provided by returning veteran Kevin Evans.

"Kevin's been great to have around the team and giving us all tips on how to succeed in an environment like this," said Harding. "It's great to be a part of such a strong squad and having Kevin as a father figure can only be a benefit for us."

Harding's team-mate Chris Jenkins went down 7-0 to Louis Colin of Mauritius. Northern Ireland light-welterweight Steven Donnelly was unpicked 10-0 by Australian Luke Woods.

Uganda: Kipsiro Eyeing No Less Than a Medal

2010-10-05T18:48:00.001-07:00

UGANDA'S biggest medal bet Moses Kipsiro enters the athletics arena today, wary of a Kenyan trio who are ready to do anything to box him out of the Commonwealth Games men's 5000m final.

After denying him a medal podium in his favourite race at the Africa Senior Athletics Championships over two months ago, the Kenyan trio of Eliud Kipchoge, a last minute replacement of Edwin Soi, Vincent Yator and Mark Kiptoo, will not be willing to let Kipsiro break their pattern in the race here at the JN Sports Stadium.

But Kipsiro, used to running in fields where Kenyans are dominant, is least worried of this and for the first time revealed that he wants a medal in the international games after the Olympic medal eluded him in Beijing in 2008. He finished fourth then.

"I can not say what I am going to do but I will plan for the race. I badly need this medal," he said earlier.

With his partner Geoffrey Kusuro pulling out, Kipsiro -- who is focussing on a double, wants to maintain Uganda's routine of winning at least a medal at the Games. Dorcus Inzikuru (3000m steeplechase) and Boniface Kiprop (10000m) won gold medals in Melbourne, 2006.

Also Annet Kabasindi, who finished 6th in Manchester 2002, will be competing in the women javelin final, while Justine Bayigga, and Ali Ngaimoko take to the track in a fight to qualify through the sprints.

Action will also be in the badminton, tennis, swimming and archery.

Commonwealth Games Open

2010-10-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

AS 7,000 dancers cavort with giant puppets beneath a vast balloon, the Commonwealth Games kick off yesterday in an explosion of noise and colour.

But as VIPs including Prince Charles watched the opening ceremony's drama, behind the scenes in Delhi there was yet more slapstick comedy as the chaos and bungling continued.

On the eve of today's first competitions, dozens of scoreboards were not in place and crucial timing equipment had still not been installed - meaning potential world records may not stand.

Almost half the 22,000 volunteer helpers supposed to guarantee the games go smoothly had done a runner - with the smart kit they were given for taking part.

A case of the potentially-deadly dengue fever had been reported inside the athletes' village. And in a cock-up that sums up the shambles, the 10metre diving board had been found to be 10.7 metres high.

In the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium there was no sign of the anarchy as Prince Charles, Camilla and Prince Edward watched the three-hour ceremony.

It began with thousands of performers blowing horns while drummers hammered out a beat.

Then, as fireworks lit up the sky, the world's largest helium balloon lifted 90ft off the ground - dangling eight 20ft-tall dancing puppets in Indian costume.

Some of the 6,000 athletes from the 71 teams competing in the 19th games then paraded around.

The cheerful facade cracked only once - when a segment of the 60,000 crowd booed organising committee chief Suresh Kalmadi as he stood up to speak. The jeers reflected a growing fury over the scale of the blunders. The run up to the games, only the second held in Asia, has been a PR disaster.

First a collapsing bridge, then tales of the filthy athletes' village - followed by deadly snakes, monkeys and dogs on in the venues, a dengue fever outbreak and the spiralling £3.8billion bill.

Many events face delays because transport, scoring systems and refereeing arrangements are in disarray. The diving board debacle is typical. A source said: "The height of the board is creating havoc for the divers. They just can't get their entry into the pool right. Ten metres is ten metres. It should be simple. But it's a farce."

Games organisers are working around the clock to install scoreboards at venues and check the so-far untested timing systems.

It has led to fears British stars such as swimmer Rebecca Adlington, due to compete today, and sprinter Mark Lewis-Francis, may break records only for them not to stand because of faulty equipment.

New Zealand netball chief Lindy Murphy said today's initial game with England is under threat.

She said: "At this stage I don't know how we can start. These people have no concept of how high-performance sport works." Delhi, a city of 13 million people, was yesterday placed in lock-down amidst fears of a terrorist attack.

All shops, cinemas and restaurants were shut, there were road blocks throughout the city - and soldiers patrolled the streets.

There is more trouble on the horizon. More than 700 drivers due to transport athletes and officials refused to work yesterday in protest at long hours and bad food.

But Minister for Delhi Sheila Dikshit knows who is to blame. The media. She said yesterday: "Why don't the media focus on positive things like the new bus depot we have opened in Delhi?"

A royal visit and grand preparations

2010-10-03T19:42:00.001-07:00

There are no nerves at the Games Village, at least not yet. Hours before the opening of the XIX Commonwealth Games, the athletes are going through their early morning practice and getting tips from their coaches. The cyclists are sweating it out under the sun, while the swimmers are already in the pool. This is for the first time in the history of the Commonwealth Games that a training area has been set up within the Village premises for athletics, aquatics, weightlifting, para sport and wrestling.

“I am confident, we will get many medals at this Games,” says Indian athlete Joseph Abraham who will be participating in the 400-metre hurdles. The Indian male athletes have other things on their mind too, like the ‘sherwanis’ they will be wearing at opening ceremony later in the evening. “Our sherwanis have come. I don’t know how I will look, it should be good,” chips in Vinod, another athlete.

Others are busy checking mail and getting other work done before it gets busy for the opening ceremony. Many rush in to catch a quick bite for breakfast. The South Indian stall is the busiest, with idli undoubtedly the most popular item.

The cleaning staff and security personnel are meanwhile on an overdrive, with Prince Charles expected to visit the Village anytime. Excitement hits a high note as Prince Charles and wife Camilla Parker Bowles drop in and start interacting with the participants. The Earl of Wessex Prince Edward also accompanied Charles, who is representing Queen Elizabeth II at the Games opening ceremony.

“I am really inspired after getting to talk to him. He asked me about my event, my preparations and about the facilities here. I said the facilities are really fantastic,” says Ramone McKenze of Jamaica. “We told them that we are having a fantastic time here. We are really enjoying it,” adds Jon Rankin of Cayman Islands.

During their two-hour stay, the royal couple also dropped in at the dining area, surprising those present there. Athletes from many countries left their food to interact with him. “He was wishing luck to everyone. He interacted with everyone for long time,” said one of them. Later, Charles also checked the residential arrangements for the athletes.

Workers to dismantle stage still do not have passes

2010-10-03T19:41:00.002-07:00

The opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games received applause from all quarters, but the organisers now have the herculean task of dismantling the stage ahead.

With the sporting events at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium starting from Tuesday, the Organising Committee has not even thought of the dismantling process. The result: around 250 workers who are to undertake the task of dismantling have not been issued security clearances by the OC.

According to experts, the sturdy steel stage has to be brought down immediately after the ceremony within 8 hours. Once the stage is out, the Aerostat — the helium-filled balloon that floated over the stage — can be taken down and deflated.

“So far, no arrangements have been done to clear the arena,” an official said. After the stage is dismantled and Aerostat brought down, the carpet cover will be removed. The sand cover then has to be covered with grass. With less than 48 hours left, officials fear another fiasco.

“No passes have been issued yet. Of the 60 trucks that have to load the stuff, only eight have vehicle access passes. Every minute counts now,” the official said.

The Aerostat has to be deflated and kept safely to be re-erected for the closing ceremony.

Half a million Euro mistake
A major goof up by the Delhi Police bore heavy on the opening ceremony on Sunday evening. The Delhi Police — without asking anyone — had turned off generators at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium last week. This resulted in 30 per cent of the sophisticated lights getting damaged. The Organising Committee, which is liable for the damage, has estimated the loss to be around half a million Euros.

“These lights have a sophisticated procedure of closing down,” a source said.

Troubled Commonwealth Games open in fortress Delhi

2010-10-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

The troubled Commonwealth Games got underway with a glittering opening ceremony on Sunday in a fortress-like New Delhi after a shambolic run-up that threatened to derail the event.

Britain's Prince Charles, representing his mother Queen Elizabeth II, formally declared the start of the sporting showpiece at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium after a last-minute scramble to get ready went to the wire.

A crowd of 60,000 packed into the steamy arena to soak up a spectacle aimed at celebrating India's long history as well as its emergence as a powerful global player.

It was also a riposte to the months of worries over threats of terror attacks, corruption and construction delays that have dogged the event.

Amid fears militants might attack the quadrennial competition, the ceremony was held in tight security, with nearly 100,000 police and paramilitary forces enforcing a lockdown of the Indian capital.

Bazaars and malls were ordered to shut for the day and major traffic restrictions were in place as security forces lined roads and armed guards were posted behind sandbag positions.

Since 2008, when Pakistan-based Islamist militants killed 166 people in a 60-hour assault in Mumbai, India has been fearful the Games, which feature 71 nations and territories, could be hit.

Western governments have persistently warned of the threat of a militant attack during the event, which runs until October 14.

But Delhi police commissioner Y.S. Dadwal has promised "foolproof security".

Until the opening ceremony, the event had been a public relations disaster.

Many of the sports venues have only been completed in recent weeks, the athletes' village was slammed for being "filthy" and equipment has been installed hastily as the clock ticks down.

Highlighting the last-minute rush, a new metro line linking central Delhi with the main Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was only inaugurated Sunday morning.

Instead of showcasing emerging India, the run-up to the Games have been a national embarrassment, uncovering corruption and inefficiency in its bureaucracy.

Compounding the problems, they were hit by a case of dengue fever on Sunday, with Indian lawn bowls manager Ruptu Gogoi taken to hospital.

But with the event now open, Commonwealth Games Federation president Mike Fennell said it was time to focus on the sport.

"The preparations have been filled with many challenges and our hope is that the next 11 days will focus on the competition and the athletes in their quest for victory and glory," he said at the opening.

It is the first time India has hosted the Games and only the second time the event has been held in Asia after Kuala Lumpur in 1998, but a slew of top names have pulled out, dealing another devastating blow to organisers.

Absentees include Jamaican sprinters Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell, tennis aces Andy Murray, Lleyton Hewitt and Samantha Stosur, swimmer Stephanie Rice and cyclist Chris Hoy.

But some 4,300 athletes have turned up to compete in 272 events across 17 sports, including aquatics, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling.

Australia has topped the medals table in the last five Games and is expected to do so again, with chef-de-mission Steve Moneghetti on Sunday expressing confidence that the event would be a success.

"The opening ceremony is here, it is very exciting and there is a tremendous buzz. This is a great moment for Indian sport," he said.

"I'm confident the performances we see will be world class."

And in a boost to India, International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said the country could still make a serious bid to host an Olympics, despite the Commonwealth Games problems.

"There is a difference between Olympics and Commonwealth Games. The Olympics is bigger and more complicated," India's Zeenews quoted him as saying.

"But I think India has set a good foundation stone for the Olympics bid and a successful Commonwealth Games can help India mount a serious bid for the Olympics."

Fear of jams keeps public off roads, traffic smooth

2010-10-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

Delhi had waited for this day for years and as the date drew closer, heartbeats raced.

For the Delhi Traffic Police, however, the day of the opening ceremony for the XIX Commonwealth Games was not as busy as expected. And they had several factors to thank: It was Sunday, so the rush was low; media had been instructing the public about traffic restrictions, hence streamlining the flow of vehicles; security had been beefed up across the Capital and most shops were closed.

The result: Not even a single traffic snarl was reported on Sunday.

The phones at the traffic helpline desk, however, were ringing off the hook, with anxious commuters requesting information on traffic.

Arvind Bali, who came to South Extension from Gurgaon, said: “I reached within an hour, which is quite unusual.”

In keeping with the government’s appeal to use public transport, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and the Delhi Transport Corporation had respectively increased the frequency of trains and opened 31 focal points from where buses to reach venues were made available.

The Metro trains and buses were, however, packed to capacity.

“I usually take the public transport to avoid jams. I wasn’t too sure if the roads would be clear today, so I chose to travel by the Metro” said Akanksha Singh, an MNC employee.

Dedicated bus services will be provided by the DTC for the next fortnight. The five hubs identified by the DTC that will connect with all venues include, Shivaji Stadium Terminal, Anand Vihar ISBT, Dhaula Kuan, Nehru Place and Kashmere Gate ISBT.

The Metro will also run at an average frequency of two minutes, thereby reducing the burden on road traffic.

Special Commissioner of Police(Traffic) Ajay Chaddha said: “As far as possible, it is advisable for people to make use of public transport to prevent inconvenience for themselves”.

To keep the public updated on traffic restrictions, the Delhi Traffic Police will constantly issue ads through print, broadcast and radio and pamphlets.

Amazing to be New Zealand team's flag bearer for Delhi CWG: Van Dyk

2010-10-03T00:39:00.001-07:00

New Zealand netball player Irene Van Dyk has said that being unveiled as the team's flag bearer for the Delhi Commonwealth Games has come as a huge shock to her.

"It is amazing, there's not a lot of people that have this opportunity, I think my heart skipped a few beats," Stuff.co.nz quoted Van Dyk, as saying.You look around and see the most incredible athletes, the best of New Zealand are here," she added.

In naming the 38-year-old, who won gold at 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games and silver in 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, New Zealand matched Australia, who selected netball captain Sharelle McMahon to bear their flag.

Van Dyk earned 72 caps for South Africa before switching allegiance to New Zealand.

She has played 109 Tests for the Silver Ferns and is set to overtake Lesley Rumball as the highest-capped player in the second Test at the Games.

Meanwhile, New Zealand chef de mission Dave Currie said that Van Dyk was the ideal selection.

"She was genuinely overwhelmed and gave the most amazing response of 'seriously?' It was a real honour offering it to her," Currie said.

Currie also said several other athletes would have been considered, but could not do it for logistical or other reasons.

Around 60,000 spectators are expected to attend the three-hour opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday.

Vigil up for CWG opening event, 1.15 lakh men guard capital

2010-10-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

In an unprecedented security cover, over 1.15 lakh security personnel were keeping a watch in the capital a day before the 19th Commonwealth Games on Sunday.

As many as 195 paramilitary companies — six of which are constituted by women — including 2,300 commandos, 100 anti-sabotage teams, 300 sniffer dogs, 80 radiation meters and 15 bomb disposal squads are securing the city. Add to the heady combo IAF helicopters with snipers, NSG men on top of high-rises around venues and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and you have a sporting event with unprecedented security.

Like any top cop waiting to pass a major test, Delhi police commissioner chose his words carefully on Saturday. ‘‘The security arrangement was made after considerable thought, rethought, examination and reexamination.

It is a multi-layered, multi-dimensional arrangement,” he said. Noting that it was a “moment of great challenge” to ensure security for the Games, Dadwal said: “We have a higher security matrix for the Games compared to any other event ever held in the city”.

Take the example of the opening ceremony alone. Sources said at least 7,500 security personnel will guard Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Over 350 CCTV cameras will keep a hawk’s eye on the spectators.

Ninety checkpoints — the highest-ever in a stadium complex in India — has been set up with security divided in the outer, middle, inner and exclusive zones. The sources said defence helicopters with will do an aerial recce of the Games Village and stadiums at regular intervals. The helicopters will receive additional support from three UAVs, which will also be pressed into service for surveillance work at regular intervals.

The sources said about 70 personnel of the Delhi Police’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) have been trained by the Indian Air Force and the NSG to shoot down suspicious manned or unmanned ‘‘ flying objects”. The three Light Armoured Troop Carriers — bought at Rs 54 lakh each — will also be deputed at the venues and during the opening ceremony.

Eighty radiation meters have also been procured and CBRN teams of the NDRF and the Army have been deployed to tackle emergencies like chemical, biological and nuclear radiations. The Army has also been put on standby, the sources said.

There is no specific terror threat, commissioner Dadwal said. ‘‘There is no truth to the intelligence input that terrorist Illyas Kashmiri is targeting the Games,’’ he said.

Helping the security personnel are gadgets like baggage and car scanners, pass readers, integrated CCTV cameras and many more. An integrated communication room has been set up at the Delhi Police headquarters. Named C4i, it will provide round-the-clock access to all venues through the CCTV network and aerial pictures sent by the UAVs. ‘‘We have dedicated hotlines for each security and civil agency here. Any emergency will be monitored from here,’’ said Karnal Singh, joint CP (Northern Range).

Boycott threatens Delhi Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

2010-10-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

THREE countries are threatening to boycott the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony because they claim organisers have not told them enough about the event.

In a move that would overshadow Delhi's three-hour extravaganza and shatter organisers' hopes the show could save its Games, Scotland, New Zealand and the Isle of Man have refused to guarantee they will march tonight.

A fourth country, Commonwealth Games giant Canada, confirmed it had raised concerns with organisers and was still seeking guarantees for the welfare of its athletes planning to take part.

The countries have sought assurances about the welfare of their athletes and details of their movements to and from the ceremony.

They have also asked Indian officials for the latest security intelligence but have received no reply.

But with little or no feedback from organisers, they are threatening to pull out.

Despite the row, Australia has no plans to join the boycott.

Chef de Mission Steve Moneghetti said it was a "privilege and a highlight of an athlete's career" to take part in the opening ceremony.

A report in London's Daily Telegraph said the threat to stage a last-minute boycott of the three hour extravaganza came from Scotland, Isle of Man, Canada and New Zealand during this morning's chef de mission meeting.

In a heated meeting top officials from those countries demanded more explicit details about the ceremony, in particular the time demands on the athletes.

Scottish representatives said ''it was a wild rumour that we won't take part at this point'' but sources have confirmed they have refused to confirm to Indian officials they will march.

It is understood Scotland's concerns relate to "logistical" issues and confusion surrounding how long its athletes will have to stay out in Delhi's sapping heat to attend the event.

Initially the Delhi 2010 Organising Committee told team officials the athletes could leave whenever they wanted. But this week they reportedly backflipped and warned them they would have to stay for the entire event, which is expected to run for more than three hours.

Another person at the meeting told the Telegraph that some of the teams were more worried about the ''haphazard'' and ''confusing'' orders of protocol than any perceived security risk.

The countries have demanded that the organising committee come back to them urgently with more specific details before they will confirm their attendance at the ceremony.

Delhi woes exhaust Team Canada head

2010-10-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

The fortnight of intense labour to ensure the Commonwealth Games would take place has left Canada’s chef de mission feeling like she has completed the event already.

Martha Deacon told Reuters on Saturday that the number of calls to organisers over the past 10 days and reassurances to worried parents of Canada’s athletes had left her feeling drained.

“Yes,” Deacon said when asked if she felt liked she had completed the event already.

“You get that comment as people get tired and they’ll say ‘I feel like the games are over’“

The opening ceremony for the 12-day Games, which features 71 mostly former British colonies, will be on Sunday and organisers hope it will bring an end to all the talk of a crisis surrounding the event.

After the collapse of a bridge near the main stadium, an outbreak of the dengue fever and question marks about the cleanliness of the athletes accommodation, there were serious concerns that the Games in India would have to be moved or cancelled.

These fears have led to a number of athletes withdrawing but Deacon said she was proud that no Canadian athlete had quit over safety or security issues, which she said was down to excellent communication with all of Canada’s 260-strong athletes.

“I am very pleased by it (no withdrawals),” she said.

“When things were a challenge in the village I was on the phone to Delhi by the hour. (We) met with every sport every day and met via a teleconference so I think it was the communication.

“The communication and the updates kept (up the morale of) the athletes, (who) were incredible. (It allowed) the athletes to train and (stay) at their peak and trust that things were being looked after.”

Deacon said that after all the turbulent events of the past few weeks, she was simply looking forward to the magical opening day of competition.

“The focus does become more and more on sport and that is truly what we are here for.

“All of the speculation, all of the talk, all of the wonderment, all of the predictions ... it become the athletes just coming in and doing their thing and that is wonderful.”

Rural young folks lend a hand at the Games Village

2010-10-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

Over 60 rural young men from Bharatpur district in Rajasthan have joined the housekeeping services at the Commonwealth Games Village in New Delhi. The youngsters have been trained under a special employment project. Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation conducted a month-long training programme recently for the young men belonging to Below Poverty Line families under the Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana. They have been hired for housekeeping services during the Commonwealth Games.

Lupin Foundation's chief programme manager Murali Nair said here on Saturday that the training course was structured to meet “world-class standards” with emphasis on working knowledge of spoken and written English.

“The trainees were specially apprised of the significance of discipline and good habits crucial for their behaviour during the services for Commonwealth Games,” said Mr. Nair.

Scots team excused from Delhi Commonwealth Games ceremony

2010-10-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

SCOTLAND's athletes have been told they do not have to attend the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games today because of fears they will be penned in holding areas for hours at a time.

As Prince Charles flew into Delhi yesterday for the extravagant curtain-call for the event, local dancers complained they had been held for long periods without food and water during rehearsals. Some collapsed in the heat.

But although Scottish team bosses appear confident that competitors will not face undue delays, last night they were still awaiting answers about precise timings for the event before delivering a definitive briefing to their athletes.

Although athletes competing on day one of events tomorrow are already banned from attending the ceremony, there are also concerns about those involved in events over the next few days.

"There were some questions raised this morning in terms of the timings: when the athletes leave, get to the ceremony, then get back again," Team Scotland chef de mission Jon Doig said.

"We have a policy that athletes competing on day one (Monday) do not go to the ceremony. It's quite a physically and emotionally demanding occasion at any Games. We will go back to our team leaders with the final timings, and athletes will make their individual decisions whether to go or not."

As Games open today, Delhi closes down

2010-10-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Relegating all controversies surrounding its preparations to the background, the Capital is all set to play host to over 6,700 athletes and delegates from 71 countries who are here for the 19th edition of the Commonwealth Games that opens at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium this Sunday evening.While the build-up to the Games has been marred by missed deadlines, reports of shoddy construction works, allegations of corruption and mismanagement, the cleaning up of the Games Village in record time and the arrival of several thousand athletes and delegates to the city has raised expectations again about successful conduct of the Games.

The Delhi edition of the Commonwealth Games is also the largest in the history of the Games both in terms of participating athletes and costs incurred. More than 6,700 athletes and officials are participating in the Delhi Games as against 5,766 athletes and delegates at the Melbourne Games, according to the Organising Committee. The expenditure on Games-related works has been pegged at Rs.36,000 crore, according to conservative estimates.

The next 14 days will also be a testing time for the Capital's citizens who will have to negotiate stiff traffic and security regulations as they go about their daily lives.

Over 28,000 Delhi Police personnel and 195 companies of Central para-military forces have been deployed at the 41 Games-related venues for the duration of the international sporting event.

The traffic police have issued an advisory on their website for Sunday's opening ceremony with suggested routes for those wishing to avoid Games-related traffic restrictions.

The advisory also guides spectators travelling to the Nehru Stadium on the various modes of public transport available.

The commencement of the Central Secretariat-Sarita Vihar corridor of the Delhi Metro railway on Sunday will be a big relief to commuters as the Nehru Stadium will be connected by the new line.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Government has notified that all shops and commercial establishments in the Capital will remain closed on the opening and closing days of the Commonwealth Games. Earlier, the Government had notified that all schools and colleges would remain closed during the Games. With these measures, the Government is hopeful that it can tackle the security and traffic situation.

Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta on Saturday clarified that restaurants and fast food eateries, hotels, movie theatres and chemists are exempted from closure on Sunday while shops, malls and commercial markets have been prohibited from transacting business.

Though the opening ceremony is scheduled to start only at 7 p.m., the traffic police have advised spectators to reach the venue sufficiently in advance to reach the areas in the stadium earmarked for them. The ceremony is expected to last two to three hours.

The opening ceremony is also being kept a closely-guarded secret with not many details forthcoming. A song and dance show encapsulating 5,000 years of Indian culture is one of the events planned for the grand opening ceremony on Sunday.

Oscar Award winner A. R. Rahman is also expected to perform his theme song for the Games.

The nearly Rs.40-crore aerostat will be the star attraction at the opening gala.

Fool-proof security cover for the Games: Police

2010-10-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

Describing it as a moment of great challenge, Delhi's Police Commissioner Y. S. Dadwal on Saturday said his force was leaving no stone unturned to make the Commonwealth Games a success. The leave of all the policemen has been cancelled from September 15 and the entire force is on its toes round-the-clock.

Mr. Dadwal said a multi-layered and multi-dimensional arrangement had been made to provide a fool-proof security cover. The police, with para-military forces at their disposal, are providing security to over 40 venues. These include 12 competition venues, 11 training and six non-competition venues (including the Games Village), four locations at the India Trade Promotion Organisation, eight hotels and Delhi airport.

This apart, security is being provided to the entire fleet of buses ferrying athletes and delegates. There has been a substantial increase in the deployment of traffic police and security personnel across the city. The police have also hired 900 vehicles and a large number of “unmarked” vehicles are being used for incognito patrolling.

To ensure that the security personnel manning control access points at the venues do not face any language problem, all the orders for them have been translated into Hindi.

Mr. Dadwal said though a significant chunk of police personnel have been diverted for Games-related duties, they still have adequate manpower for general deployment. While 4,000 personnel have been posted in the districts, over 6,000 semi-trained men in khaki have also been put on the streets.

The air space is now under constant surveillance of the Indian Air Force. Over 28,300 accredited Delhi policemen, quick reaction teams, commandos, National Security Guard commandos and Special Weapons and Tactic team besides 195 companies of para-military forces have been deployed for Games-related arrangements.

Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear teams of the National Disaster Response Force are also carrying out combing exercises at the venues, besides anti-sabotage checks by bomb detection and disposal squads. Over 3,000 CCTV cameras have been installed.

The Police Commissioner said there was no specific intelligence input on any terror threat, but all possible precautions had been taken.

Delhi Government keeps its date with Games

2010-10-02T18:35:00.001-07:00

The Public Works Department of the Delhi Government on Saturday completed all its 24 Commonwealth Games-related project with the opening of all the flyovers on the U.P. Link Road that would connect the Games Village with Noida, where some of the cycling events would be held.

PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan said the Department has completed projects worth Rs.4,000 crore for the Games. Most of these projects are of permanent nature and would benefit the public even after the Games.

The Minister said the U.P. Link Road project was a major work that had been allocated to PWD with a short deadline. “The main hurdle in this project was the refusal of Uttar Pradesh Government to hand over some land to Delhi. Still we did it and as against the original estimated cost Rs.334 cores, the project has been completed in less than Rs.300 crore,'' he said.

Mr. Chauhan said as part of the project the work on widening of the bridge at Chilla Regulator at the Noida entry point was also undertaken. “The completion of the U.P. Link Road project has reduced the travel time in East Delhi significantly. People would now be able to cover the distance from Kashmere Gate to Noida in just about 20 minutes because the road is completely signal-free. This when the road passes through some hitherto most crowded junctions like ITO Chungi, Raja Ram Kohli Marg flyover, Geeta Colony bridge and Ring Road by-pass, which have all been made signal-free now.''

The Minister said PWD has worked hard to construct various important projects for the Games. “The Barapullah elevated road is a miracle of engineering. The four-kilometre-long road has been completed within 20 months. Normally a project of this size takes around three years,'' he said.

The elevated road would next be extended up to INA in South Delhi and Mayur Vihar in East Delhi, he added.

Mr. Chauhan said the Ring Road by-pass project has been another major achievement of PWD as this Rs.600-crore project has reduced the density of traffic on this important road significantly. Besides, PWD has also completed improvement of Road No. 56, construction of Ghazipur and Apsara Border grade separators and flyover at Shyamlal College in North-East Delhi.

He said the Department has also installed street lights on 450 km of roads and signages on 403 km of road. It has also constructed three stadiums which have been completed and handed over to the Organising Committee. The Chhatrasal and Ludlow Castle stadiums were renovated while Thyagaraj Stadium is a new construction.

As for the streetscaping work, Mr Chauhan said it has been done on 50 km of road where a lot of greenery has been added.

Delhi-based designers prepare dresses for Games ceremonies

2010-10-02T18:34:00.001-07:00

Delhi-based designers Ashima and Leena Singh have designed 4,000 dresses for performing artistes who would feature during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here this Sunday and on October 14.

The duo had to make a number of presentations before Wizcraft International Entertainment recommended their collection to the Games Organising Committee. The collection will be presented in three segments during the ceremonies.

It was a pleasant surprise for them to get the prestigious assignment for the cultural extravaganza. “But it was also a herculean challenge as preparing 4,000 outfits needed plenty of planning, work and skill,” says Leena Singh.

They were given an interesting idea and finally managed to execute it to the satisfaction of the Wizcraft International Entertainment team.

“A lot of hard work went into the collections as we, assisted by a team of 400 karigars, worked day and night. We took up the challenge of preparing the dresses as we wanted to make our country proud,” she said.

It took them exactly eight months to come out with the collection. They have also designed shoes to go with the outfits. The collection is an amalgamation of Indian and modern styles and will showcase the country's rich cultural diversity.

Commonwealth Express returns home

2010-10-02T18:33:00.001-07:00

After halting at 45 stations across the country to spread awareness about the Commonwealth Games and inspire the youth, the exhibition train “Commonwealth Express” has returned to the Capital.

Indian Railways are the lead partner for the Commonwealth Games and to mark the event, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee had flagged off the exhibition train from Safdarjung station here on June 24.

The train will be stationed at Pragati Maidan railway station from October 3 to 14 for the public to view the exhibition. The exhibition timings are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Olympic Committee chief in New Delhi for CWG

2010-10-02T03:14:00.000-07:00

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge and wife Anne arrived here on Saturday as a special invitee for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2010.

Chief of staff Christophe de Kepper and around 20 other leading IOC officials, are accompanying Rogge.

The IOC chief is scheduled to leave on Monday after attending the opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games.

During his stay, Rogge will meet the delegates of some of the Commonwealth Games countries. He is also expected to visit the Games venues and village.

Rogge remains hopeful that the Games will be a success.