Canadian officials, who Wednesday delayed the departure of its athletes for the Commonwealth Games, today expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the athletes' village and hopes the event will take place as planned.
Canadian athletes are scheduled to begin arriving in New Delhi on Sunday, CTV news channel.
If progress is maintained, the Commonwealth Games will take place without any further setback, the TV channel quoted Scott Stevenson, director of Sport Commonwealth Games Canada, who said from New Delhi.
Said New Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has brought "a change in the culture of preparedness" putting in their own staff, including engineers, to manage the project.
"These employees were given the authority to act, to decide on things to do together with us and ensure that all necessary equipment and manpower would be on site to perform this task,''said Stevenson.
"We're starting to now be in a better position to direct our attention to the sport again, it's very exciting because it's what most of us it is,''he said.
Andrew Pipe, chairman of Commonwealth Games Canada, also welcomed the intervention of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who held an emergency meeting with Sports Minister MS Gill, Minister of Urban Development Jaipal Reddy and Thursday Officials of the elderly to solve the problems.
"What we're seeing now, for the first time, the injection / projection of a meaningful political leadership in organizing the Games. Frankly, this is the leadership that has failed,''he said.
Canada said on Wednesday its athletes, including the women's team of hockey, to delay the departure from New Delhi because of "uninhabitable" conditions in the city of sport. Two archers from Canada also withdrew from the Games for security reasons.
These athletes are now starting to arrive in New Delhi on Sunday, the television said.
The women's field hockey team, he wanted to be in Delhi well before the start of the Games to get used to the difference in climate and weather are being developed in Vancouver.
Friday, September 24, 2010
India rushes to save the Commonwealth Games
Indian officials scrambled Thursday to save the rapidly approaching Commonwealth Games as a growing number of competitors delayed its arrival for the organizers of time to complete their frantic preparations.
The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held an emergency meeting Thursday night with his Minister of Sports and other senior officials to assess the state of preparations for the event, which begins in just over a week. He did not elaborate on what was discussed. Lieutenant Governor Tejinder Khanna New Delhi, Singh said "it was reported that all efforts are being made to develop gaming facilities and people to the standards expected."
Commonwealth Games organizing committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, whose organizing team has been involved in corruption allegations, was not asked to attend the meeting.
The games were intended to show the emergence of India as a regional power. However, the long delays in getting the facilities ready and a list of scandals have become an embarrassment.
A poll in the Hindustan Times newspaper, Thursday showed that 68 percent of respondents residing in New Delhi were ashamed of the games, which bring together athletes from 71 countries and territories of the former British Empire and are held every four years. The survey of 523 people had a margin of error of 3 percentage points.
The organizers have struggled with an outbreak of dengue fever, the collapse of a pedestrian bridge leading to the main stadium and security fears after Sunday's shooting of two tourists outside a major city attractions. A Muslim militant group took over the shooting.
In concern for athletes' village _ including in-room stool and problems with plumbing, wiring and furniture _ were raised earlier this week, India has committed significant resources to the cleanup, with Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit made charge of the operation, the executive of the games' chief, Mike Hooper, told The Associated Press.
"There has been an improvement every day," he said. "There is more to do."
The village, which is designed to house more than 7,000 athletes and officials, opened Thursday with 138 indigenous athletes and sports officials to move, organizers said.
Hooper said some officials in Australia had also moved in.
Kalmadi said that most of the problems of the village had been resolved and the game became a success.
"We will take care of all the world as well, and have a good time," he said.
However, many national delegations remained concerned.
The New Zealand team announced Thursday that it was joining Scotland and Canada in their late arrival to New Delhi because of the poor conditions of accommodation. England and Australia have also expressed concern for the people.
"It's tremendously disappointing," said New Zealand Olympic Committee president Mike Stanley, adding that travel changes that exert pressure on the preparations for the athletes. "We know how difficult it must be for the athletes and continue to push ... for an urgent resolution."
The Australian government said Thursday it was sending experts to assess the hygienic conditions in the village and has updated its travel advice to warn potential tourists from the construction "deficiencies" after the bridge collapsed and part of a ceiling in a given local games in.
Australian media reported that the Federal Police to travel with the team to provide additional security, while Prime Minister Julia Gillard confirmed only that "we have increased the number of staff we have in New Delhi and we have others on hold."
Commonwealth Games, Mike Fennell, president of the Federation came to India on Thursday night in an emergency visit and is scheduled to meet with senior Indian officials to discuss problems on Friday.
So far, four athletes _ including three world champions have said they will not attend due to health or safety, but not the national teams have been withdrawn.
"Everyone wants this to work, and everyone is working together to make this happen," said Hooper.
New Zealand, Prime Minister John Key, told parliament that the country's athletes will participate in games unless the safety or health are very committed and a decision could be taken on Friday.
"Obviously they will be aware of what happens with other countries, but it's certainly my preference for them to attend the games if they can," he said.
New Delhi has been a flurry of activity in recent weeks, as the city strives to list itself for the Games, which begin Oct. 3. The city has had seven years to prepare, but very little work was done until 2008.
The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held an emergency meeting Thursday night with his Minister of Sports and other senior officials to assess the state of preparations for the event, which begins in just over a week. He did not elaborate on what was discussed. Lieutenant Governor Tejinder Khanna New Delhi, Singh said "it was reported that all efforts are being made to develop gaming facilities and people to the standards expected."
Commonwealth Games organizing committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, whose organizing team has been involved in corruption allegations, was not asked to attend the meeting.
The games were intended to show the emergence of India as a regional power. However, the long delays in getting the facilities ready and a list of scandals have become an embarrassment.
A poll in the Hindustan Times newspaper, Thursday showed that 68 percent of respondents residing in New Delhi were ashamed of the games, which bring together athletes from 71 countries and territories of the former British Empire and are held every four years. The survey of 523 people had a margin of error of 3 percentage points.
The organizers have struggled with an outbreak of dengue fever, the collapse of a pedestrian bridge leading to the main stadium and security fears after Sunday's shooting of two tourists outside a major city attractions. A Muslim militant group took over the shooting.
In concern for athletes' village _ including in-room stool and problems with plumbing, wiring and furniture _ were raised earlier this week, India has committed significant resources to the cleanup, with Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit made charge of the operation, the executive of the games' chief, Mike Hooper, told The Associated Press.
"There has been an improvement every day," he said. "There is more to do."
The village, which is designed to house more than 7,000 athletes and officials, opened Thursday with 138 indigenous athletes and sports officials to move, organizers said.
Hooper said some officials in Australia had also moved in.
Kalmadi said that most of the problems of the village had been resolved and the game became a success.
"We will take care of all the world as well, and have a good time," he said.
However, many national delegations remained concerned.
The New Zealand team announced Thursday that it was joining Scotland and Canada in their late arrival to New Delhi because of the poor conditions of accommodation. England and Australia have also expressed concern for the people.
"It's tremendously disappointing," said New Zealand Olympic Committee president Mike Stanley, adding that travel changes that exert pressure on the preparations for the athletes. "We know how difficult it must be for the athletes and continue to push ... for an urgent resolution."
The Australian government said Thursday it was sending experts to assess the hygienic conditions in the village and has updated its travel advice to warn potential tourists from the construction "deficiencies" after the bridge collapsed and part of a ceiling in a given local games in.
Australian media reported that the Federal Police to travel with the team to provide additional security, while Prime Minister Julia Gillard confirmed only that "we have increased the number of staff we have in New Delhi and we have others on hold."
Commonwealth Games, Mike Fennell, president of the Federation came to India on Thursday night in an emergency visit and is scheduled to meet with senior Indian officials to discuss problems on Friday.
So far, four athletes _ including three world champions have said they will not attend due to health or safety, but not the national teams have been withdrawn.
"Everyone wants this to work, and everyone is working together to make this happen," said Hooper.
New Zealand, Prime Minister John Key, told parliament that the country's athletes will participate in games unless the safety or health are very committed and a decision could be taken on Friday.
"Obviously they will be aware of what happens with other countries, but it's certainly my preference for them to attend the games if they can," he said.
New Delhi has been a flurry of activity in recent weeks, as the city strives to list itself for the Games, which begin Oct. 3. The city has had seven years to prepare, but very little work was done until 2008.
Games Delhi to raise awareness of the great future
The skinny Aboriginal runner had nothing in common with the early teenage couple swimmers.
However, three of the careers of Australia's largest sports were linked forever with the announcement of his presence in the Commonwealth Games.
Cathy Freeman and Kieran Perkins was 16 and unknown to the world's biggest sports when she competed in the 1990 Auckland Games. Susie O'Neill was a year younger.
Freeman won a gold medal as part of the Australia team in 4x100m relay; Perkins, a silver in one event and then become your own, free style 1500, while O'Neill picked up a gold in the 4x100m freestyle .
The trio's road to greatness began in an event known to unearth the next crop of sporting heroes.
Some 20 years after Freeman, Perkins and O'Neill came to the world stage, Australians have a vision of its future sports in New Delhi.
Many head for Australian athletes for the Games 3-14 October in the Indian capital in relative obscurity, some held back.
Among younger Australians planning to make a splash in Delhi is Yolan Kukla swimmer.
Kukla team qualified for the Games, when 14 years and 175 days - a week older than the legendary Ian Thorpe was the first time I made an Australian team.
Kukla will be 15 when racing in New Delhi in the butterfly discipline became famous in Australia by O'Neill.
As Kukla, O'Neill was a 15 year old when his first Commonwealth Games in 1990 and remembers the feeling well.
O'Neill has fond memories of competing in an Australian team that included her skip school teacher, Deanne Bopf.
"I remember a massive case full of new clothes and uniform, it was really exciting back then," says O'Neill.
"I was a little nervous about going away with people not sure ... but the excitement was definitely more.
"There was no pressure, no one expected anything from me, and I remember all the older ... taking care of me and it was just fun.
"When you're young, do not realize it. I was more nervous towards the end of my career then, as they are a sort of unconscious of what it really means when you're young."
Kukla selection Delhi won games with his younger teammates Jayden Hadler and Katie Goldman.
Hadler, 16, is a decorated Queenslander whose talent has been awarded in minor competitions, and 17 years, Goldman has taken the road less traveled in swimming.
The college student, coached by former coach Dennis Grant Hackett Cotterill, was surprised by the cut of 11 seconds of her personal best to win the 800m freestyle at the trials of Delhi.
In track and field, a lot of Australians emerging hope to make a mark in Delhi with some of the biggest names in the game.
Olympic and world champion pole vaulter Steve Hooker, 28, and fencing silver medalist Sally Pearson, 24, aim to build on its success in the Beijing Olympics.
Below them, the next wave of athletes includes pole vaulter Liz Parnov, whose father coaches Alex Hooker.
Vicky's sister Parnov competed at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, while his aunt, Tatiana Grigorieva, won a silver medal in the pole vault at the Olympic Games in Sydney 2000.
Shooter Laetisha Scanlan is another young gun with its sights on gold in New Delhi after recent impressive performances.
The Victoria 20 years old, has established a new record for Australia in the women's trap at the beginning of September - and only one shot world record.
In the boxing ring, Australia is placing its hopes for gold at the Indian 18 years old, medium Damien Hooper.
Hooper, of Dalby, 200 km west of Brisbane, has been considered a special talent for the Australian Institute of Sport boxing assistant coach Don Abnett.
"Damien is a very good chance of a medal, probably our best chance, despite his age," Abnett said.
"Everything is possible with Damien, is very talented and like many of the indigenous fighters have a difficult but unique style."
However, three of the careers of Australia's largest sports were linked forever with the announcement of his presence in the Commonwealth Games.
Cathy Freeman and Kieran Perkins was 16 and unknown to the world's biggest sports when she competed in the 1990 Auckland Games. Susie O'Neill was a year younger.
Freeman won a gold medal as part of the Australia team in 4x100m relay; Perkins, a silver in one event and then become your own, free style 1500, while O'Neill picked up a gold in the 4x100m freestyle .
The trio's road to greatness began in an event known to unearth the next crop of sporting heroes.
Some 20 years after Freeman, Perkins and O'Neill came to the world stage, Australians have a vision of its future sports in New Delhi.
Many head for Australian athletes for the Games 3-14 October in the Indian capital in relative obscurity, some held back.
Among younger Australians planning to make a splash in Delhi is Yolan Kukla swimmer.
Kukla team qualified for the Games, when 14 years and 175 days - a week older than the legendary Ian Thorpe was the first time I made an Australian team.
Kukla will be 15 when racing in New Delhi in the butterfly discipline became famous in Australia by O'Neill.
As Kukla, O'Neill was a 15 year old when his first Commonwealth Games in 1990 and remembers the feeling well.
O'Neill has fond memories of competing in an Australian team that included her skip school teacher, Deanne Bopf.
"I remember a massive case full of new clothes and uniform, it was really exciting back then," says O'Neill.
"I was a little nervous about going away with people not sure ... but the excitement was definitely more.
"There was no pressure, no one expected anything from me, and I remember all the older ... taking care of me and it was just fun.
"When you're young, do not realize it. I was more nervous towards the end of my career then, as they are a sort of unconscious of what it really means when you're young."
Kukla selection Delhi won games with his younger teammates Jayden Hadler and Katie Goldman.
Hadler, 16, is a decorated Queenslander whose talent has been awarded in minor competitions, and 17 years, Goldman has taken the road less traveled in swimming.
The college student, coached by former coach Dennis Grant Hackett Cotterill, was surprised by the cut of 11 seconds of her personal best to win the 800m freestyle at the trials of Delhi.
In track and field, a lot of Australians emerging hope to make a mark in Delhi with some of the biggest names in the game.
Olympic and world champion pole vaulter Steve Hooker, 28, and fencing silver medalist Sally Pearson, 24, aim to build on its success in the Beijing Olympics.
Below them, the next wave of athletes includes pole vaulter Liz Parnov, whose father coaches Alex Hooker.
Vicky's sister Parnov competed at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, while his aunt, Tatiana Grigorieva, won a silver medal in the pole vault at the Olympic Games in Sydney 2000.
Shooter Laetisha Scanlan is another young gun with its sights on gold in New Delhi after recent impressive performances.
The Victoria 20 years old, has established a new record for Australia in the women's trap at the beginning of September - and only one shot world record.
In the boxing ring, Australia is placing its hopes for gold at the Indian 18 years old, medium Damien Hooper.
Hooper, of Dalby, 200 km west of Brisbane, has been considered a special talent for the Australian Institute of Sport boxing assistant coach Don Abnett.
"Damien is a very good chance of a medal, probably our best chance, despite his age," Abnett said.
"Everything is possible with Damien, is very talented and like many of the indigenous fighters have a difficult but unique style."
NZ to decide on games participation
New Zealand will be decided within 24 hours if you plan to attend the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, but his team, Dave Currie said that last-minute attempts to adapt the facilities to match were "like trying to stop the Titanic ".
The New Zealand Olympic Committee was scheduled to meet Friday to receive a report from its chairman Mike Stanley and secretary general Barry Maister who just returned from the Indian capital. Stanley describes the status of the athletes' village as "extremely disappointing."
New Zealand has delayed the arrival of their athletes for two days to allow organizers time to improve standards in the village.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee was scheduled to meet Friday to receive a report from its chairman Mike Stanley and secretary general Barry Maister who just returned from the Indian capital. Stanley describes the status of the athletes' village as "extremely disappointing."
New Zealand has delayed the arrival of their athletes for two days to allow organizers time to improve standards in the village.
Commonwealth Games -The Games, too, will serve
A joke making the rounds says Kalmadi tried, in despair, hung from a ceiling fan, but the ceiling collapsed. We can not do anything right. Corruption and inefficiency have come to symbolize the organization of the Commonwealth Games, in the popular imagination.
And people are angry, upset. And with good reason. But what is this atrocity if it leads to a systematic change in the way we do things in this country? It is easy to hang a Kalmadi, figuratively, but not easy to fix what is wrong with the system.
Corruption is widespread, increasing the cost of doing something worthwhile, making India one of the worst places to do business in, destroy the quality and stability replaced with uncertainty. India can not realize its full economic potential if corruption continues to create real obstacles in the way of doing business in the country. Repairing the damage goes all the way to the reform of political funding. costs money politics.
A political party generates legitimate expenses, even in a non-election year, which together account for a fortune. In the absence of an institutional form of political funding, legitimate expenses related to political activity is financed through corruption, the plunder of the exchequer, the sale of sponsorship or simple extortion.
The politician can not mobilize the resources using the state machinery without the connivance and complicity of officials. The system suborns them and, despite brave exceptions. Corruption will not go away just because of the political finance reform, but without the funding of institutionalized politics, the fight against corruption can not even begin. The reform of political financing is key.
It is this type of cancer of the Indian democracy that the Games have brought to light the dark. The Games will be exposed to international scrutiny, and hang its head in shame. Hanging is not particularly creative, however. It is attacking the root of corruption and political finance reform.
The initiative must come from those who give money, they are also victims of the system, not its beneficiaries. The question is: Do we have what it takes to convert the outrage in the drawing room in the company's decision to reform political funding?
And people are angry, upset. And with good reason. But what is this atrocity if it leads to a systematic change in the way we do things in this country? It is easy to hang a Kalmadi, figuratively, but not easy to fix what is wrong with the system.
Corruption is widespread, increasing the cost of doing something worthwhile, making India one of the worst places to do business in, destroy the quality and stability replaced with uncertainty. India can not realize its full economic potential if corruption continues to create real obstacles in the way of doing business in the country. Repairing the damage goes all the way to the reform of political funding. costs money politics.
A political party generates legitimate expenses, even in a non-election year, which together account for a fortune. In the absence of an institutional form of political funding, legitimate expenses related to political activity is financed through corruption, the plunder of the exchequer, the sale of sponsorship or simple extortion.
The politician can not mobilize the resources using the state machinery without the connivance and complicity of officials. The system suborns them and, despite brave exceptions. Corruption will not go away just because of the political finance reform, but without the funding of institutionalized politics, the fight against corruption can not even begin. The reform of political financing is key.
It is this type of cancer of the Indian democracy that the Games have brought to light the dark. The Games will be exposed to international scrutiny, and hang its head in shame. Hanging is not particularly creative, however. It is attacking the root of corruption and political finance reform.
The initiative must come from those who give money, they are also victims of the system, not its beneficiaries. The question is: Do we have what it takes to convert the outrage in the drawing room in the company's decision to reform political funding?
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