Friday, October 15, 2010
The Pervading Games Spirit
By Sr. Francin
The 11-day Sports Kumba Mela is over. It is time to take a closer look at the impact of Common Wealth Games on people living outside Delhi, the venue of the real action. Do people feel proud of the Games? How far the spirit of the Games spread to remote India? The combined efforts of thousands of people made it a triumph. The delight and charm of this sport event has gone beyond the boundaries of the national Capital.
The remote, nondescript Dhariwal village in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district in an example of how the Games have changed the life style of people. Villagers here said that they were really taken up and amazed by the Opening Ceremony itself. The routine of common people had changed. Most of them wanted to be in front of the television sets, glued to various channels watching sports events.
People were eager to know the latest medal tally of India. When the shooters and other athletes from Punjab bagged medals, I could see villagers erupting in joy. Many of them could be seen praying with folded handed for the success of their sportspersons. Yes, Punjabis are sports-spirited people. When Mandeep Kaur and Manjeet Kaur of the 4x400 relay team won the gold, the village youths celebrated it by distributing sweets and bursting fire crackers.
To get a feel of these village-folks, I, along with Swaran Singh who is a reporter with Punjabi daily Ajit, went to some of the villages. We met several young men and women besides political leaders in Daduwan village near Dhariwal.
Gurbrinder Singh Chahalm, a district delegate of Gurdaspur Youth Congress, said: “With Common Wealth Games, India established its name globally; news channels didn’t play their role responsibly. Its India’s biggest ever sporting extravaganza; in spite of criticism regarding the organization of the Games, it had been a great success. The Games will improve the image of the country among other nations as now they will not think India as a land of snake-charmers only. The world has become aware of the rich culture and heritage of India. Now India has laid the foundation for Olympic bid in future.”
Pawan Chouhan, Gurdaspur block Congress president, remarked: “The Common Wealth Games proved to the world that Indian players and people have the capacity to handle every problem and ability to organise such events.”
Many village youths said that they were not bothered about the ongoing cricket matches. Their focus was on CWG and India’s performance in various events. They summed up their opinion when one of them said: “Common Wealth Games are giving the best opportunity to the players worldwide to show their talent. It also helps India to better its image worldwide because of its systematic and well planned arrangements.”
School children are now waiting for the declaration of a holiday to honour the sports persons from Punjab who came out with flying colours. The gems of Punjab added lovely jewels to the crown of India.
Tickets Full, Galleries Empty
By Shyju Chacko
New Delhi:“Sorry, no ticket”. This was the common refrain at the ticket counters in most Games venues. Most ticket counters spotted long queues from th
e very morning. Majority of those lined up for tickets were ordinary people. But they had to return empty-handed. But inside the stadiums, the story was different. There were rows and rows of empty chairs till the last couple of days. The foreign media was celebrating the empty galleries of CWG and the alleged malpractices behind it.
According to reports, complimentary passes were issued in large numbers to sponsors, companies, officials and so on leading to the non-availability of tickets to genuine spectators. There were reports of complimentary passes being sold in black market.
Schools and colleges in Delhi and its neighbouring towns were closed so as to enable students to go and watch the Games. But, this purpose was defeated due to non-availability of tickets. The authorities could in fact give tickets to students at concessional rates. If so, the galleries would not have been empty.
Radhika, who came with her two children to watch athletics in Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, said her eight-year-old boy didn’t sleep the previous day thinking of the Games. He had helped his mother in the kitchen so as to reach the stadium early in the morning. But they too had to return without getting a ticket.
The authorities have no proper answers to the bungling. The fact is that Commonwealth Games has never been held of the ordinary citizens. It was meant for a few who benefitted from it in different ways. The common man was made to stand at the periphery and stare at the unfolding events with bewilderment.
According to reports, complimentary passes were issued in large numbers to sponsors, companies, officials and so on leading to the non-availability of tickets to genuine spectators. There were reports of complimentary passes being sold in black market.
Schools and colleges in Delhi and its neighbouring towns were closed so as to enable students to go and watch the Games. But, this purpose was defeated due to non-availability of tickets. The authorities could in fact give tickets to students at concessional rates. If so, the galleries would not have been empty.
Radhika, who came with her two children to watch athletics in Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, said her eight-year-old boy didn’t sleep the previous day thinking of the Games. He had helped his mother in the kitchen so as to reach the stadium early in the morning. But they too had to return without getting a ticket.
The authorities have no proper answers to the bungling. The fact is that Commonwealth Games has never been held of the ordinary citizens. It was meant for a few who benefitted from it in different ways. The common man was made to stand at the periphery and stare at the unfolding events with bewilderment.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Why CWG is not ‘CWG’?
B I R E N
Though the 19th edition of the Common Wealth Games (CWG) has become an instant hit world over – right from the colorful opening ceremony - , cricket, the religion of India, has emerged as the real CWG (Commonly Watched Game).
Compare the packed cricket stadium in Bangaluru the other day with the sparsely crowded CWG stadiums here. What is the reason for this striking contrast? A visit to the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium – the flag-ship of the CWG- yesterday was quite revealing with almost empty stands. The thin crowd and lack of thunderous applause from it could dampen the spirit of the games. One may be taken aback when the dim scenario is compared with the boisterous crowd –nearly 60000- which turned out to cheer and witness the opening ceremony on October 3.
In these days of terrorist threat the security is naturally very strict. One has to pass through a number of gates guarded by various shades of security personnel. The security ring is covered by chain of metal detectors. Nobody can blame the authorities for this. But not even a water bottle was allowed inside the stadiums. No way to quench the thirst while cheering for the favorite athletes…, complained many spectators. This forced many to go back, it is learnt. The price of water and snacks available inside the stadium was very high. Two young men were seen going around to sell their tickets as they were prevented from carrying their belongings inside the stadium. They said they were quite disappointed as their long cherished dream of watching the CWG games was dashed against the ground.
The Organizing Committee had claimed that tickets for all events had been sold out. But there were gross mismanagement in the sale of tickets. This too added to the low turn out of spectators or make it a ‘ no CWG’ in the real sense.
Although cricket is ruling the roost, CWG has captured the imagination of the sporting India, of late. But the on going mess in the sale of tickets and certain procedural wrangles took the steam out of it!. The country is slowly becoming sports-centric, one could easily feel while visiting the stadiums and interacting with the crowd.
The young India is finding interest in track and field and ring events. Observers feel that the sports authorities should seize the opportunity to make sporting a way of life in India.
It was opined that unless the country nurture and support sports and games, India would lag far behind countries like Australia, America, China, Canada and England who always top in the medal tally. There are tiny little countries with far lesser population excelling in the arena of sports and games, it was pointed out. Why a nation of 1.2 billion people can win a gold medal in track and field events in an Olympics, it was asked by many.
The organizing committee would have done a wonderful job if it had brought down the ticket cost and adequately streamlined the ticket sales, it was felt. It was further felt that sportspersons should be given due respect and financial support in order to ensure the growth of Indian sports and games. The games infrastructure should be properly used and the same should be extended to the States, observers feel.
Though the 19th edition of the Common Wealth Games (CWG) has become an instant hit world over – right from the colorful opening ceremony - , cricket, the religion of India, has emerged as the real CWG (Commonly Watched Game).
Compare the packed cricket stadium in Bangaluru the other day with the sparsely crowded CWG stadiums here. What is the reason for this striking contrast? A visit to the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium – the flag-ship of the CWG- yesterday was quite revealing with almost empty stands. The thin crowd and lack of thunderous applause from it could dampen the spirit of the games. One may be taken aback when the dim scenario is compared with the boisterous crowd –nearly 60000- which turned out to cheer and witness the opening ceremony on October 3.In these days of terrorist threat the security is naturally very strict. One has to pass through a number of gates guarded by various shades of security personnel. The security ring is covered by chain of metal detectors. Nobody can blame the authorities for this. But not even a water bottle was allowed inside the stadiums. No way to quench the thirst while cheering for the favorite athletes…, complained many spectators. This forced many to go back, it is learnt. The price of water and snacks available inside the stadium was very high. Two young men were seen going around to sell their tickets as they were prevented from carrying their belongings inside the stadium. They said they were quite disappointed as their long cherished dream of watching the CWG games was dashed against the ground.
The Organizing Committee had claimed that tickets for all events had been sold out. But there were gross mismanagement in the sale of tickets. This too added to the low turn out of spectators or make it a ‘ no CWG’ in the real sense.
Although cricket is ruling the roost, CWG has captured the imagination of the sporting India, of late. But the on going mess in the sale of tickets and certain procedural wrangles took the steam out of it!. The country is slowly becoming sports-centric, one could easily feel while visiting the stadiums and interacting with the crowd.
The young India is finding interest in track and field and ring events. Observers feel that the sports authorities should seize the opportunity to make sporting a way of life in India.
It was opined that unless the country nurture and support sports and games, India would lag far behind countries like Australia, America, China, Canada and England who always top in the medal tally. There are tiny little countries with far lesser population excelling in the arena of sports and games, it was pointed out. Why a nation of 1.2 billion people can win a gold medal in track and field events in an Olympics, it was asked by many.
The organizing committee would have done a wonderful job if it had brought down the ticket cost and adequately streamlined the ticket sales, it was felt. It was further felt that sportspersons should be given due respect and financial support in order to ensure the growth of Indian sports and games. The games infrastructure should be properly used and the same should be extended to the States, observers feel.
Behind the Wheel, Proudly
By Pangam
New Delhi: Promoted from being a school-bus driver to be a chauffeur in one of the 1,600 Tata Indigo-LX luxury cars, Sunil Kumar feels that ‘gods have smiled upon him’. Reaching the fag end of the Games, he is sorry that his ‘air-conditioned life’ will last only for another couple of days or so.
Travelling along with him in a Metro train, I asked how he managed to get the job. He recalled that it was a coincidence that he glanced at a newspaper ad inviting applications for CWG-2010 cab drivers. He promptly applied and was selected on the basis of experience and went through a 15 days’ training. During that period he was paid an allowance of Rs 300 per day. All the recruited drivers were given a uniform kit consisting of a T-shirt, track suit trousers, a pair of shoes and a cap. They were also given a mobile handset of Reliance and an Airtel Sim card with a talk time of Rs 80. So he was ready for a job requiring 12 hours work a day from October 1 to 17 making him richer by Rs 500 per day.
New Delhi: Promoted from being a school-bus driver to be a chauffeur in one of the 1,600 Tata Indigo-LX luxury cars, Sunil Kumar feels that ‘gods have smiled upon him’. Reaching the fag end of the Games, he is sorry that his ‘air-conditioned life’ will last only for another couple of days or so.
Travelling along with him in a Metro train, I asked how he managed to get the job. He recalled that it was a coincidence that he glanced at a newspaper ad inviting applications for CWG-2010 cab drivers. He promptly applied and was selected on the basis of experience and went through a 15 days’ training. During that period he was paid an allowance of Rs 300 per day. All the recruited drivers were given a uniform kit consisting of a T-shirt, track suit trousers, a pair of shoes and a cap. They were also given a mobile handset of Reliance and an Airtel Sim card with a talk time of Rs 80. So he was ready for a job requiring 12 hours work a day from October 1 to 17 making him richer by Rs 500 per day.
“I have heard so many reports which show Common Wealth Games in poor light. I too am not very happy about some things. But I want to do this job honestly and show to all those who travel in my cab, that India is a beautiful nation indeed”, he said proudly. When insisted upon, as to what things he was not so happy about, he replied: “We were told that we would be given TA to reach the Games venues, but the promise is not fulfilled. Secondly, though the food is supplied free, yet it is not consumable and also 12 hours duty is too tiring.”
However, Sunil Kumar is a proud man, having received in his cab Pramod Khanna, the brother of his childhood idol Vinod Khanna of Bollywood. He also claims lucky to receive tips from Gava, a Nigerian delegate whom he dropped at the Games village.
What happens to the mobile handsets and the 1810 brand new but now used cars once the Games are over? He informed that the handsets could be bought by them for Rs 500 and ‘the TATA Motors plans to sell them at a lower price’. We will have to wait and see whether we could be the proud owners of those prestigious cabs.
He was sad about a media report which said that 300 cab drivers left the job midway due to over-work and other grievances. He staunchly countered the report saying, “They left the job not because of any other reason but they were new to Delhi and its routes”.
What about after October 17? “Life will go on and I will look for the lady luck to smile upon me”, said Sunil Kumar nonchalantly.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A Priest Reporter at CWG
By Thomas D’Silva & Jimmy
New Delhi: A Catholic priest reporting the Common Wealth Games from Delhi. Hard to believe? Meet Fr. Ramesh Babu Matta on the sidelines of the Media Centre at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. He is a part of ‘Infostradasports,’ a wing of the Games News Service (GNS). He is assigned the post of a senior reporter and flash-quote reporter.
New Delhi: A Catholic priest reporting the Common Wealth Games from Delhi. Hard to believe? Meet Fr. Ramesh Babu Matta on the sidelines of the Media Centre at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. He is a part of ‘Infostradasports,’ a wing of the Games News Service (GNS). He is assigned the post of a senior reporter and flash-quote reporter. Wearing the official uniform of a grey T-shirt, black trousers and a half-jacket bearing the logo of the GNS, Fr. Ramesh says, “Everyone is expected to communicate effectively. So what is wrong in my being a priest and doing the job of a reporter?” Well, he is the only priest among the 1,500-odd media personnel involved in covering the Games.
“God has his own way”, he explains. Hailing from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, Fr. Ramesh enlisted himself for a Masters Course in Broadcast Journalism at National Institute of Social Communication, Research and Training (NISCORT) in August, 2010. As the luck would have it, the GNS was looking for Indian reporters to join their staff to cover the CWG-2010 in Delhi.
When they approached NISCORT, the students were overjoyed at this golden opportunity. So most of them sent in their CV. But Fr. Ramesh was down with malaria at Holy Family Hospital, Delhi, and could not submit his bio-data. The next day when many students went to attend the interview, behold Fr. Ramesh too was there. “I just believed in God and my ability, and went for the interview, though I had not submitted my CV”, he confesses. Where there is a will there is a way.
Fr. Ramesh has drawn some attention in the media circle. The Malayala Manorama has interviewed him and has projected him as a ‘priest with a difference’. “I have an appointment with the Asianet Channel today”, he says looking at his watch.
How does he enjoy as a reporter? “At CWG, I work as Crew of Infrostradasports. We provide news, flash-quotes, previews and reviews of the sports to Tissort, the official broadcaster of the CWG-2010”, he replies. He is proud of the way the events have unfolded so far, beginning with the grand opening ceremony. “We have showcased our rich heritage and diverse culture”, he says beaming with pride. “Please do not brood over the negative aspects which defame our nation, but be positive. Be a responsible Indian, with social responsibility and reverence to home, our nation”, he added in a preacher’s tone.
When asked to share his experience, Fr. Ramesh found hard to paraphrase it. He said, “I am just a media student, yet God has given me an opportunity to be a senior reporter for GNS. Isn’t it great?” Then he added, “I could learn a lot by being in the field: how a reporter has to be alert, how the media people work in the background feeding data, the homework a reporter has to do to cover news and so on”. One of his achievements has been making friends in the media industry. He prefers to see media not as an industry, but as a ‘ministry’.
As the Games now come to a close, he feels: “As of now everything is going on well with the competitions. I am looking forward to the eagerly awaited closing ceremony.” And the NISCORT is looking forward to receive its hero student.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
At home away from home
By Anand and Selva
New Delhi: Subamo and Albiniou are Nigerians presently in Delhi for some medical treatment. They say they will go to the Commonwealth Games and cheer for the players from their country who are participating in many events.
New Delhi: Subamo and Albiniou are Nigerians presently in Delhi for some medical treatment. They say they will go to the Commonwealth Games and cheer for the players from their country who are participating in many events.
We met the tall and hugely built brothers as they were proceeding to a restaurant to have their lunch on the Noida Road. Both are here for the second time.
Reluctant to speak in the beginning, they stood hesitantly as we greeted them. We gained their confidence by showing our college identity cards. On being asked what brought them to India, they said: “It’s our second visit and we are here for some medical purpose”. The younger of them was sick and was admitted to the Metro Hospital for some days.
“What is so special about India when people are going to America, Australia or UK for treatment?” The elder one replied that he found the treatment here cheaper. On being asked about the Indian food they said they had no problem in adjusting with the local food.
Speaking about the Commonwealth Games, they looked enthusiastic. They were very excited about watching their players performing in some of the events. “We will go to support them sometime,” they said expectantly.
Even as they are happy about their stay in the Capital, they have tales of bitter experiences too. One day they wanted to enter a café and the owner asked for their passport. They showed their passport but still they were not allowed access to the service. They felt humiliated. They also had some complaints against auto drivers who were smart in over-charging especially from foreigners.
Our enquiry as to how long their passports were valid angered the younger of the two. He got agitated and wanted to know whether we were security men. We immediately apologized for making a wrong poser. The elder brother was very patient and told us that he was enjoying our conversation.
Asked about their impression on incidents of violence, they said: “Such incidents are nothing new. This is happening everywhere. We find no security threat here, for no country can guarantee 100 per cent security to its citizens”. On this note of reassurance we ended our lively conversation.
A man with ‘sound’ knowledge
By Thomas D’Silva & Jimmy
New Delhi: “They liked my communication skills and my experience”, says Mr. Harish Samineni, the sound engineer who was once a part of the movie crew of ‘Ami’ and currently covering the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2010 in New Delhi for Games News Service (GNS), Australia. How did he get this breakthrough? “I heard from my friend’s dad that GNS, an Australian news agency, was eager to recruit some Indians to cover CWG. I immediately grabbed the opportunity”, he said, beaming with confidence. True, he was confident of his skills and he had enough exposure and experience. Thus he became a part of 127-member GNS team of which 70 are from abroad. The GNS works through ‘Infostrada’, one of the biggest media contingents covering the Games.
The CWG-2010 is something very special to him. “I could learn a lot about how media works in the background, collecting and organising data”, he says. While covering the Games, he came into contact with many personalities associated with broadcasting, computer analysis, and other media departments, particularly the so called ‘back room boys’.
It was a long and arduous journey for this 23-year old from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. Sound engineering is his passion. He recalls three decisive moments in his life: first, he was selected to join the sound engineering team for the film ‘Ami’. He proudly explains what ‘Ami’ is all about. Well, it was a movie on superstitions. “Oh, there is superstition everywhere”, he concludes. Second, when he was employed by Radio Noida, the community radio service by Marwa Studio, which we can hear at 107.4 Mhz every day. And the third undeniably is the experience of being a member of the GNS media team.
Talking in the sidelines of the Media Centre at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, he says: “I will be going to London soon for specialization on sound engineering”. Well, there is always something more and new to learn. If Harish, at this young age, could achieve so much, definitely he is a man with ‘a Midas touch’. Luck favours the brave.
Come and Visit, but Where?
By Anand and Selva
New Delhi: Come and visit. Is it an invitation or a mere formality?
A couple of days back we were moving on the Ghaziabad Road leading to the Games Village. The time was well past the office hour and the road was free, so it was quite a jolly ride.
On the way we noticed that the dedicated Games lane was nearly empty. None ventured to enter the lane. From Vaishali to Akshardham Temple and beyond, we could spot not a single trespasser. Perhaps the fear of losing Rs. 2,000 as fine or the nightmare of spending a month behind the bars had got under the Delhiites’ skin.
We were now in the vicinity of our target places -- the Akshardham Temple and the Games Village. We were also thinking of some stadium around but there wasn’t any clue of that. We wanted to make some FAQs to a Man on Duty. But before we could ask anything, we saw his hands waving, signaling us to move on without stopping.
We were desperately looking for sign-boards for some direction. But we could see noting and we kept on moving. Unable to locate even a crossing to make U-turn, we were at our wits end. Despondency gripped us. Our mission was coming to a tragic end but not before posting an SMS to Mr. Suresh Kalmadi and the Public Work Department to install some sign-boards on the roads leading to the stadiums and other visiting places before sending out an invitation like ‘COME AND VISIT’.
New Delhi: Come and visit. Is it an invitation or a mere formality?
A couple of days back we were moving on the Ghaziabad Road leading to the Games Village. The time was well past the office hour and the road was free, so it was quite a jolly ride.
On the way we noticed that the dedicated Games lane was nearly empty. None ventured to enter the lane. From Vaishali to Akshardham Temple and beyond, we could spot not a single trespasser. Perhaps the fear of losing Rs. 2,000 as fine or the nightmare of spending a month behind the bars had got under the Delhiites’ skin.
We were now in the vicinity of our target places -- the Akshardham Temple and the Games Village. We were also thinking of some stadium around but there wasn’t any clue of that. We wanted to make some FAQs to a Man on Duty. But before we could ask anything, we saw his hands waving, signaling us to move on without stopping.
We were desperately looking for sign-boards for some direction. But we could see noting and we kept on moving. Unable to locate even a crossing to make U-turn, we were at our wits end. Despondency gripped us. Our mission was coming to a tragic end but not before posting an SMS to Mr. Suresh Kalmadi and the Public Work Department to install some sign-boards on the roads leading to the stadiums and other visiting places before sending out an invitation like ‘COME AND VISIT’.
Monday, October 11, 2010
`THE CWG IS A VIP AFFAIR’
By Swagatika
While traveling in a rickshaw, on October 3 evening, I asked the rickshaw puller, `don’t you go to watch CWG?’ He replied “I would like to witness the games, but it is not possible… No it is not for me… it is a VIP affair meant for the wealthy people only. My income of a day is Rs. 200. I have seven members in my family. Certain days I can’t earn enough money to feed the whole family…. I don’t have a BPL(Below Poverty Line) Card because I am not from this area… After paying the house rent and fee for Children, there is nothing much left to enjoy any CWG”, he said in a sad tone.
On the next day again I happened to travel in an auto rickshaw I asked the same question to the driver; his immediate answer was: Yes! I really want to watch some items of CWG. But the other members of my family also want to watch the games and enjoy. We are six and the minimum price of a ticket is Rs. 250. If all of us have to go, we will have to shell out a minimum of Rs 1500!. This will leave deep hole in my purse. If I save this money and a little more I can think of buying a small cottage for my family in a few years from now. The CWG is something that we want but we can’t afford”.
Next day I encountered a working woman. She was going to clean the homes of some rich people who were living in nearby apartments. As she was walking fast, I asked her the same questions which I asked rikshaw puller and the driver. With a surprising look she asked me ‘what is this CWG? I don’t know’. She added, ‘I don’t have any time to spend to watch any game’. I tried to explain her the significance of the games. After two-three sentences she cut me abruptly, “ I don’t have time to listen to this kind of useless stuff. If I don’t go immediately and finish the work in time I will loose my job and won’t get any money. That means my children will be starving today and will be crying” She soon disappeared.
While reading about the spectacular show put up by the CWG and its role in enhancing the prestige of India in the comity of nations, one wonders what does it all mean! When would this gap between the rich and the poor be bridged? Considering the fact that most of the athletes are from the poor or lower middle class families, one hopes sports could be a able to bring all together.
While traveling in a rickshaw, on October 3 evening, I asked the rickshaw puller, `don’t you go to watch CWG?’ He replied “I would like to witness the games, but it is not possible… No it is not for me… it is a VIP affair meant for the wealthy people only. My income of a day is Rs. 200. I have seven members in my family. Certain days I can’t earn enough money to feed the whole family…. I don’t have a BPL(Below Poverty Line) Card because I am not from this area… After paying the house rent and fee for Children, there is nothing much left to enjoy any CWG”, he said in a sad tone.
On the next day again I happened to travel in an auto rickshaw I asked the same question to the driver; his immediate answer was: Yes! I really want to watch some items of CWG. But the other members of my family also want to watch the games and enjoy. We are six and the minimum price of a ticket is Rs. 250. If all of us have to go, we will have to shell out a minimum of Rs 1500!. This will leave deep hole in my purse. If I save this money and a little more I can think of buying a small cottage for my family in a few years from now. The CWG is something that we want but we can’t afford”.
Next day I encountered a working woman. She was going to clean the homes of some rich people who were living in nearby apartments. As she was walking fast, I asked her the same questions which I asked rikshaw puller and the driver. With a surprising look she asked me ‘what is this CWG? I don’t know’. She added, ‘I don’t have any time to spend to watch any game’. I tried to explain her the significance of the games. After two-three sentences she cut me abruptly, “ I don’t have time to listen to this kind of useless stuff. If I don’t go immediately and finish the work in time I will loose my job and won’t get any money. That means my children will be starving today and will be crying” She soon disappeared.
While reading about the spectacular show put up by the CWG and its role in enhancing the prestige of India in the comity of nations, one wonders what does it all mean! When would this gap between the rich and the poor be bridged? Considering the fact that most of the athletes are from the poor or lower middle class families, one hopes sports could be a able to bring all together.
Commonwealth Games Yesterday, today and tomorrow
A.J. Philip
HOW fickle-minded the public could be was demonstrated by Mark Antony in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. In one of the most memorable speeches ever made by a demagogue, Antony changed the mind of the Romans from supporting Brutus to baying for his blood. He demonstrated how easily public opinion could be changed.
New Delhi is now witnessing a similar phenomenon. When the curtains came up on the Commonwealth Games on the evening of October 3, not many in the country were sure that everything would end as planned. They were not to be blamed because a host of negative reports had appeared in the media which showed the organisers as bumbling nincompoops.
HOW fickle-minded the public could be was demonstrated by Mark Antony in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. In one of the most memorable speeches ever made by a demagogue, Antony changed the mind of the Romans from supporting Brutus to baying for his blood. He demonstrated how easily public opinion could be changed.
New Delhi is now witnessing a similar phenomenon. When the curtains came up on the Commonwealth Games on the evening of October 3, not many in the country were sure that everything would end as planned. They were not to be blamed because a host of negative reports had appeared in the media which showed the organisers as bumbling nincompoops.
A few calamitous incidents like the collapse of a foot over-bridge under construction near the Commonwealth Games village raised serious questions about the Organising Committee’s ability to stage a show the world would compare with the spectacular manner in which China organised the Beijing Olympics two years earlier.
Small wonder that when Suresh Kalmadi, the man behind the Games, took to the podium on the inaugural day, he had to face some measure of hooting from the spectators, the same spectators who gave a thumbs-up a few minutes later to the Pakistani contingent.
In cheering the Pakistani team, they showed how discerning they were by keeping India’s political rivalry with Pakistan aloof when it came to welcoming sportspersons from that neighbouring country. Millions of Indians who watched the show on television screens had only one prayer in their heart that the inaugural should remain a memorable event.
They were not disappointed when Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prince Charles, who represented Queen Elizabeth of Britain, jointly inaugurated the 2010 Commonwealth Games. What the 60,000 spectators at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium saw in the next couple of hours were breath-taking events that showcased India’s cultural diversity from Kerala’s sensuous Mohiniattam to Manipur’s classical dance form Manipuri.
Even those who were sceptical about India’s preparedness to host the Games and were rattled by reports that the newly-built Games village was far from liveable changed their minds when, after the initial hiccups, foreign delegates started praising the superb arrangements made for their comfort by the Organising Committee.
Lead stories in newspapers were no longer about leaking taps and blocked drainages in the flats at the Games village but about the extravagant treatment meted out to the visiting teams and their officials. For instance, a leading daily of the Capital detailed instance after instance of such officials getting costly knee-cap replacement surgeries and root canal treatments at the cost of the state exchequer.
But people no longer mind such largesse, for they have really been bitten by the Games bug. One only has to see how patiently motorists wait in long queues while vehicles with Games labels zoom past on the dedicated lane of the same road. They know that the lane would be theirs once the Games are over.
The same people who complained about turning Connaught Place, the heart of the Capital built by the British, “upside down” in the name of beautifying the area are today happy that the dilapidated facades where weeds grew luxuriously have got a fresh coat of paint and they reflect the glory of modern India.
Nobody grudges the electric power wasted on illuminating the ‘India Gate’ and other monuments like the tower that commemorates the 1857 revolt against the British, called the “First War of Independence”.
Even glaring glitches are overlooked as, for instance, when a huge electronic score board, erected at a cost of over $200,000 came crashing down for no other reason than that it was improperly fixed. Of course, the incident was reported but not on the front pages and in prime-time broadcasts.
Nit-picking is no longer the job of the media which is otherwise busy with the impressive performance of Indian sportspersons.
India has never been known for its sporting talents. In the Olympics it used to win gold in hockey only till the Europeans learnt the game and began defeating India and Pakistan. Worse, India did not even qualify for the hockey event at the Beijing Olympics.
And when, for the first time, in the history of the over a billion-strong India, Abhinav Bindra won an individual gold medal in Beijing Olympics, it occasioned a national celebration. Nobody bothered about the fact that an American won half a dozen gold medals in the same Olympics!
Things seem to have changed for the better. With one more week to go for the Commonwealth Games, India has already proved its sporting prowess. Though it is way behind Australia in terms of medals won, it has overtaken England and Canada, considered the strongest among the Commonwealth countries.
What’s more important, Indian athletes have started winning medals in not just wrestling but gymnastics too. When an Indian girl Kavita Raut finished third in the 10,000 metre run, it created a record of sort. It should be remembered that the last individual medal for a Commonwealth Games track event was Milkha Singh’s gold in 1958!
What’s more, this gutsy girl from Nashik in Maharashtra state won the bronze medal against heavy odds. For Raut, practice meant fetching water every day from a distance of about 10 kms. Be it weight-lifting, shooting, archery or women’s hockey, Indians have been doing exceptionally well.
If anything, the Commonwealth Games proves that a country, whose economy is in fine shape, does well in other fields too. China proved it earlier and India is proving it now. No longer are questions raised about the billions of rupees spent on the Games. Instead, questions are asked how better the Games could have been organised.
What the whole country is waiting for is the closing ceremony on the 14th and the final medal tally. If the event is as spectacular as the inaugural and India maintains at least the second position in the overall tally of medals, the Games would go down as a watershed in India’s history.
Dressed up like a bride
Sudhansu & Sanoj
WITH the dawn of the 19th Commonwealth Games, the Capital city has been shining brighter and brighter with each passing day. Trees in bloom all over the city, flower beds beside roads and colorful decorations at street corners indeed beautify the city. Cleanliness in the city is much better than earlier. The National Highway-24 that passes by the Commonwealth Games Village sports on both sides large posters that depicts the glory of sports. No doubt, all this stimulates interest in the minds of spectators and viewers.
WITH the dawn of the 19th Commonwealth Games, the Capital city has been shining brighter and brighter with each passing day. Trees in bloom all over the city, flower beds beside roads and colorful decorations at street corners indeed beautify the city. Cleanliness in the city is much better than earlier. The National Highway-24 that passes by the Commonwealth Games Village sports on both sides large posters that depicts the glory of sports. No doubt, all this stimulates interest in the minds of spectators and viewers. As a result, many of those who had descended on the Capital to have a “dekko” of the Games are busy roaming the streets of Delhi and visiting nearby places. After spending the day at Games venues, they spend most of their evenings enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the city.
It is not the new-comers alone who have been taken in by the new attractions of the city. Even long-time residents of the Capital find something new and interesting every day to visit. This beautiful charming city is now comparable to a bride waiting for the groom with all readiness.
All the visitors and the citizens of Delhi have a lot to thank the Delhi Government and various authorities for making this possible. Delhi never looked so beautiful.
All the visitors and the citizens of Delhi have a lot to thank the Delhi Government and various authorities for making this possible. Delhi never looked so beautiful.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The ‘Missing’ Gate at Nehru Stadium
By Kayio Dihri and Ashok Majhi
New Delhi: For many spectators, reaching Commonwealth Games venues is much easier than locating the gate to enter the venue.
A classic case is finding the way to Gate Number 6 of Jawaha
rlal Nehru Stadium. The volunteers and the security men do not know the exact location of this particular gate. So they give wrong directions to people looking for the gate. On any given day, one can see many people walking around the stadium to find out this particular gate. Some people give up the effort in desperation after going around the stadium for two or three times. But people with grit and determination refuse to give up easily and ultimately manage to reach the much sought after destination.
New Delhi: For many spectators, reaching Commonwealth Games venues is much easier than locating the gate to enter the venue.
A classic case is finding the way to Gate Number 6 of Jawaha
rlal Nehru Stadium. The volunteers and the security men do not know the exact location of this particular gate. So they give wrong directions to people looking for the gate. On any given day, one can see many people walking around the stadium to find out this particular gate. Some people give up the effort in desperation after going around the stadium for two or three times. But people with grit and determination refuse to give up easily and ultimately manage to reach the much sought after destination. For example, a family from East Delhi reached the Stadium at around 6 p.m. on Friday and went on looking for the elusive Gate Number 6. They managed to reach there only around 7-15 p.m. By this time they were so tired that they decided to return after watching the events hardly for an hour or so. “It was so disgusting. The Games authorities could not even put up proper sign-boards,” a family member said.
Moreover, by the time most people locate the ‘missing’ gate, most of the important events of the session would be over. The peculiarity of this gate is that one has to walk two to three kms from the metro station opposite to the stadium to reach the place. Adding to the woes of the spectators, there is not a single security man or volunteer on the way to direct the people. There is also no arrangement for transportation. Since the security men and volunteers are often changed, the new people assigned to work there are of little help.
In short, the elusive Gate Number 6 is bringing quite a bad name to the Games.
India Pedals Backward in Cycling
By Jomy T. J
New Delhi: It was a day when Indians could not make any mark in the cycling event. Even when Chandrashekhar was seemingly close to clinch a third position or so, misfortune struck him as his cycle chain got dislocated and he was stuck on the track and relegated to the last position. Chandrashekhar’s was perhaps the only incident of this nature that occurred during the cycling events of the day.
New Delhi: It was a day when Indians could not make any mark in the cycling event. Even when Chandrashekhar was seemingly close to clinch a third position or so, misfortune struck him as his cycle chain got dislocated and he was stuck on the track and relegated to the last position. Chandrashekhar’s was perhaps the only incident of this nature that occurred during the cycling events of the day.
Sr. Salomi, Superior of DST in Mayur Vihar convent in Delhi, who was closely watching the events on Wednesday at the Indira Gandhi Indoor stadium, was desolate to see all the Indians taking part in the events coming last. But then Chandrashekar’s incident gave her answer to her doubts. “How can India compete with top cyclists in the world when they have not been provided with proper facilities”, she said to herself.
Mahita was the only one Indian cyclist who could complete the 100th lap in women’s 25 km Points Race, whereas the rest two Indians could not even complete the half. Watching the poor show put up by the Indians, Sr. Salomi concluded: The training, food, salary and many other facilities provided to Indians were far behind compared to what is given to the athletes of other nations.
In one instance, the event had to be restarted because of the foul start by an Indian cyclist. When a Games volunteer asked about the cycling event, Sr. Salomi whispered: “India has not yet started in cycling; it has a long way to go.”
In a country which has reportedly spent over Rs. 70,000 crores for conducting the Games, what prevents the organizers from providing proper items and equipments needed for the sports. Games can become meaningful only when sportsmen benefit from it. The Common Wealth Games will turn out to be a big white elephant if the money spent on it does not help to improve sports facilities in the country.
Enjoyment ends here
By Sudhansu
New Delhi: The whole day’s merriment at the Commonwealth
Games venues turns out to be a nightmare as the spectators reach the metro stations or bus-stands near the venues. As they hurry to get back home, they are faced with long, winding queues of commuters trying to catch the earliest metro train or bus.
New Delhi: The whole day’s merriment at the Commonwealth
Games venues turns out to be a nightmare as the spectators reach the metro stations or bus-stands near the venues. As they hurry to get back home, they are faced with long, winding queues of commuters trying to catch the earliest metro train or bus. Tight security check at metro stations makes matters worse. There are no special queues for Games spectators or volunteers. For the volunteers especially it is even more tiresome. Some of them might be coming back after putting up hours of tedious work.
Asish Gupta, a student of Delhi University who is a volunteer, says: “It is a routine thing we face while returning from the Games venues. Though the days are interesting, we are facing major problems at metro stations. It is disgusting to stand in long queues after a day’s tiring work.”
Well, Asish’s words echo the feeling of most volunteers who take Metro to reach the Games Village and venues.
Well, Asish’s words echo the feeling of most volunteers who take Metro to reach the Games Village and venues.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The two sides of the Games
By Dukhi Kumar Ranjit & Biren
New Delhi: No doubt the Common Wealth Games (CWG) has given a much needed face lift to Delhi matching with international standards. This is no doubt an imaginative and creative achievement.. The Games not only brings cheers and happiness to the minds of the athletes but also to the people of India and around the globe.. These days India is hogging the international limelight as the world media has given a thumbs up to the host nation. All are keenly waiting for the much talked about closing ceremony.. India had put up a splendid show at the opening ceremony showcasing its rich heritage and diverse culture.
New Delhi: No doubt the Common Wealth Games (CWG) has given a much needed face lift to Delhi matching with international standards. This is no doubt an imaginative and creative achievement.. The Games not only brings cheers and happiness to the minds of the athletes but also to the people of India and around the globe.. These days India is hogging the international limelight as the world media has given a thumbs up to the host nation. All are keenly waiting for the much talked about closing ceremony.. India had put up a splendid show at the opening ceremony showcasing its rich heritage and diverse culture.
The spectators are having a gala time. Athletes are very much enthusiastic to take active part in different games and numerous track and field events. In the true spirit of sports they are aiming at excellenceAthelets and their nations are vying with one another to bring glory and happiness to their own country by bagging maximum number of medals..
But all are not excited by the Games. Here is a commen
t by a road-side shop-keeper at Kaushambi: “CWG is only a momentary action and after October 14, 2010, all in Delhi will be the same again as it was before, so why to bother and spend all the time on it… This is not even beneficial for people like us”. This was a piece of plain speaking by an ordinary citizen who has least interested in CWG. He does not bother about what is going on in and around Delhi. His prime concern is his family. He comes to the Kaushambi Park, by 4pm everyday and sells his items till 10 pm..For him life is a challenge, not the Games!. THE UNFORTUNATE KESHAV…
B i r e n
Well, with the inauguration of the CWG-2010, the seven year old boy Keshav from Puducherry is introduced to the international audience. He mesmerized the audience with his Tabla performance in the inaugural ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on October 3. He was privileged enough to steel the show and be the first shining star among the one thousand drummers who performed along with him in the gala . I came across yet another child Keshav while in search of human interest story…
It was nine in the morning of October 4, and I thought to go out from the NISCORT campus to hunt for human interest stories. I headed towards Vaishali sector-II and in a little while I came across a small boy of about seven years old, walking opposite to me with a half filled small sack on his back. He was silent and quick enough to spot a garbage site and engaged to pick up small plastic bottles like any other rag picker. I stopped and watched him for a minute. The uncombed and shabby looked boy was happy enough to identify his item of interest and grabbed with out wasting time. “What is your name?” was that I suddenly asked him to draw his at
tention as he was gently placing his items in the sack. But I was disappointed…the boy did not even show any interest in answering my question. He rather sped up in his search…after a few seconds I pointed out a bottle that was underneath, he picked up and placed it in the sack and walked away along with his belongings. I just looked him for a few seconds and resumed my walk. I was a bit disturbed, not that I had never encountered such human miseries before…What shocked me was the boy’s attitude towards life.His stoic silence and the zeal and zest for life amidst abject poverty! Had he been born in a well to do family, to rich parents! Had he been given good education, nutritious food and expensive clothing! I thought.
Well, with the inauguration of the CWG-2010, the seven year old boy Keshav from Puducherry is introduced to the international audience. He mesmerized the audience with his Tabla performance in the inaugural ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on October 3. He was privileged enough to steel the show and be the first shining star among the one thousand drummers who performed along with him in the gala . I came across yet another child Keshav while in search of human interest story…It was nine in the morning of October 4, and I thought to go out from the NISCORT campus to hunt for human interest stories. I headed towards Vaishali sector-II and in a little while I came across a small boy of about seven years old, walking opposite to me with a half filled small sack on his back. He was silent and quick enough to spot a garbage site and engaged to pick up small plastic bottles like any other rag picker. I stopped and watched him for a minute. The uncombed and shabby looked boy was happy enough to identify his item of interest and grabbed with out wasting time. “What is your name?” was that I suddenly asked him to draw his at
tention as he was gently placing his items in the sack. But I was disappointed…the boy did not even show any interest in answering my question. He rather sped up in his search…after a few seconds I pointed out a bottle that was underneath, he picked up and placed it in the sack and walked away along with his belongings. I just looked him for a few seconds and resumed my walk. I was a bit disturbed, not that I had never encountered such human miseries before…What shocked me was the boy’s attitude towards life.His stoic silence and the zeal and zest for life amidst abject poverty! Had he been born in a well to do family, to rich parents! Had he been given good education, nutritious food and expensive clothing! I thought. I would like to call him the ‘unfortunate Keshav’. There are thousands of Keshavas like him around us, eking out an existence like this and living far away from the glamour and glitter of the Games!
If the spectator turn out is less, don’t blame them!
By Bobins V Abraham
Even as the Commonwealth Games Organinising Committee boss Mr Suresh Kalmadi was shouting hoarse from roof top that the spectator turn out for the games was very low nobody has enquired about the reason for this. Hear is one reason .The people are not provided tickets. Sounds ode? But true. The ticket counters in Pacific mall, central bank of India and Hero Honda show- rooms were not issuing tickets.!
People turned out in large numbers for tickets but had to return empty handed after long hours of wait. Monday it was told that they had no change to give to the ticket buyers and booking will open on Tuesday by 11o clock . Same was the story in Hero Honda outlets. In Central Bank of India branches they denied to book tickets below Rs500.
People turned out in large numbers for tickets but had to return empty handed after long hours of wait. Monday it was told that they had no change to give to the ticket buyers and booking will open on Tuesday by 11o clock . Same was the story in Hero Honda outlets. In Central Bank of India branches they denied to book tickets below Rs500.
Even today morning large crowd thronged the sales counters and waited till 3 o clock. Finally they were told that due to technical reasons they were unable to give tickets. The funniest excuse of this time was that the printer ran out of ink and they could not print tickets. This almost made a mob of more than hundred laying their hands on the people in the stall.
By 12 o clock when people started protesting and demanding an explanation the authorities provided the prospective ticket buyers with three telephone numbers. When they tried to contact those numbers no one was picking up the phone, according to a games fan. Finally they got an official on phone named Salman who promised them that tickets will be delivered soon. That didn’t happen either.
“Dear organizers make sure that the public is provided with tickets before you complain about the poor attendance by spectators.. People want to see the gala event and cheer for their icons, the hapless spectators lamented. "
CWG, Is it of India or Delhi????
Shyju Chacko
“We the common people cant go near by the stadium .We are not rich people to spend that much money to get a pass for the games. We celebrate the CWG in our street playing our cricket and all”, said Ram Dhikesh from old Delhi.
Delhi is really celebrating the CWG. But what about India? The common people? The villagers
who do not have a T V to see all these colourful events! After a trip through Old Delhi, I could find that, the celebration and all publicity are related with the yellow line. Wherever the CWG people will visit, there the authority has made the street and all other publicity more colourful. But the outer part of Delhi is same as it was. There the people are less concerned or affected by the games of the game. They were busy with their normal life even before the inaugural ceremony was taking place. What to do if they don’t have even a Television to watch all these, though the Dhooradharsan channel started their HD telecasting system with CWG.
The yellow line and the roads where the athletes and visitors to Delhi are expected are rather clean and colourful. Many of the slums have been hidden with the huge flex board of CWG. . Likewise, the ugly sights of Delhi would be hidden from the eyes of the visitors. But the real Delhi?..The .Real India..?..
“We the common people cant go near by the stadium .We are not rich people to spend that much money to get a pass for the games. We celebrate the CWG in our street playing our cricket and all”, said Ram Dhikesh from old Delhi.
Delhi is really celebrating the CWG. But what about India? The common people? The villagers
who do not have a T V to see all these colourful events! After a trip through Old Delhi, I could find that, the celebration and all publicity are related with the yellow line. Wherever the CWG people will visit, there the authority has made the street and all other publicity more colourful. But the outer part of Delhi is same as it was. There the people are less concerned or affected by the games of the game. They were busy with their normal life even before the inaugural ceremony was taking place. What to do if they don’t have even a Television to watch all these, though the Dhooradharsan channel started their HD telecasting system with CWG.The yellow line and the roads where the athletes and visitors to Delhi are expected are rather clean and colourful. Many of the slums have been hidden with the huge flex board of CWG. . Likewise, the ugly sights of Delhi would be hidden from the eyes of the visitors. But the real Delhi?..The .Real India..?..
Friday, October 8, 2010
A red volunteer girl
By Shyju Chacko
New Delhi: She was very keen to take care of any need of the players in the stadium. She was standing ready to run fast and collect the balls that spiral out of the boundary. She was at Major Dhayan Chand National Stadium in Delhi on October 8, where the Women’s Hockey match was in progress. The gallery cheered and clapped as the Indian team mounted a wave of attacks against the Trinidad team.
The score was three-zero in India’s favour. Suddenly the referee blew the whistle. It was against the Trinidad team. India had to take the ball from the outer-line of the ground. The ball was with a Trinidad player. The woman in red jersey threw the ball to a volunteer standing outside the line.
Ahh…it hit her eyes! Still she did not allow the ball to slip from her and got it even as she was fainting. The girl, in red-white costume, was writhing in pain and crying aloud. Now one could hear the referee’s whistle to continue the game. The injury of a girl volunteer is not a sufficient reason for the game to stop. The out-standing volunteer was taken out of the stadium by other volunteer. Let the game continue!
New Delhi: She was very keen to take care of any need of the players in the stadium. She was standing ready to run fast and collect the balls that spiral out of the boundary. She was at Major Dhayan Chand National Stadium in Delhi on October 8, where the Women’s Hockey match was in progress. The gallery cheered and clapped as the Indian team mounted a wave of attacks against the Trinidad team.The score was three-zero in India’s favour. Suddenly the referee blew the whistle. It was against the Trinidad team. India had to take the ball from the outer-line of the ground. The ball was with a Trinidad player. The woman in red jersey threw the ball to a volunteer standing outside the line.
Ahh…it hit her eyes! Still she did not allow the ball to slip from her and got it even as she was fainting. The girl, in red-white costume, was writhing in pain and crying aloud. Now one could hear the referee’s whistle to continue the game. The injury of a girl volunteer is not a sufficient reason for the game to stop. The out-standing volunteer was taken out of the stadium by other volunteer. Let the game continue!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
From Naga villages to Delhi city
By Christina Belho & Deiphibiang Kharkongor
Delhi or Dilli, as fondly called by Delhiites, is in a festive mood; everywhere you turn you hear loud and soft music and people move up and down busy in their own life. Amidst all this, taking a stroll in the streets of Central Park and different metro stations you will see young ladies who are not different from any other ordinary teenagers, the only difference being that they wear a uniform with short crop hair. These ladies move up and down the streets with heavy responsibilities on their shoulder and they are none other than the all- women battalion of the Nagaland police who are deployed in Delhi with guns in their hands to guard the city during the Commonwealth Games.
These young and fearless ladies, fresh from their training, are ready to take on a risky task in a completely new avatar. They come from the interiors of Nagaland belonging to different tribes. They belong to the 15 NAP IR Mahila Battalion from Nagaland comprising 662 cops and staff, divided into six companies.
They are of the 18-25 age group and some have just finished their matriculation while a few have completed their graduation. Sazhule said, “After my graduation, I was searching for a job and saw an ad in the newspaper, so I applied and got selected”. They were trained for three months and got their first posting in the national Capital.
These Naga policewomen came to Delhi on September 15 and are deployed, especially for the games from September 21 to October 15. They are located in different areas like metro stations, parks, roadsides and Games venues and have different duties.
When one look at them, their jobs seems easy. However, they have a different story to tell. They have to do a shift duty for nine hours from 12 noon to 9 pm with one day off. Mosang Konyak said, “We work for nine hours from 12 to 9 pm.” When asked about the food, she said “we have our breakfast in the morning and dinner after our duties are over.”
Though they appear shy, they are confident enough to handle weapons like AK 47, 303 riffles, 7.62 SLRs, 9 mm pistols and other rifles. When asked whether the rifles are heavy for them, Abei, an 18- year-old said, “At first they are but with training we got used to it. We are confident that we can fight with the weapons.”
On questioning them about the language barrier since most of them do not speak Hindi, this is what they have to say: “The other police personnel are friendly but sometimes we do face language problem since we don’t know Hindi so we cannot communicate with them well,” quipped 24 year- old Sazhule who is from Mima village of Kohima District.
For most of them this is their first time to a metropolitan city and they love it. “We are very happy to get this opportunity to come and serve the country since we have pledged ourselves to serve the country,” said Abei. Though they cannot explore the city even in their off days but hope that they will come again next time if they get a chance. “Since I am on duty now, I cannot explore the city but will surely come back if I get the chance,” said Mosang Konyak of Mon village, Tuesang district, with a beaming smile on her face.
Talking to some senior citizens, tourists and volunteers about their opinion on the security measures that Delhi have taken since India is a targeted area for attacks most of them echoed the same view.
Norman Hodges and Sally Rees, parents of Maggs Rees, a hockey player from Wales, currently participating in the games said, “The security is tight and we are being frisked many times but this is being done even in London. So we don’t mind that. We love India.”
Indians in the Canadian team
By Mary and Gargi
Canada's hockey captain Ken Pereira, a player of Indian origin was Canada's flag-bearer at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
Kenneth (K
en) Pereira was born in Unionville, Ontario, on July 12, 1973. He is a hockey field midfielder. Ken and his two brothers were born in Canada but his parents are from India.His mother studied at Don Bosco School and is a resident of Mumbai while his father hails from Karnataka.
His parents shifted to Canada in 1966 or 1967. His father Hugh Pereira used to work for a medical gas company in Toronto and has now retired from work.
Ken came to India in 1995 and in 2005 he visited his parent’s home for the first time. He still has relatives in Goa and Mumbai. He started playing hockey at the age of 16. He earned his first international cap in 1994 in a friendly match against Mexico in Toronto (3-0 win).
Today, the 37 year-old is renowned as one of the best hockey players. He has a remarkable international sporting career and has earned over 300 caps and is considered one of the best midfielders in the game.
Interacting with media persons in New Delhi, Pereira joked his way out of the issue by making it clear that he was born in Canada, and has only recently started visiting India. The veteran player also said that it is a little awkward when people try to speak to him in Hindi.
"It's like a Bollywood movie, it's completely blown up. I'd no idea it would be like this," he told media persons. He also said that he felt like a movie star in India because of the attention he was getting.
Interestingly, two more in the Canadian (men's) hockey team are also of Indian origin. They are Keagan and Gubbar Singh.
CWG on four pillars, at last!
By Kantha Raja
AT last, the Indian media learned to speak positively on the Commonwealth Games. Mind you, the foreign media piloted this venture. We needed some foreign reporters to speak positively on the CWG. The after-effect of the Indian media’s take on CWG was that Indian crowds seriously doubted if it were possible for India to host an event of such magnitude.
No branch of the Indian media spared the CWG happenings, rarely reporting and, often, interpreting the events. To elaborate the point, reporting is a sincere effort to retell what one sees, whereas interpreting is seeing events and describing them in your own biased way. With ready-made news in your mind, your vision of the world is either tinted or tainted. Tint – add colours and taint – corrupt the facts and both are dangerous for this profession.
Journalism is, as some clever guy puts it, digging out dirty things. News, says another, is something which somebody wants to hide. Most people in the media work on such assumptions. If we do speak, we speak bad things. We do not speak good things as there are sponsored channels or papers for it.
For instance: “The crowd booed Suresh Kalmadi at the opening ceremony” said channels and web reports. Other words used for the same are “crowd jeered”, “reacted angrily”, etc. First, let me make it very clear, I am neither a fan nor a relative of Kalmadi. I am eagerly waiting for the CWG to finish so that the administration can look into the discrepancies.
I was watching this event and was not really happy with the way things were twisted. Let the media not judge anyone before the verdict is out. Let the media not read into the behaviour of people. These conjectural conclusions damage the country’s reputation and the media’s own esteem in the public eye.
Right now, the good news is that such stories are drastically reduced. Stories praising the performance of our players are in full play. Indian players are shooting and wrestling really great with 11 gold medals so far. Wow! Our sports stars need the attention of the media to encourage them.
Imagine the Delhi Chief Minister pleading to the mass media and the masses of India to work as one to make the Games a success. She admits that the media is the fourth pillar of democracy. Building and balancing events on just three pillars is a difficult task. The media has, at last, relented to support the national cause.
AT last, the Indian media learned to speak positively on the Commonwealth Games. Mind you, the foreign media piloted this venture. We needed some foreign reporters to speak positively on the CWG. The after-effect of the Indian media’s take on CWG was that Indian crowds seriously doubted if it were possible for India to host an event of such magnitude.
No branch of the Indian media spared the CWG happenings, rarely reporting and, often, interpreting the events. To elaborate the point, reporting is a sincere effort to retell what one sees, whereas interpreting is seeing events and describing them in your own biased way. With ready-made news in your mind, your vision of the world is either tinted or tainted. Tint – add colours and taint – corrupt the facts and both are dangerous for this profession.
Journalism is, as some clever guy puts it, digging out dirty things. News, says another, is something which somebody wants to hide. Most people in the media work on such assumptions. If we do speak, we speak bad things. We do not speak good things as there are sponsored channels or papers for it.
For instance: “The crowd booed Suresh Kalmadi at the opening ceremony” said channels and web reports. Other words used for the same are “crowd jeered”, “reacted angrily”, etc. First, let me make it very clear, I am neither a fan nor a relative of Kalmadi. I am eagerly waiting for the CWG to finish so that the administration can look into the discrepancies.
I was watching this event and was not really happy with the way things were twisted. Let the media not judge anyone before the verdict is out. Let the media not read into the behaviour of people. These conjectural conclusions damage the country’s reputation and the media’s own esteem in the public eye.
Right now, the good news is that such stories are drastically reduced. Stories praising the performance of our players are in full play. Indian players are shooting and wrestling really great with 11 gold medals so far. Wow! Our sports stars need the attention of the media to encourage them.
Imagine the Delhi Chief Minister pleading to the mass media and the masses of India to work as one to make the Games a success. She admits that the media is the fourth pillar of democracy. Building and balancing events on just three pillars is a difficult task. The media has, at last, relented to support the national cause.
Cameron Meyer: Born to Win
By Jomy T.J.
New Delhi: Prince, a fifth standard student of K V Vikaspuri School, from Uttam Nagar, screamed when the World Cycling Champion Cameron Meyer came first to bag the gold medal in men’s 40 km Points Race with his fellow contenders still far behind struggling to complete the penultimate lap at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Wednesday. Meyer scored 89 points while the silver medalist, George Atkins of England, had to contend with mere 52 points. Short and smart Prince is a fan of Australian cyclists especially of Meyer. The world cycling champion is on a winning-spree from 2002 onwards after gaining first in U15 Road Time Trial Notional Road Titles. In 2006 itself this Australian legend secured 9 first titles which ranges from U19 Road Race Junior Road Championships to Individual Pursuit World Junior Championship.
The 22-year-old Western Australian’s most memorable sporting event is winning 3 Junior World Titles in Belgium in 2006, though he had come out with flying colours in Australian Male Track Cyclist of the Year during 2007, 2008, 2009.
As Prince came out of the Stadium, it was Meyer, and Meyer alone, in his mind. The enthusiastic boy, who himself is a mine of information on cycling events, is very crazy about cycling. Meyer’s words, in an interview given immediately after winning the event, “I have ticked my main objective off the list and it is great to come here and win a gold medal”, was still echoing in Prince’s mind. Who knows the young Prince himself will not take the track taken by his hero one day!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Enjoying a different job
By Thomas D’Silva & Jimmy
They have been provided the best of medical equipments for emergency and physiotherapy. “The equipments and the quality of medicines are better than what my hospital uses”, she comments. However, she refused to divulge the name of her hospital.
What about the food provided for the medical team and the rest? Well, that is a million dollar question these days, when there are reports of food poisoning pouring out from everywhere. “I don’t dare to eat that food!” she exclaimed adding, “though the food is provided free, yet I drink only the mineral water and tea and eat snacks like packed biscuits.”
When asked about the general perception of foreign players and the team managers, regarding the CWG-2010, she said that most of them were satisfied. She is very appreciative of the foreigners love to learn Hindi. She says words like ‘namaste’and ‘dhanyavad’ are hit with them. Requesting for anonymity she summed up, “I am not told whether I will be paid or not. The Hospital instructed me to join the team. I am enjoying the whole atmosphere, because it is different”.
She has to be there in the Stadium by 7.30 in the morning and stay till the day’s sports events conclude, which sometimes go on till 10.00 at night! She is one of the staff nurse in the team of 10 doctors, 16 medical staff and 10 paramedics. This reporter approached her to share her experience as being part of the ongoing Common Wealth Games-2010.
She began, “I was happy to receive a new and colourful free uniform and the medical kit.” Though she finds the hours on duty too long, yet it doesn’t strain her. They treat about 60 to 70 patients daily. Mostly suffering from stomach related sickness like diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, food poisoning etc. Body pain, joints pain, muscle and hamstring pull are other problems that she has to attend to frequently.
They have been provided the best of medical equipments for emergency and physiotherapy. “The equipments and the quality of medicines are better than what my hospital uses”, she comments. However, she refused to divulge the name of her hospital.
What about the food provided for the medical team and the rest? Well, that is a million dollar question these days, when there are reports of food poisoning pouring out from everywhere. “I don’t dare to eat that food!” she exclaimed adding, “though the food is provided free, yet I drink only the mineral water and tea and eat snacks like packed biscuits.”
When asked about the general perception of foreign players and the team managers, regarding the CWG-2010, she said that most of them were satisfied. She is very appreciative of the foreigners love to learn Hindi. She says words like ‘namaste’and ‘dhanyavad’ are hit with them. Requesting for anonymity she summed up, “I am not told whether I will be paid or not. The Hospital instructed me to join the team. I am enjoying the whole atmosphere, because it is different”.
Viva Shera.... Viva......
Sr. Francin MJ II year
The absence of the real face of the Commonwealth Games, Shera, at the gala opening ceremony
went almost unnoticed. As the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium resonated with dance, music and other grand performances, Shera was hardly seen anywhere. But Shera is the celebrating symbol of the Games 2010. Shera is the only figure who can go anywhere. All kinds of accreditations and travel passes are allotted for Shera; Shera needs no ‘Z’-level security and is the most visible face of the Common Wealth Games.
We have been seeing Shera with all dignitaries. Everyone is delighted to welcome Shera. The mascot has visited many telecasting and broadcasting centres, schools, and social and public venues to promote excitement, enthusiasm and interest for CWG. Shera stimulates, motivates and spreads the message ‘Come Out and Play.’ But how many of us know the hidden face behind the visible face of Shera. It is not SHE- ra, it is HE. Twenty-three-year-old Chandigarh resident Sathish Bhaggi is that HE, the CWG mascot. Sathish is a junior level staff in the Organising Committee of CWG in New Delhi.
From December 2009 onwards Sathish started to put on the life and the style of an energetic smart tiger always contributing wonder to the balconies. When Games Image and Outlook Department designed the wardrobe of the mascot, Sathish willingly costumed himself as Mr. Shera. The eight kilogramme dress of Shera and its comics have become part of Bhaggi’s life now. He has no ill-feeling to be behind the face of Shera. He is in a jovial mood so that he can go anywhere where he could not go early -- everywhere warm welcome with glittering eyes and claps.
Till October 14, Shera will be the moving figure of the Games. All media organisations are using Shera for their news stories. After October 14, Sathish Bhaggi will be back to his self. All the hype about him will simply disappear.
The overcoat of Shera will be a reminding item in the archives. But what is going to be the fate of the man behind the Shera? Will he get a permanent job or promotion in any government department for his excellence in the present job.
The conscience of the CWG Organizing Committee has to wake up for that. Common people will easily forget Shera who is presently in their minds very vividly.
Let the quest for glory be revealed through some humane activities.
Viva Shera............ Viva…….. Wish you all the good luck...........
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
A Race against Odds
By Gargi and Mary
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”.
This is the inspiring story of a lady who, despite being differently-abled, is a member of the English team for the Common Wealth Games Delhi 2010.
Sarah Joanne Storey was born with a deformed hand on
October 26, 1977 in Manchester in England. But that did not deter her from dreaming high and climbing the ladder of success.At the age of 14 she began her Paralympics career as a swimmer, winning two gold, three silvers and a bronze in Barcelona. Her successful journey in Paralympics continued for over a decade.
Then she took a major decision that not many would ever even dream about. She switched over to cycling in 2005. She is one of the few modern athletes to make a successful transition between sports. Since then she won many titles and accolades.
Though differently-abled, she never gave up her dream of becoming a world champion. She has now competed against able-bodied athletes and won the 3-km national track pursuit championship in 2008. Sarah was a nominee for the 2008 Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.
Now she is in Delhi not to compete with differently-abled persons, but to contest against able-bodied athletes. In fact, she would be the first disabled cyclist to compete for England, against fully able-bodied athletes.
In an interview, Sarah said that she was mentally and physically strong and enjoyed the pain of pushing herself. Sarah has proved that “A champion is one who gets up even when he can’t”.
It is one Chorus: ‘Let the Game Begin”
By Thomas D’Silva & Jimmy
India showcased its rich and diverse culture through a spectacular show during the Common Wealth Games Opening Ceremony on Sunday the 3rd Oct.2010. For the first time all Indians seemed singing in one tune along with A.R. Rahman’s India Bula liya: ‘Jiyo utho badho jeeto!’ This reporter however came across some singing off-tunes: a few volunteers and one of them an officer even! First of all the officer (who wished to remain anonymous), had a complaint against the supplied uniform, which does not distinguish a volunteer from an officer. He was certain that Mr. Subrata Roy of the Sahara Group had promised to sponsor separate sets of uniform to various categories of people involved in the conduct of the Games. “I am sure these greedy fellows have pocketed quite a bit”, said he in a sour tone.
The two volunteers, requesting for anonymity, were very pleased with the grand spectacle of the opening ceremony and proud of their own share of work they had put in. “The stadia are really world-class”, said one. And the other vouched, “The CWG-2010 will be a grand success”. On the other hand they were sad to note, “The media hyped the negatives, which has cut a bad figure for India”!
However, there was also a sour note in their expressions. They were damn sure that there is some kind of nepotism going on in the whole affair of organization. “How could a girl of about 17 years be an official or in-charge?” pointed one. And the other was even sarcastic when he said, “The organizing committee is a kind of organized mass-marriage”. When asked to explain, he wished to keep silent perhaps joining the chorus along with the President Pratibha Patil, “Let the Game begin”.
A Celebration for All
By Sudhansu & Sanoj
New Delhi: India showcased its diverse strengths on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2010 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday evening. The pride and glory of the nation came alive in front of over 60,000 spectators and millions of people who were watching television.
The hard work and dedication of thousands of artists, officials and volunteers bore fruit as diverse events were unfolded during the mega show. Though the mismanagement of Organizing Committee put a question mark on the success of the Games, but the opening ceremony was a grand success. India today is much more ahead than ever before. The multi-skilled and multi-decorated infrastructure of the Games venues with advanced technology has proved the country’s might and strength.
President Mrs. Pratibha Patil’s statement, “We show the power of sports….India is diverse and beautiful nation….CWG 2010 are now open. Let the Games begin” at the opening ceremony showed the confidence, courage and might of the nation.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s statement, “Welcome to India, welcome to Games” given at the Stadium also proved the readiness of the nation and its strength.
Even the ordinary men were all praise for the Games. A rickshaw puller, Ramnath Yadav from Murgamondi on the UP-Delhi border, praised and wished for the success of the Games and the country. He said: “Though I am illiterate and ignorant of such Games, yet I am happy. It is a matter of pride as the Games are going to take place in our country”. He further said, “Though my income has come down these days due to some restrictions on the road, yet it won’t be so every day”.
An auto driver, Abhinas Gupta, said, “I am happy that Commonwealth Games are held for the first time in India. It is good that our country is capable of conducting such mega sports. This is the best chance for our nation to come forward”.
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Magic of Yellow Line!
By Shyju Chacko
New Delhi: If there is an alarm sound from behind when you are driving, beware you are on the wrong path.
The yellow line used for marking a dedicated lane for Commonwealth Games is of tremendous use for the athletes and officials to commute between Games Village and various Games venues.
But it has created a scare among the common man as straying into the lane, wittingly or unwittingly, can put one to major trouble. Since it is holidays in all educational institutions in and around Delhi – in view of the Games -- there is a rush of students, youngsters and their parents, on the Capital’s roads, going for shopping or to spots of entertainment.
There are no reports of arrests of people violating the dedicated lanes. Even at peak hours when there is heavy rush on the roads, people are extra cautious not to cross the prohibited yellow line. Drivers wait for their turn to move ahead.
Though the dedicated lanes are sometimes empty, other vehicles do not easily dare to enter those lanes for fear of punishment. The fine for straying into Games lanes is huge indeed.
There is also a provision to arrest lane violators, though there are no reports of any in this regard. By fourteenth of this month the CWG will be over; still, the yellow line road may remain empty, because, the drivers may be still afraid to drive through this lane!
New Delhi: If there is an alarm sound from behind when you are driving, beware you are on the wrong path.
The yellow line used for marking a dedicated lane for Commonwealth Games is of tremendous use for the athletes and officials to commute between Games Village and various Games venues.
But it has created a scare among the common man as straying into the lane, wittingly or unwittingly, can put one to major trouble. Since it is holidays in all educational institutions in and around Delhi – in view of the Games -- there is a rush of students, youngsters and their parents, on the Capital’s roads, going for shopping or to spots of entertainment.
There are no reports of arrests of people violating the dedicated lanes. Even at peak hours when there is heavy rush on the roads, people are extra cautious not to cross the prohibited yellow line. Drivers wait for their turn to move ahead.
Though the dedicated lanes are sometimes empty, other vehicles do not easily dare to enter those lanes for fear of punishment. The fine for straying into Games lanes is huge indeed.
There is also a provision to arrest lane violators, though there are no reports of any in this regard. By fourteenth of this month the CWG will be over; still, the yellow line road may remain empty, because, the drivers may be still afraid to drive through this lane!
CWG 2010 Opening Ceremony Opens a Way to Victory
By Ameet Kumar Parichha
New Delhi: The most awaited moment arrived with an extraordinary opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games 2010 on Oct 3, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The opening c
eremony highlighted Indian culture and tradition in an impressive and attractive way. The grand ceremony truly justified the saying 'Athithi Devo Bhava' (Guest is God), that we Indians believe in , by welcoming the guests and making them acquainted with our culture. The participating teams and spectators were fascinated to see such perfection and highly praised the event. The National Anthem of India marked the beginning of the Commonwealth Games 2010 opening ceremony.Dignitaries such as Prince Charles and his wife and Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, accompanied by the President Smt. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh attended the ceremony. On this occasion a special message by the Queen was read by Prince Charles and the games were officially opened by the President, Smt. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil.
The host nation, India, presented its rich cultural heritage through several dance forms such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Manipuri and Kuchipudi. The expression of most popular guru-shishya tradition mesmerized all the spectators. Eye-catching fireworks, Hariharan’s 'Swagatam' (Welcome) song with schoolchildren, stunning yoga performance, A.R. Rahman’s performance on the theme Song of CWG 2010 displayed the spirit of India.
Pangngam Wangnaw, a media student said, “The ceremony was amazing. Even though I couldn’t make it to the stadium, I enjoyed watching it on TV.”
Selva, a student of NISCORT said, “The cultural programs were great and the entire ceremony reflected the unity in diversity of our country.”
The event was successful in creating a history of being the biggest-ever in terms of participation. The spectacular and magnificent opening ceremony made every Indian proud.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Queen’s Baton on a royal journey
By Sanoj and Sudhansu
NEW DELHI: It was the penultimate day of the opening of Commonwealth Games. The much-awaited Queen’s Baton Relay was entering its last leg.
The Baton’s journey towards its final destination of Games Village on the banks of the Yamuna begun at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday from Rakabgunj Gurudwara and proceeded towards St. Columba’s School in the Capital.
The exhilarating news for this relay drew a number of people from various parts of Delhi to the Gurudwara and St. Columba’s School with cheerful faces to salute it.
Hundreds of volunteers, school children and public stood along the road while Queen’s Baton proceeded among much fanfare.
The scorching heat of the day did not deter people flocking to the venue and hundreds waited there patiently.
At the arrival of the Queen’s Baton, volunteers cheered in joy, shouted slogans and danced to the tune of music.
As the Relay proceeded slowly, security men stood guard on both sides of the road. It was escorted by a convoy of vehicles. Adding to the paraphernalia was a platoon of white horses.
After St. Columba’s School, it travelled to Rail Museum in Chankyapuri. Thereafter, it proceeded on its final destination of Games Village.
The Queen’s Baton that contains the Queen’s message was launched on 29th October 2009 at Buckingham Palace in London by Queen Elizabeth and was handed over to President Mrs. Pratibha Patil.
Over the year, it visited 70 Commonwealth of Nations crossing 1,90,000 km, almost one-third of the world’s population, before reaching the host country.
Queen’s Baton Relay has been a curtain raiser for the Games and an alert message for the people and athletes alike.
NEW DELHI: It was the penultimate day of the opening of Commonwealth Games. The much-awaited Queen’s Baton Relay was entering its last leg.
The Baton’s journey towards its final destination of Games Village on the banks of the Yamuna begun at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday from Rakabgunj Gurudwara and proceeded towards St. Columba’s School in the Capital.
The exhilarating news for this relay drew a number of people from various parts of Delhi to the Gurudwara and St. Columba’s School with cheerful faces to salute it.
Hundreds of volunteers, school children and public stood along the road while Queen’s Baton proceeded among much fanfare.
The scorching heat of the day did not deter people flocking to the venue and hundreds waited there patiently.
At the arrival of the Queen’s Baton, volunteers cheered in joy, shouted slogans and danced to the tune of music.
As the Relay proceeded slowly, security men stood guard on both sides of the road. It was escorted by a convoy of vehicles. Adding to the paraphernalia was a platoon of white horses.
After St. Columba’s School, it travelled to Rail Museum in Chankyapuri. Thereafter, it proceeded on its final destination of Games Village.
The Queen’s Baton that contains the Queen’s message was launched on 29th October 2009 at Buckingham Palace in London by Queen Elizabeth and was handed over to President Mrs. Pratibha Patil.
Over the year, it visited 70 Commonwealth of Nations crossing 1,90,000 km, almost one-third of the world’s population, before reaching the host country.
Queen’s Baton Relay has been a curtain raiser for the Games and an alert message for the people and athletes alike.
Unable to keep the Flags flying
By Jimmy and Thomas D’Silva
New Delhi: Just a day left for the big event, the flags that arrived to be fixed on the facade of Common Wealth Games (CWG) Indoor stadiums seemed not fitting to the size of the flag posts. There are more than 40 flag posts, with 1.5 inches diameter, in each stadium, but the flags have holes of 0.5 inch. The workers engaged in fixing the flags are indeed in a fix not knowing how to rectify the mistake.
The flags of the participating nations, the CWG flag, the CWG 2010 Delhi flag and flags of the federations concerned are supposed to be fixed in all indoor stadiums. The lack of proper instructions given by the authorities or the misunderstanding on the part of the supplying company might be the reason for this chaos.However, workers have agreed to re-arrange the flag posts to the size of the flag holes, said one of the volunteers engaged in a stadium.
Another volunteer said this was just one of the many areas where lack of proper arrangement and co-ordination has led to major chaos and confusion. “Do we organize international events in this manner?” asked another volunteer, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
New Delhi: Just a day left for the big event, the flags that arrived to be fixed on the facade of Common Wealth Games (CWG) Indoor stadiums seemed not fitting to the size of the flag posts. There are more than 40 flag posts, with 1.5 inches diameter, in each stadium, but the flags have holes of 0.5 inch. The workers engaged in fixing the flags are indeed in a fix not knowing how to rectify the mistake.
The flags of the participating nations, the CWG flag, the CWG 2010 Delhi flag and flags of the federations concerned are supposed to be fixed in all indoor stadiums. The lack of proper instructions given by the authorities or the misunderstanding on the part of the supplying company might be the reason for this chaos.However, workers have agreed to re-arrange the flag posts to the size of the flag holes, said one of the volunteers engaged in a stadium.
Another volunteer said this was just one of the many areas where lack of proper arrangement and co-ordination has led to major chaos and confusion. “Do we organize international events in this manner?” asked another volunteer, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
Covering Games in a Big Way
By Gargi and Mary
New Delhi: The Delhi edition of Commonwealth Games has attracted a lot of media attention for various reasons – right and wrong. According to sources, it is going to see participation of more than 6,000 athletes which
will be more than the number of participants at the last Games at Melbourne. The Games has also been in the limelight because of mismanagement and reports of scandals and scams. The security factor had seen some of the countries like Australia being in two minds over participation initially.
As such a large number of media organisations, national and international, have descended on the Capital to cover the event in a big way. Among the organisations, Games News Service, which is working through Infostrada Sports, seems to be one of the biggest media contingents. The sheer factor that it has hired around 130 staff (73 international and 57 local) to cover the Delhi Games makes the point clear. All these people have strong knowledge of sports and have a background in journalism and mass communication. It also works with them who have worked earlier at major international events like Olympics. Mr. Hairul Sukaime is the project manager of GNS.
GNS is basically a games time agency covering all sports for the media. They operate in similar manner like Reuters, AP and AFP. During the Delhi Games, GNS will produce daily reviews and previews of various events. They will be making multiple news stories from each venue every day. They will also file profiles of a number of athletes. One can also expect database and games background information.
All their reports are simple, fact-based and free of opinion. All GNS produced information is presented to the media via info. Info is like a website with all the information a journalist might need to do his/her job. The full version of info will only be found on particular computers in and around Games venue. Each venue will also have a system of pigeon holes where media can pick up printed versions of GNS outputs. It will have a team located in every competition venue.
It is a matter of prestige that seven students of NISCORT are working for GNS covering various areas of the Games. They are Elvy Alias, Anu, Dhanajay, Ramesh, Jisty, Alphonsha and Jenny. When asked about the experience, an elated Elvy says it is wonderful working with GNS. “We have to cover press conferences, write quotes and so on. All the write-ups are collected and a press conference highlight is made. Press conferences are held routinely by various teams from different countries.”
New Delhi: The Delhi edition of Commonwealth Games has attracted a lot of media attention for various reasons – right and wrong. According to sources, it is going to see participation of more than 6,000 athletes which
will be more than the number of participants at the last Games at Melbourne. The Games has also been in the limelight because of mismanagement and reports of scandals and scams. The security factor had seen some of the countries like Australia being in two minds over participation initially.As such a large number of media organisations, national and international, have descended on the Capital to cover the event in a big way. Among the organisations, Games News Service, which is working through Infostrada Sports, seems to be one of the biggest media contingents. The sheer factor that it has hired around 130 staff (73 international and 57 local) to cover the Delhi Games makes the point clear. All these people have strong knowledge of sports and have a background in journalism and mass communication. It also works with them who have worked earlier at major international events like Olympics. Mr. Hairul Sukaime is the project manager of GNS.
GNS is basically a games time agency covering all sports for the media. They operate in similar manner like Reuters, AP and AFP. During the Delhi Games, GNS will produce daily reviews and previews of various events. They will be making multiple news stories from each venue every day. They will also file profiles of a number of athletes. One can also expect database and games background information.
All their reports are simple, fact-based and free of opinion. All GNS produced information is presented to the media via info. Info is like a website with all the information a journalist might need to do his/her job. The full version of info will only be found on particular computers in and around Games venue. Each venue will also have a system of pigeon holes where media can pick up printed versions of GNS outputs. It will have a team located in every competition venue.
It is a matter of prestige that seven students of NISCORT are working for GNS covering various areas of the Games. They are Elvy Alias, Anu, Dhanajay, Ramesh, Jisty, Alphonsha and Jenny. When asked about the experience, an elated Elvy says it is wonderful working with GNS. “We have to cover press conferences, write quotes and so on. All the write-ups are collected and a press conference highlight is made. Press conferences are held routinely by various teams from different countries.”
The Cynosure of all Eyes
By Mary and Gargi
New Delhi: The cynosure of all eyes in the coming days will be the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.
The sprawling stadium has seating facility for 78,000 spectators. In terms of sitting capacity, it is the third biggest stadium in India.It will host the most awaited Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games as well as the closing ceremony. The two ceremonies put together will showcase India’s great civilization, its history, cultural diversity, varied art forms, music, dance and much more.
The Nehru Stadium (as it is called in common parlance) is named after the first Prime Minister of the country, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. It is a multipurpose sports arena which also hosts a variety of cultural events.
The stadium had hosted the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in 1982 as well as the Asian Championships in Athletics in 1989. The stadium has got a complete facelift with the renovations costing reportedly about Rs. 960 crores for the Delhi edition of the Commonwealth Games.
Apart from the opening and closing ceremonies, the Stadium will be the venue for various competitions like athletics, lawn bowls and weightlifting.
Nehru Stadium Events: At a Glance
ATHELETICS
Capacity: 60,000
Competition Arena: 400 m 9 lane Conica Synthetic surface Athletic
track with 10 lanes in Home Straight,
60 m 4 lane Conica Synthetic
surface strip at Indoor hold up area
and two warm up areas - 8 lane Conica
synthetic surface track and for Long Throws
Competition Date: 6-12 October 2010
Entry Gate Numbers: 6, 9 and 14
Distance from Games Village: 12Km
LAWN BOWLS
Capacity: 2,111
Competition Arena: Four competition synthetic greens with flood
lights.
Competition Date 4-13 October 2010
Entry Gate Numbers: 14
Distance from Games Village: 12Km
WEIGHTLIFTING
Capacity: 2,500
Competition Arena: One competition platform; 12 warm-up platforms
Competition Date: 4 -12 October 2010
Entry Gate Numbers: 18
Distance from Games Village: 12Km
Among other important features of the stadium are high definition television transmission, state-of-art sports lighting and a specially designed underground tunnel for the opening and closing ceremonies.
The stadium has attracted the maximum amount of attention among all the venues. It will truly reflect Indian culture and history on the D-Day when the whole world will view the Opening Ceremony.
Nehru stadium is today a world class one which is a result of the hard work and perseverance of the many workers and organizers. All eyes are now set not just on the success of the Opening Ceremony but the Games as a whole.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)