Fortified Delhi welcomes athletes
Source: Agencies |
October 1, 2010, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
AS the countdown to the Commonwealth Games moved into its final three days, athletes continued to flood into a heavily guarded Indian capital as the host of problems surrounding the event showed signs of easing.
More than 4,000 athletes have arrived in Delhi to find a city wrapped in a security blanket and a Games needing a last-minute government intervention to rescue the multi-sports gathering and prevent a huge embarrassment for India.
A visit to the venue by International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge today will provide a much-needed boost for organizers reeling from the logistical nightmare of trying to arrange India's answer to the Beijing Olympics.
Shoddy construction and filthy toilets at the Games Village delayed the arrivals of several teams but the last-ditch efforts to improve the situation appears to be paying off.
"I reached here only last night but accommodation is as was expected and I'm looking forward to enjoying the next couple of weeks here," Australia's world champion pole vaulter Steve Hooker told reporters at the Games Village yesterday.
To ensure the safety of the athletes, the Indian capital has been converted into a fortress with 100,000 security personnel, including commandos, snipers and police, virtually taking over the city.
MiG fighters and armed helicopters would be on standby for the October 3-14 Games and Mi-35 attack helicopters would be airborne during opening and closing ceremonies, according to media reports.
An attack on tourists by suspected militants, a dengue fever epidemic, filthy apartments in the athletes' village, and the collapse of a footbridge injuring 27 workers has forced India on the defensive.
Organizers also had to deal with a number of high-profile withdrawals, including triple Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt of Jamaican and Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice. Australia lost two more members, with reigning discus gold medalist Scott Martin and hurdler Hayley Butler pulling out due to injuries.
More than 4,000 athletes have arrived in Delhi to find a city wrapped in a security blanket and a Games needing a last-minute government intervention to rescue the multi-sports gathering and prevent a huge embarrassment for India.
A visit to the venue by International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge today will provide a much-needed boost for organizers reeling from the logistical nightmare of trying to arrange India's answer to the Beijing Olympics.
Shoddy construction and filthy toilets at the Games Village delayed the arrivals of several teams but the last-ditch efforts to improve the situation appears to be paying off.
"I reached here only last night but accommodation is as was expected and I'm looking forward to enjoying the next couple of weeks here," Australia's world champion pole vaulter Steve Hooker told reporters at the Games Village yesterday.
To ensure the safety of the athletes, the Indian capital has been converted into a fortress with 100,000 security personnel, including commandos, snipers and police, virtually taking over the city.
MiG fighters and armed helicopters would be on standby for the October 3-14 Games and Mi-35 attack helicopters would be airborne during opening and closing ceremonies, according to media reports.
An attack on tourists by suspected militants, a dengue fever epidemic, filthy apartments in the athletes' village, and the collapse of a footbridge injuring 27 workers has forced India on the defensive.
Organizers also had to deal with a number of high-profile withdrawals, including triple Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt of Jamaican and Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice. Australia lost two more members, with reigning discus gold medalist Scott Martin and hurdler Hayley Butler pulling out due to injuries.
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