Commonwealth Games from October 3-14 2010, its largest international multi-sport event since the Asian Games in 1982
The countdown has begun for the Commonwealth Games (CWG), scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India between between October 3 to 14 2010, in which about 72 nations are planning to field teams. Going by past records, when Delhi hosted first the first Asian Games in 1951, followed by the 9th Asian Games in 1982, the forthcoming event is speculated to have far-reaching consequences not just for the country's sports market, but also in the fields of economy, tourism, transport and culture.
The 2010 CWG are expected to give Indian sports a much-needed shot in the arms, similar to the impetus it had received after hosting the Asian Games in 1982 when it finished with an impressive 57 medals tally. When women's hockey debuted in 1982 Asian Games, India had the distinction of winning the first gold medal. P.T. Usha also has its origins in the 1982 Asiad in which she won two gold medals in the 100 meters and 200 meters. Conducting a sporting event of the magnitude of the Commonwealth Games is undoubtedly a matter of great pride for the country and is seen as step forward in giving a fillip to India's Images overseas. India is being hailed as an emerging world economic superpower and the Games can be the perfect showcase to present the country on the world stage. It will also be a good opportunity for Delhi to portray its grand heritage, juxtaposed with all the trappings of a truly global city with world-class amenities.
Among the many merits of hosting the games would be the infrastructural, cultural and economic resurgence of Delhi. With CWG the landscape and skyline of the city are set to change forever. And the transformation is understandably going to be fairly drastic. In addition to Metro construction, road infrastructure is being expanded in a big way with flyovers, cloverleaf flyovers and bridges to connectivity to the Games Village and other sport venues. Not just Delhi, states such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are amending their infrastructure in keeping with demands of the Games.
Sport lovers would remember that the 1982 Sports Asiad also brought about major socio-economic changes in India. That was first time that the Games were broadcast in color on Indian television. The Moolchand and Sewa Nagar flyovers, too, are bequests of the 1982 Asiad Games.
However, the accent then was on providing the bare necessities for the Games. The task of hosting the Games are far more challenging this time around. The stress is on optimization of the existing infrastructure with modernization that conforms to the highest international standards, besides speedy development of infrastructure such as metro, airport and road network projects.
The other offshoots of the CWG 2010 would be the creation of new jobs, increased investment and a boom in the hospitality and tourism industry. According to official estimates, two million foreign tourists and 3.5 million tourists are likely to arrive in Delhi in 2010 to witness the Games.
In order to cater to the tourist influx, the monuments and heritage buildings shall be refurbished and the hitherto neglected areas of East Delhi will receive a striking makeover. So what the games will essentially leave in its wake are unprecedented infrastructure and civic facilities for Delhiites, besides opportunities for economic development and prosperity.
But the biggest boon of them all would be the trail of world-class sports facilities that the games would leave behind, inspiring and enabling future generations of sportspeople to excel and create a glorious sports legacy that the nation can be proud of.
In the past, sportsmen such as ace shooter Abhinav Bindra, Boxer Vijendra Kumar and wrestler Sushil Kumar, with their remarkable performances at the Beijing Olympics, have given their country the hope of rich sports tradition and the upcoming Common Wealth Games provide the perfect setting for the sportsmen to live up to the expectation of their countrymen.
About Delhi 2010
The Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi (OC CWG Delhi 2010) came into being on 10 February 2005, as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act 1860. It was resolved by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) in the General Assembly held in Jamaica on 13 November 2003 to entrust the organising and hosting of the XIX Commonwealth Games to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). As per Clause 2(C) of the Host City Contract, signed by the Government of India(GOI), the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), IOA, and CGF, the CGF has delegated the organisation of the Games to the OC CWG Delhi 2010.
The OC CWG Delhi 2010 has set itself the goal of conducting the best Commonwealth Games to date, including the provision of impeccable standards of service to athletes, officials and the general public, in close collaboration with its partners. It hopes to set new benchmarks for other Host nations with regards to urban sustainable development by showcasing excellent infrastructure and facilities which could be used by the society and the general public for generations to come.
Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi - Main Summary
- The first time an international sporting event of this magnitude is being held in India. The last major multi-sport event held was the Asian Games in Delhi in 1982, 28 years ago
- 12 days of competition, October 3-14, 2010
- 71 Commonwealth Games Associations, representing over one-third of the world's population
- 8,000 athletes and officials to participate
- 17 sports: Archery, Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby 7s, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling
- Para-sports events: Athletics, Swimming, Power lifting and Table Tennis
- 23 world class Competition Venues and 32 Training Venues
- 40,000 volunteers to welcome athletes and visitors and assist the OC CWG Delhi 2010 in all operations during the Games
- 2000 media personnel expected from around the world
- Spectacular Opening and Closing Ceremonies focused on Indian culture
- Host city with world class infrastructure - revamped national and international airports with a new terminal dedicated for the Games, extended Metro lines, new flyovers and over-bridges
- Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi, launched from Buckingham Palace on 29 October 2009, one of the longest ever Queen's Baton Relays in Commonwealth games history, covering 190,000 kilometers across all continents, lasting over 340 days
- Commonwealth Business Club India, in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) to boost the country's economic and business interests across the Commonwealth
For more information, visit following websites.
Official Website : http://www.cwgdelhi2010.org/
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/cwgdelhi2010
Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/commonwealthdel
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/cwgdelhi
