Commonwealth Follow India Update

Ever since Delhi was elected to host the prestigious next Commonwealth Games, the preparations are going on enthusiastically. The capital of India will hold XIX Commonwealth Games from 23rd of October to the 3rd of November 2010. Delhi was elected through a bid process held in Jamaica on November 13, 2003 and the decision was taken by the Commonwealth Games Federation during its General Assembly Meeting. Delhi won 46 votes out of 72, compared to Hamilton, Canada which won 22. The Bid leader and Chairman of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, M.P. India's theme was "2010 - Great Games for Sure," and its bid had the full financial support of the Government. Delhi is gearing up for the event as India is only the third developing country to host the event after Jamaica in 1966 and Malaysia in 1998. This is only the second time the event will be held in Asia. The success of these games may also reinforce India's bid for 2016 Summer Olympics

Winning the bid was the easy part. Turning the Games into a big success is, however, an extraordinary task.

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) chairman Michael Fennell is was fairly impressed by the preparations going on for the games during one of his meetings here. The government is taking initiative for the smooth conduct of games by the appointment of top-class public relations officer and the preparation of huge number volunteers.

The Government of India is very enthusiastic about welcoming the Games to the country and also is offering all financial security to make the carry out a hassle-free event. 

• The government is willing to agree to and enter into the Host City Contract as provided by the CGF. The government has already given a guarantee to conduct the Games in accordance with the constitution, protocols, and regulations of the CGF. 

• The government will underwrite any shortfall between revenue and expenditure of the Organizing Committee. 

• The government has approved in principle to meet the cost of the construction of the indoor and outdoor stadium in the Yamuna Sports Complex, upgradation of existing infrastructure and to set up the Games Village.
  
  Indian Rugby Football Union officials are helping the Games Committee in the organization of building a rugby union-specific stadium

Besides the new sports facilities the entire city is to be restyled by constructing new roads, modernizing and increasing public transport and other facilities like water, electricity and hospital services. The estimated cost expenditure for the city to ready in time for the 2010 games is about $17.5 billion, the overall estimated cost being Rs.37.50 billion! All the effort is of course for international recognition that India is going to gain. Besides this, 2010 will be a year of business for tourism and sports and many other related industries. That will give India return for all its investments very efficiently. 

Commonwealth Village may need an alternative site - January 05 2007

With the environment ministry's objection for the Commonwealth Games Village on the Yamuna riverbed not far from Akshardham temple, the search has begun for another site for the complex which will accommodate athletes from competing nations.

MoEF has raised 54 objections apart from restriction that no permanent structures can be allowable on the biologically susceptible riverbed. Urban development ministry thinks government agencies should not be seen to be disobeying environmental rules.

Optional venues that can be considered include Rohini and Narela. Another probable choice could be the part of Lodhi Road complex.