Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

abhischekcc · Post by **abhischekcc** » 14 May 2010 23:33

manish wrote:
Singha wrote: better babes too.
Best in the country amongst all major cities. No contest there.

I would wager Mumbai girls are better. They are softer, lack the masculine edge that delhi girls have.

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 21 May 2010 03:00

CWG tickets from June 1, cheapest at Rs 50

NEW DELHI: All the venues may still not be ready but the organising committee (OC) is gearing up to sell tickets for the Commonwealth Games from June 1. The cheapest ticket will be priced at Rs 50.

"Around 1.7 million tickets will be sold for the Games starting from October 3. These tickets be initially available only from a dedicated call centre, the Commonwealth Games 2010 website and a few select outlets," OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi told TOI on Thursday.

However, the OC is also planning to make the tickets available in more than 50 outlets of Central Bank and Hero Honda within 10-15 days of the launch of ticket sale.

For those hoping to catch the action live at the stadia, the low pricing of tickets is an added incentive.

"These tickets will be available till the start of each event," Kalmadi said.

OC officials refused to reveal the different price slabs for the remaining tickets. However, sources said they would be available in four slabs, with options for group bookings. The ticket prices would also be different for the various sporting events, with the opening and closing ceremonies at a separate price slab altogether.

OC sources said the maximum demand is expected to be for the opening and closing ceremonies, billed as a cultural extravaganza. Both ceremonies will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, which has a seating capacity of 64,000 spectators.

Kalmadi admitted that the OC was trying to ensure that tickets in the lower price range would be easily available, as demand was expected in this category. "Availability will be the prime concern, as we expect demand to go up once the Queen's Baton Relay goes through the country, and more people get to know about the Commonwealth Games," added Kalmadi.

Ticket sales, though, are primarily expected to be through the call centre set up specifically for the purpose. The tickets bought online by spectators would be changed to physical tickets at the venue before the event.

At present, the OC is expecting around 1 lakh international tourists. The number of domestic tourists is expected to also go up in October for the Commonwealth Games, say OC officials.

Link

Haresh · Post by **Haresh** » 23 May 2010 00:11

"I would wager Mumbai girls are better. They are softer, lack the masculine edge that delhi girls have"

What sort of masculine edge do delhi girls have?????
Hairy arms?
Overactive sweat glands?
Shaving shadow?
Deep voices?
Male genitalia???

What do you mean, tell me I need to know, preferably before November 2010, My first trip to India for many many years will take me to Delhi (I just have to ride the Metro).

ajit_tr · Post by **ajit_tr** » 26 May 2010 10:20

India fear Commonwealth Games venues will not be ready

Construction delays have raised fears that Commonwealth Games venues may not be fully ready in time providing a potential embarrassment for India which hopes the Games will showcase its rising economic power.

However, with 132 days to go, the main stadium is months overdue and completion of the swimming pool and other venues has been delayed, highlighting the slow pace of India's infrastructure development.

"I am not wanting to sound alarmist, but the reality is there is a lot more to be done, a lot of finishing work to be done," Mike Hooper, chief executive officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation, told Reuters in an interviewIndia had initially promised to hand over the venues to Games organisers by Dec. 31, 2009.

Targets have been consistently missed for building roads, ports and power plants. Bureaucracy and red tape and difficulties in acquiring land have delayed plans to overhaul infrastructure to sustain 8-9 percent economic growth by 2012.

abhischekcc · Post by **abhischekcc** » 27 May 2010 12:41

What sort of masculine edge do delhi girls have?????
Hairy arms?
Overactive sweat glands?
Shaving shadow?
Deep voices?
Male genitalia???

Haresh, while I can vouch safe that Delhi girls DO NOT have the first four, I can't do that for the genitalia statement. Delhi girls are rumoured to have male genitalia, as Delhi men are always talking abour "Behn ka L*ndon" and "Maa ka ...."

You will have to check it out yourself and recount your experience with all BR members

------------------

As far as Dilli not being ready - I guess you have not heard of Dilli ingenuity.

The Bara Pulla Nalla bridge, which has sections missing, will host the high jump and long jump events. And if an athlete falls into the Yamuna, he will automatically qualify for the swimming event as well.

Pat · Post by **Pat** » 17 Jun 2010 00:52

This is what I found on http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthrea ... 103&page=8 --

Originally Posted by Indian Rockstars
THE WHOLE STADIUM WAS LITTED TODAY FOR THE FIRST TIME

Wow....guys i was standing inside the JLN Arena today with all the LIGHTS on....and it was amazingly awesome....loved it ....what a stadium...!!!

The stadium is HUGE...infact its MASSIVE...this GIANT is shaping up very very fast... ,

Now, some info...

1. Seats were being put up ....
Number of seats: 72,000
Name of Company: Swadeshi corporation( Bucket Seats)
Color of seats: Dark Blue & Light Blue MIX

2. Lighting of the stadium
Brief: To light up this massive massive stadium it was necessary to design the lighting system carefully & it was done very tastefully and beautifully ...along with the Light towers the whole stadium circle has been fitted with individual lights .....giving it a beautiful touch.

3. Landscaping
Thats the only sad part in my report..!!! Zero landscaping done so far...street lights were being put up and JCB's all over the place...the engineer over there assured on time completion of landscaping...

4. Roof :
Done & Over...thats tactually looked to be the best thing inside the stadium...

5. Interiors:
Stainless steel is being used for all railing work ..its feels solid and well made...Thumbs up

VIP area gets Cinema comfort Seats , Air Conditioned glass section.

Tunnel work was completed , the ground leveling is COMPLETED...tracks were inside the stadium will start with that particular work next month...( As it takes just a month to be laid fully).

Paint work was going on ...the steel part...

Stairs are getting dressed with granite ....Orange color ramps( As seen before)

its actually looking good from outside as well....

ALL IZZ WELL

Ameet · Post by **Ameet** » 19 Jun 2010 23:01

Bolt to miss Commonwealth Games

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=6 ... 955C206376

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 23 Jun 2010 08:13

Commonwealth Games: Queen's Baton Relay to enter India on June 25

Baton to arrive from Wagah border from where it will be going around the country visiting 28 states.

Pat · Post by **Pat** » 01 Jul 2010 21:41

http://2010commonwealthgamesindia.blogs ... yover.html

Can someexplain how Ghazipur flyover is related to CWG?

Second Carriageway of Ghazipur flyover to be Opened Today

After an over two year wait, Ghazipur crossing will become completely signal-free from Tuesday with the three-level grade separator at the junction becoming completely operational. PWD officials said the second carriageway of the flyover — for traffic moving from Delhi to Ghaziabad will be opened to the public on Tuesday.

‘‘With the stretch becoming operational, the drive to Ghaziabad during peak hours will become smoother. We have completed all major works at the crossing. Minor finishing works will continue,’’ said project manager Deepak Panwar.

The other carriageway of the flyover Ghaziabad to Delhi was thrown open to the public last week. The 635 meter-long, dual-carriageway underpass connecting Anand Vihar to Kalyanpuri has already been made operational. PWD officials said the drive on the stretch will be smoother by the end of this month with the completion of a 6-lane flyover on Road No 56.

Once completed, the stretch will house 14 lanes. Officials said there is a provision to add two more lanes to the stretch since a BRT corridor has been planned along it. For safe passage of pedestrians, PWD will build three foot-over bridge (FOBs) with escalators — two on NH-24 and one on Road No 56.

The 770 meter-long, eight lane elevated stretch over Ghazipur crossing was the second major road project undertaken by PWD to improve connectivity between Delhi and Ghaziabad. The flyover at Apsara border connecting the two cities is already operational. Ghazipur crossing is a critical junction for lakh of commuters traveling between Ghaziabad and Delhi. ‘‘Though there was some relief for straight-moving traffic after PWD reworked the traffic circulation plan, the opening of both carriageways of the flyover will make the drive hassle-free. We will still be made to wait at the Mayur Vihar Phase II crossing. But that’s not a major one,’’ said Radhamohan, a daily commuter.

Ghazipur crossing is one of the busiest junctions in east Delhi. As per earlier estimates, nearly 13,000 vehicles use the crossing during peak hours, as does traffic entering Delhi from other states.

Pat · Post by **Pat** » 01 Jul 2010 22:19

Funny:

http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2010/06/pro ... pproaches/

Prostitution Booms as Commonwealth Approaches
---
Many workers in the brothels are, concerned about the bad state of roads which could possible turn away the tourists. “We have approached the MCD many times requesting them to remove the garbage on our roads and to improve conditions of the roads. That’s the least they can do for us. When all other localities are getting a face-lift, why not ours?” asks a brothel owner, who did not wish to be named
---

Now Delhi has to promote prostitution by cleaning their roads before rest of Delhi!!!!

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 15 Jul 2010 00:48

Op-ed In Pioneer, July 15 2010....

A dream gone horribly sour

Shobori Ganguli

Almost a decade ago Delhi first started dreaming of state-of-the-art infrastructure development, one that would, on completion, make it a millennium city. A drive down the Delhi-Jaipur highway back then provided enough evidence of work on the National Capital Region having begun in full earnest, vast tracts of land rapidly acquired to pave way for what is now indeed a world-class expressway. In pursuit of that dream, India bid for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in 2003, a laudable attempt to showcase Delhi, and the country, to the world. After all, India was one of the fastest growing economies of the world and it was time for the international community to taste this new age reality.

As with all such ambitious projects, naysayers promptly pounced on the Government: Why was so much wealth being set aside for sports at the cost of basic human rights like food, water, shelter and employment? Could India afford to spend billions on stadiums and race tracks when more than half its population could not access primary health and education? Questions were unending but the counter-argument was legitimate. An international event like the CWG (with 70-odd countries participating) would, in its wake, attract foreign tourists, travelers, and investments, and create employment opportunities, benefits that would eventually percolate to the common man on the street. There was indeed a lot to be said for international exposure.

Unfortunately, while the Games ambition was a noble one, the script of its implementation has gone horribly awry. For comparison, take China. By 2006, two years ahead of the Olympics, Beijing was Games ready, giving the city’s infrastructure ample time to get its efficiency tested, and corrected where the need arose. Games venues were ready in advance; civic agencies gradually got the city accustomed to world-class roads and public conveniences; the Metro network was done; and, Beijing had acquired one of the largest airports in the world. In short, far ahead of international exposure during the Games, Beijing was given time to crystallise the idea of a world city and then ensure its effective implementation. Today, long after its Olympics guests have left, the city has a 21st century infrastructure its citizens are truly proud of.

Contrast this with Delhi, less than three months short of an international event, where a three-hour rain on Monday brought its citizens to their knees and smashed its megacity dreams to smithereens. Till such time as the Delhi Government promised to transform the Capital into a world city by October 2010, people were willing to bear the inconvenience of rampant construction. However, what happened this manic Monday is simply unacceptable. Construction activity is one thing but it is quite another when what is being put in place is a shameless mockery of the city and its citizens, an appalling infrastructure that cannot survive a three-hour downpour, leave alone stand the test of time.

Monday dealt a seismic blow to Delhi’s dreams as realisation dawned how badly planned and implemented the Government’s so-called infrastructure building has been. The Delhi High Court was compelled to observe how, “Roads are symbols of the prowess of a nation but it seems like an oxymoron in the context of Delhi.” Indeed, newly paved roads caved in; underpasses got waterlogged; traffic signals, due to water seepage, went on the blink; cars went virtually underwater on their way up or down recently inaugurated flyovers; 11 people were electrocuted; trees, weakened by mindless pavement ‘beautification’, lay uprooted along arterial roads; the Metro ran late; traffic stood still for hours on Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit’s flagship enterprise, the BRT corridor, despite its Intelligent Signalling System; the false ceiling of a games venue, ready and inaugurated, came crashing down; and drains, clogged with construction debris, over-flew on to the streets.

By Tuesday, the Delhi Government’s apathy and unconcealed attempts by its various wings to brazen out the criticism was writ large: They were determined to play Passing the Buck. The Chief Minister blamed the ongoing construction activity by various civic agencies like the PWD, MCD, and the NDMC for Monday’s mess. (One would have thought these agencies had undertaken construction activity at the Chief Minister’s behest only after Delhi decided to dress up for the CWG?). But the game was to get more ludicrous. The MCD deflected the blame, rattling off another list of acronyms — PWD, DMRC, DJB, NDMC, DDA, DSIDC, NDPL and BSES. Mayor PR Sawhney’s astounding conclusion was that “After heavy downpour it is natural for water to take time to clear out.” The crowning gem of an explanation came from the city’s traffic police which said Delhiites are a bunch of unruly drivers whose “indiscipline” was to blame for Monday’s chaos. (Pray what else does a driver do when a road ahead caves in three feet than to get on to the wrong side and rescue his vehicle, and perhaps his life?)

An incensed High Court did articulate every Delhiite’s lament that evening, lambasting the Government for its “total insensitivity to the plight” of its citizens and pointing out how despite charging a very high road tax, it is unable to provide smooth roads. While the Chief Minister would ideally like to see fewer cars on the roads, the court rightly observed that “bumpy, uneven roads” are reducing the lifespan of vehicles. It also asked why the common man should expect to have good roads only before an international event.

Admittedly, the Delhi Government cannot be faulted for its desire to dream big. One is therefore willing to overlook the fact that the official estimate of the Games has gone up phenomenally — from Rs 1,899 crore in 2003 it is estimated to cross Rs 10,000 crore. What is infinitely annoying and patently unacceptable, however, is that the tax payer’s money is being pumped into an infrastructure whose quality is severely challenged and projects whose deadlines extend beyond October. Visible CWG-related activity started only a year ago leaving little time for dry runs — sample the roof collapse. Lesser time has obviously meant a frenetic pace that has compromised quality. Further, crores are being wasted on imbecile projects like “five-star” public toilets with cafés on top and flower shops adjacent to them! Will all this help Delhi realise its megacity dreams? Certainly not.

Yet, there is little doubt the city will get a face-saving whitewash for CWG 2010 — the Government must only hope and pray it does not rain. The abiding misery beyond the Games, however, is that Delhiites will have to live with that ubiquitous road-sign: Work in Progress.

Looks like another opportunity was wasted by Delhi Administration. Compare this to the effort Rajiv Gandhi put in for the Asian games.

Suraj · Post by **Suraj** » 15 Jul 2010 00:56

They estimated the cost of these games at Rs.1899 crore (~$350M) - for the world's second largest multidisciplinary sporting event - in 2003 ?? And now criticize that it has much exceeded that sum ? How come now one bothers to criticize the fact that the original estimate is laughably small and unrealistic ?

Stan_Savljevic · Post by **Stan_Savljevic** » 15 Jul 2010 01:08

ramana wrote: Looks like another opportunity was wasted by Delhi Administration. Compare this to the effort Rajiv Gandhi put in for the Asian games.

The 1982 asiad was another big drain, ill-conceived, elitist nonsense of an event with the only succor being the h&d of India conducting the event and some improved gold medal tally over 78 bangkok or later 86 seoul. Many stadia that were constructed for the 82 asiad, JL Nehru stadium, Talkotara complex etc. are essentially rotting away to glory. JL Nehru stadium gets into the limelight once a while and that is as much there gets done.

The 10,445 crore budget for CWG now DOES NOT include the cost of Metro, or the new airport or a few more other expenses neatly tacked along other categories. We saw the same in asiad 82, taxpayers had to fork out cash for years after 82. All of Sheila Dixit, ML Khurana and Sushma Swaraj are to blame -- the blame is at least non-partisan even if the kudos will go SD government for "making things work", when folks were sitting on their backsides for 6+ years. I have a more formal take on this, hopefully that will be done soon.

AdityaM · Post by **AdityaM** » 15 Jul 2010 13:28

Shiela has ruled for 12 years. how are ML Khurana and Sushma Swaraj to be blamed?
I do certainly think that someone has made a lot of money in the name of the games!

Avik · Post by **Avik** » 15 Jul 2010 14:07

Apropos some of the remarks above about our response compared to China's preparation for Olympics....

Frankly, lets not breast beat and self-flagellate too much!! China also went through the same cycle..pls read up on what Beijing's readiness was during the 1996 Asian Games, the subsequent East Asian Games and the Greater China Games.etc..etc.
Why are we comparing a Commonwealth Games with an Olympic Games ?

Our games in Delhi will be far superior to that of Sydney and Glasgow Commonwealth...in terms of scale, participation and the benefit it has brought about to Delhi.

about traffic blockages due to water logging..actually the police officer's remarks are not completely wrong..i was stuck in some of those jams myself and I can safely say, our compatriots did play their part

The way i would look at it is this..Delhi is actually getting world class infra because of these games..this is serving as a template for other Indian cities..aka various metro systems...

The stadiums that we are readying will be ready just in time...we really cant change generations of our attitude of doing things at the last minute..we would then have become Germans or Chinese!!

The sports and the urban infra facilities will be beefed up further as Delhi bids and hopefully wins Asian Games and then Olympics..
Once again, pls read old articles on Beijing's readiness for Asian Games in the 90's and how much farther Delhi has gone for a lesser sports event.
The Brit press and the usual seme-literate Indian press will raise a stink even from roses.
The same B'stads, especially the Indian slave press will lap up schitt in two years when they are treated like vagrants a la Londres in 2012.

There will be some problems in Oct in Delhi, but we will manage...

Avik · Post by **Avik** » 15 Jul 2010 14:12

AdityaM: BJP can be blamed for being complete nincompoops...how else do we explain their demand for banning beef from athlete's diet during the games? If the BJP wants to have gatte ki sabzi and maah di daal during its adhiveshans and chintans, no one gives a schitt, literally and figuratively. But it should stop being a nuisance !

Its time BJP started displaying some aspects of the national party it once was..instead of the current juvenile circus...
completely OT..but couldnt resist!!

Stan_Savljevic · Post by **Stan_Savljevic** » 16 Jul 2010 04:34

AdityaM wrote:Shiela has ruled for 12 years. how are ML Khurana and Sushma Swaraj to be blamed?

If you did nt know, Delhi bidded for CWG in 2003, with preparations for such a bid going all the way back to 2001. Here is the Delhi 2010 CWG bid document: http://www.thecgf.com/media/games/2010/IOA_Bid.pdf
Page 3 of the document states the "unprecedented, unqualified and unbounded support from all levels of Government - National, Regional & State ...". Page 7 describes the support letter from Shri. Vikram Verma, the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs in the NDA government. Page 7 also describes the support from Smt. Sonia Gandhi, the then Leader of the Opposition. Plus, the Union Government of India undertook to support the Bid of the City of Delhi in hosting the Games.

If you did nt know it, "undertaking to support the Bid of a host city" includes among other things: i) guaranteeing free entry to India of any delegates, sportsmen and women, journalists tracking the event, and anyone getting the pass of the CWG Federation, ii) to provide a sovereign guarantee that the CWG preparation will go on untrammelled in case the Indian Olympic Association fails to obtain the necessary funds and sponsorship from corporate sponsors -- a fact that is perfectly clear to anyone involved in seeing the state of affairs today, iii) to provide a sovereign guarantee to the City of Delhi in its infrastructure development projects with a specific focus of "success of the CWG" and any loans that the Government of Delhi may obtain from ANY multi-national institution in this regard, etc. In addition, the Union Government of India provides a guarantee that the Indian Olympic Association's budget estimate gets read by the Finance and Home Ministries, by the Planning Commission, by the Cabinet Committee on Security, Ministry of Tourism, and they do not differ significantly from when the money actually gets spent. See the context of the report for AG bid that the IOA wanted to do, just 19 days back:
http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-spo ... 514221.ece

Not to mention that the "acid test" for the successful CWG bid in 2003 was the successful hosting of the inaugural Afro-Asian games in Hyderabad in 2003 under the TDP government, which was a part of the NDA then. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1031104/a ... 533105.asp
Whether you like it or not, the BJP party in Delhi, in the post-98 phase (being the Opposition party) supported the CWG bid in a bipartisan manner. Sushma Swaraj, ML Khurana, and Sahib Singh Verma -- as BJP CMs and stalwarts of Delhi at different stages -- along with VK Malhotra as the NDA/GoI nominee in the Bid meeting in Jamaica in 2003, Vikram Verma and Vijay Goel -- as Ministers of Sports and Youth Affairs -- should take a part of the blame. Further, as the point person responsible for the success of the Afro-Asian Games, Sushma Swaraj is not far off from the epicenter of guilt. In fact, NDA lists India being awarded CWG in 2003 as one of its own successes. Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs, Vijay Goel claims in his CV that, "As Sports Minister in the NDA Government, I brought the Commonwealth Games to India."
http://www.vijaygoel.in/nda-achievements.html

Of course the cake should be taken by Suresh Kalmadi, who not only dissed Mani Shankar Aiyar when MSA questioned the accountability of IOA on the cost inflation, but also ensured that India got snubbed in the AG bid of 2014 -- a humiliation par excellence if you did nt know about it yet -- and never taking a lesson, went ahead to submit a bid for the 2018 AG especially when the 2010 CWG preparation has hardly seen any betterment for anyone else other than a Delhi-ite. By making the success of the CWG a personal issue, and by bringing the tax-payer a huge liability for his personal honor and dignity issues and for being the IOA President for god knows how long, Suresh Kalmadi is guilty beyond proof.

I am a good fan of sporting events, nation-building via sports, etc., but I am not going to callously support any bs especially when it is the tax-payer (at large) who has to foot the bill for infra development in Delhi. The National Games in Jharkhand which was due in 2004 has yet to see the light of day and Jharkhand is burning with the maoist menace while Delhi is fiddling the lute and throwing away the tax-payer cash as if it is water. The case of Asiad 82 clearly shows an utter disregard for either planning an event of such magnitude, nor for utilization of resources in an efficient manner once the Games are completed. The CWG is a leech on India's economic capability and more so because it is Delhi that always benefits from such events, whether they be an AG bid or a CWG bid or an OG bid. Sorry, India is something more than just New Delhi. And anyone and everyone involved in this mammoth h&d exercise and has been a part of the bid process, its hyper-inflation, its cost to the Indian taxpayer needs to go to jail for embezzling, fraud, corruption, sedition, treachery, and for being anti-national numero uno. As the support for the CWG bid was bipartisan, the blame for culpability in this national crime should be bipartisan. There are no escape routes such as being out of power for the last gazillion years, all the frauds need to go to jail.

vina · Post by **vina** » 16 Jul 2010 08:23

The sports and the urban infra facilities will be beefed up further as Delhi bids and hopefully wins Asian Games and then Olympics..

I hope that hell freezes over before Dilli is ever allowed to bid for any jamboree of any sort. It is atleast $6b down the drain for the CWG paid in full by taxpayers. Dilli swindlers as usual sucked up monies from others and got fat.

vina · Post by **vina** » 16 Jul 2010 08:26

Stan_Savljevic wrote:Of course the cake should be taken by Suresh Kalmadi, who not only dissed Mani Shankar Aiyar when MSA questioned the accountability of IOA on the cost inflation,

I am with MSA on this (one of the few issues I can agree with MSA on though).

Stan_Savljevic wrote: The case of Asiad 82 clearly shows an utter disregard for either planning an event of such magnitude, nor for utilization of resources in an efficient manner once the Games are completed. The CWG is a leech on India's economic capability and more so because it is Delhi that always benefits from such events, whether they be an AG bid or a CWG bid or an OG bid. Sorry, India is something more than just New Delhi. And anyone and everyone involved in this mammoth h&d exercise and has been a part of the bid process, its hyper-inflation, its cost to the Indian taxpayer needs to go to jail for embezzling, fraud, corruption, sedition, treachery, and for being anti-national numero uno. As the support for the CWG bid was bipartisan, the blame for culpability in this national crime should be bipartisan. There are no escape routes such as being out of power for the last gazillion years, all the frauds need to go to jail.

Ah.. Now that you have finally seen the light on the CWG, welcome bro!

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 21 Jul 2010 23:25

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-10696792
Banished from Delhi for Commonwealth Games

There is a grand plan to clean up the Indian capital for the Commonwealth Games - but it includes a very long list of who is to be banished from Delhi.It started with stray dogs, slum dwellers and pavement squatters, but has now included cows, donkeys, bulls, goats, rats, snakes and even elephants and camels that are hired for general festivities and fairs.
And the cost to the government - $65m.Delhi, a sprawling city of 16 million, is to host the Games from 3-14 October.
The Games will bring an estimated 10,000 athletes from 71 nations and territories to compete in 17 disciplines over 11 days.
In addition, there will be over 150,000 officials and an estimated 50,000 tourists.

JE Menon · Post by **JE Menon** » 22 Jul 2010 15:18

Any pictures of stadia or anything like that? Am totally out of the loop on this one... and just reading the articles leaves one down at heart...

Tanaji · Post by **Tanaji** » 22 Jul 2010 16:28

Not quite what JEM wanted but:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Games-sho ... 74375.aspx

Nihat · Post by **Nihat** » 22 Jul 2010 17:03

JE Menon wrote:Any pictures of stadia or anything like that? Am totally out of the loop on this one... and just reading the articles leaves one down at heart...

If you want litrally everyday updates , pictures and Independent opinions not reflective of DDM then here's your link from skyscrapercity.com. It's by far the best CWG updates website I've come across.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=267911

JE Menon · Post by **JE Menon** » 22 Jul 2010 17:24

Thanx guys...

Neela · Post by **Neela** » 22 Jul 2010 17:57

Pat wrote:Funny:

http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2010/06/pro ... pproaches/

Prostitution Booms as Commonwealth Approaches
---
Many workers in the brothels are, concerned about the bad state of roads which could possible turn away the tourists. “We have approached the MCD many times requesting them to remove the garbage on our roads and to improve conditions of the roads. That’s the least they can do for us. When all other localities are getting a face-lift, why not ours?” asks a brothel owner, who did not wish to be named
---

Now Delhi has to promote prostitution by cleaning their roads before rest of Delhi!!!!

And this is funny because....?
And why should they not take a piece of the cake? Lesser mortals? Or is that a profession that you feel do not deserve the same rights as others. Please clarify!

These are our fellow citizens who have , unlike you, most likely endured traumatic childhood ( that is when they are forced into the trade ) and they have little or no options to come out. The least they deserve is equal rights!

negi · Post by **negi** » 27 Jul 2010 23:03

Perform or perish: Dikshit warning to CWG contractors

As the pressure to complete Commonwealth Games projects is building up, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday issued a warning to contractors asking them to complete their respective projects within the 31 st August deadline failing which they will be blacklisted.

Yeah as if they care specially after making the kind of money doing rounds. Typical 11th hour knee jerk reaction.

"Do not put us to shame. Your little carelessness will bring bad name to the entire nation," Dikshit said.

With little over two months left for the event, Dikshit has also been under attack as several key projects had missed several deadlines and most of the street-scapping projects are also running behind schedule.

Last week, Dikshit had ordered various agencies concerned to work "day and night" to finish works as soon as possible. During a pep talk with PWD engineers, she had also asked them to "rise to the occasion" and promised to reward them with one month's salary for completing the works on time.

I think we need to start adding more zeros to MSA's 35k crore figure.

shravan · Post by **shravan** » 28 Jul 2010 13:57

Wanted: some ‘Islam’ in CWG ceremonies

Critical of the absence of any reference to “Islamic influence on Indian history,” in either the opening or closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games, the Group of Ministers has asked the Games organisers to provide a “true” representation of India’s inclusive culture by weaving this in.

It’s learnt that the issue was raised at a recent meeting of the GoM, where ministers previewed the ceremonies designed by international consultants under the guidance of filmmaker Shyam Benegal, lyricist Prasoon Joshi and Javed Akhtar.

The ministers argued that Islam was a very important aspect of Indian culture and must be showcased at a global platform like the Commonwealth Games.

Those present at the meeting were Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy, Tourism Minister Kumari Selja and Minister of State (Finance) Namo Narain Meena.

Sachin · Post by **Sachin** » 28 Jul 2010 17:45

shravan wrote:Wanted: some ‘Islam’ in CWG ceremonies

How is the security setup planned for the Common Wealth Games? Or else the spectators may have to watch (or at the worst even take part in) some of the more usual ceremonies which has got the "Islamic" label to it

.

The BJP have put up a demand (and in their list that seems to be the top most one

) to get beef banned from the dining areas. If some 'Islam' is wanted, we can reintroduce the beef

.

derkonig · Post by **derkonig** » 28 Jul 2010 17:56

abhischekcc wrote:Your description reminds me of a game I used to play - Caesar 3.

Ever done that? Or equivalent city planning game?

Caesar III & Caesar IV as well...AoA

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 30 Jul 2010 15:22

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/art ... 236933.cms
Photo gallery showing latest pictures of various venues including JN stadium.

Cables hanging out, loose tiles, water leakage makes me feel

Wonder what quality of work contractors are going to do with this time constraint looming..one can only smell poor quality of work with lots of corruption.

disha · Post by **disha** » 31 Jul 2010 22:24

Gaurav_S wrote:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/art ... 236933.cms
Photo gallery showing latest pictures of various venues including JN stadium.

Cables hanging out, loose tiles, water leakage makes me feel

Wonder what quality of work contractors are going to do with this time constraint looming..one can only smell poor quality of work with lots of corruption.

Note sure if it is a hatchet job. Several of the photos are sourced from AP, AFP, PTI etc and the journo makes it appear that he has taken a walk around it. It could be old photos just to boost india times circulation.

pgbhat · Post by **pgbhat** » 02 Aug 2010 04:19

Games ripples cross borders

We get several calls daily from abroad and within India. People want to know if the stadiums are structurally safe or whether they pose a threat to lives,” said an official at the Central Vigilance Commission, which last week exposed substandard construction of stadiums and corruption in the bidding process.

“On Saturday, three people from Australia rang up very concerned — they have booked tickets for the event. All the callers are very excited. It’s so embarrassing,” the official said.

“Instead of an opportunity to showcase the best of India, the Games may become cause for a loss of face…. If there’s any mishap, our head will hang in shame in front of the world.”

Kalmadi today claimed AM was drafted in “at the last minute” at the recommendation of the Indian mission’s protocol official, Raju Sebastian, and furnished purported email correspondence from Sebastian as proof.

But Indian high commission officials in London said they would need to check if the mail was genuine and claimed that Sebastian, a lower-division clerk, was too junior to have been dealing with such a decision. They said AM Films was not on the mission’s list of approved vendors.

Sanjay M · Post by **Sanjay M** » 02 Aug 2010 07:11

TIME: Will India Be Ready to Host the Commonwealth Games?

With only 63 days left before the biggest sporting event in the nation's history, India looks woefully unprepared

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 02 Aug 2010 13:11

There are several Q's reg. the CWG that need to be dissected.The main ones.

1.Mani S.Aiyar's theme song,"Games a waste of money".

He's both right and wrong.The Games in Delhi at such inflated cost is scandalous.Instead of having all the venues in Delhi,it could've been spread across the country,so that the entire nation benefited from improved infrastructure for both sports and cities.For example,Madras could've hosted Tennis,Calcutta Football,Hyderabad Weightlifting,Bangalore Badminton,Chandigarh Shooting,Poona Rowing,Bombay-Yachting;you get the picture.How many cities across the country have for example,astro-turf for Hockey? How many have good indoor stadiums? Spread across the land,the Games would've been an "All-India" affair,not just another profligate example of the "Delhi Durbar"!

2.The escalating cost:

From detailed examples given,the costs of merely hiring some eqpt. for 45 days,are in excess of the costliest eqpt. that could've been bought worldwide! "9 lakhs for hiring a treadmill,8,000+ for hiring a chair,,etc.etc.,"It is patently obvious that huge kickbacks have been made which could not have been done without the tacit approval of the Organising Committee.The strange incident where a lowly asst.,a clerk in the IHC in London supposedly gave the Committee the OK to hire a dubious firm of event managers,now subject to a British govt. enquiry!

3.Costs of infrastructure,shoddy woprk,etc.:

Kalmadi happliy washes his hands off the civil work saying that it was the "CPWD" who were responsible for the escalating costs,shoddy workmanship,etc. Sheila Dikshit also washes her hands off the Games saying that it is not her responsibility.The Sports Min also say that their job is only running the show! Then where does the buck stop?
When the Asian games was held during IG's time,she reportedly put Rajiv in charge.What has MMS done? He could've easily put in Rahul or another individual as overall "general" as a troubleshooter to crack heads and achieve targets.Instead he has presided over a free-for-some looting of the national exchequer in the guise of the Games.

4.Effect upon people:

Poor Delhiwallahs,they are bearing the brunt of the wrecking crews who are tearing their city apart for the sake of the tamasha.Like totalitarian China,the world's "largest democracy" is busy rounding up beggars and sundry un-aesthetic individuals,"sweeping the poverty" of the capital and symbolic of the nation's true state behind screens and billboards,covering up our "nakedness" for the moment!

5.Sporting priorities:

How is this helping the sportsmen and women of the country? The supposed "home advantage" is absent as none of the venues are available for our sporting tribe to train in.Some have yet to get their dues/compensation-like the shooting team for their legitimate expenditure incurred.While the politicos,babus and contractors are treated like royalty,the sportsmen and women of the country have to train abroad in some cases and are woefully inadequately equipped with modern eqpt.,kits,etc. in comparison with many foreign teams.If you look at the sad state of sport across the country,barring cricket,it is shameful how certain regions are 50 years behind the rest of the world.In fact,there is not ONE world class football stadium in the country,when we were once in the top 5 of the world in this sport at the Olympics.

6.Priorities misplaced:

In retrospect,it would've been far better for such collossal sums of money,far in excess of earlier estimtes, to have been used to develop better infrastructure facilities for sport across the country rather than holding this tamasha,where after the games,only Delhi will enjoy the facilities (in what state though?),as if Delhi is India.This is a typical attituide of the babu-politico nexus that has afflicted India and with such misplaced priorities,the rest of the country is suffering.The larger the tamasha,the greater the looting of the nation! I was informed recently,that in a certain state,roadwidening is taking place of NHs,where a massive alleged "800 crore" contract for controversial tree-felling has been given to a certain family oriented CM's progeny! At the centre,our PM is clueless as to how to handle Paki terrorism,dally diplomatically,nail the Naxal problem,kill the Kashmir violence and what should've been a far easier job to manage,hosting the CWG,whose expansion should now read thus,the
"Chor Wealth Games".

Prasad · Post by **Prasad** » 02 Aug 2010 20:55

I don't think any of those are valid reasons imho. The fact that the whole thing has been corrupt to the core is why people are whining about it. We should look at it as an opportunity similar to advertising catering to various players. Domestic players, foreign tourists, rest of the crowd in the country and other people that "we can throw a gala party. Come here and look around. We're a nice country to tour" type of message. If we'd built really good quality facilities, it would've attracted far more people. Now everybody is calling up the CVC office and asking if the roof will cave in! That is what is the problem. Even with corruption, if things had been done with some amount of quality, nobody would be raising hell about increasing costs and corruption. And thats the whole point.

Stan_Savljevic · Post by **Stan_Savljevic** » 03 Aug 2010 04:25

Philip wrote:There are several Q's reg. the CWG that need to be dissected.The main ones.

Instead of having all the venues in Delhi,it could've been spread across the country,so that the entire nation benefited from improved infrastructure for both sports and cities.For example,Madras could've hosted Tennis,Calcutta Football,Hyderabad Weightlifting,Bangalore Badminton,Chandigarh Shooting,Poona Rowing,Bombay-Yachting;you get the picture.How many cities across the country have for example,astro-turf for Hockey? How many have good indoor stadiums? Spread across the land,the Games would've been an "All-India" affair,not just another profligate example of the "Delhi Durbar"!

Impossible. The bid document clearly states that the CWG should be held in an area with as small a geographical footprint as possible. This is because the Games Village needs to be close to the stadia and fields. And the whole idea behind CWG is the "sporting camaraderie" that the Games builds. Remember the motto, "to participate is the key."

putnanja · Post by **putnanja** » 03 Aug 2010 05:30

X-Posting from sports thread ...

CWG profligacy exposed

vina · Post by **vina** » 03 Aug 2010 06:34

The bid document clearly states that the CWG should be held in an area with as small a geographical footprint as possible. This is because the Games Village needs to be close to the stadia and fields

In Inglees, what it means is that for any event , the games "village" should be close to sporting event. How does this imply that hockey events should be near track and field , which in turn should be close to aquatics and that all of them should live in one "giant" games village?

Stan_Savljevic · Post by **Stan_Savljevic** » 03 Aug 2010 07:07

In not-so-inglees, that also means that new stadia and fields need to be constructed (many times reconstructed as the previous constructions have gone kaput in the decadence that followed the previous edition of the Games) so that they fit the pristine needs of the CW sportsmen and women, and in that process, the OC gets to make their wallets a bit fatter. I dont recall a single Games since equestrian (held in scotland iirc) in Melbourne 56 OG that were held far far away from the main event. That is the nature of the beast that is the bid document. Of course, some will claim joint hosting of WC football in SK and Japan or WC crikkit in the Indian subcontinent in 96 and 2011 as exceptions, but these events are not held at the behest of the IOC.

Why is Suresh Kalmadi still a part of the OC machinery of Indian Olympic Association? Good question, fcker has nominated a remote control candidate for Hockey India elections. And guess what, the candidate will win when the elections are held in a few days. If my stomach could burn anyone, it would burn Suresh Kalmadi right away. Using the epithet asshole is far decent for this nimrod.

Muppalla · Post by **Muppalla** » 03 Aug 2010 08:21

Stan,
I was watching this Suresh Kalmadi from very very long time. During Rajiv Gandhi times also he was some sports minister or something like that. He is always in the photo where there is some sporting action. He wanted to conduct Afro-Asian games in 1991 during India's worst BoP crisis. MMS and PVNR rejected the games and hided him. He left INC and he jumped all sorts but he often wins from Pune.

Regarding corruption - Tell me a significant politician's resignation in UPA-1 and 2 due to corruption. Start from A.Raja to Shiela Dixit to this Suresh Kalmadi. Even the ones who are caught on camera are not resigning. A.Raja's things are caught on both voice and TV. He is still there. I do not expect any resignations.