CommonWealth Games

Govt assures action in CWG ‘corruption’

2010-08-01T18:16:00.001-07:00

Govt assures action in CWG ‘corruption’

NEW DELHI, Aug 1: Hit by allegations of corruption in the Commonwealth Games, the government today promised to take action against those found guilty even as another venue was inaugurated with a leaking roof. Union urban development minister S Jaipal Reddy was in damage-control mode over the Central Vigilance Commission's report on widescale corruption in Games' construction projects. “CVC has come out with preliminary remarks on the alleged irregularities in the construction of Commonwealth venues. I assure you that all concerned would be punished. Nothing would be spared. We will seriously look into it,” Reddy said during the inauguration of the Weightlifting auditorium inside the Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium complex here today. The Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, who was forced to address an hour-long press conference to rebutt charges of financial bunglings yesterday, was issuing clarifications yet again. The Indian Olympic Association chief insisted that the UK-based firm at the center of a corruption row that has hit OC was recommended by the Indian High Commission despite an embarrassing denial issued by it earlier.The Indian High Commission had denied recommending A M Films, the little-known UK-based firm which allegedly received lakhs of pounds for providing its ‘services’ during the Queen's Baton Relay in London. (PTI)

Delhi to get 50 luxury public toilets before Games

2010-07-14T19:57:00.001-07:00

Delhi to get 50 luxury public toilets before Games

NEW DELHI: After getting a clearance from the Delhi high court, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is gearing up to construct 50 luxury pay-and-use public toilets in the capital before the Commonwealth Games, an official said on Wednesday.

"Initially, we planned to build 218 five-star toilets in the city, but with the legal hurdles being solved only in the second week of July, we have little time to build so many before the Games in October. So, we will be building 50 toilets,'' a senior MCD official.

The project for pay-and-use toilets was floated last September but was held up due to litigation. The cost of constructing one toilet block is estimated to be around Rs 1 crore.

On Tuesday, Justice R S Endlaw dismissed a petition by a businessman, from Greater Kailash-I, opposing the civic agency's move to acquire 1,200 square feet in N-block market for building air-conditioned toilets.

Olympic Games gold medallist leads New Zealand track and field stars to Delhi

2010-06-11T23:04:00.002-07:00

Olympic Games gold medallist leads New Zealand track and field stars to Delhi

NEW DELHI: Beijing Olympic Games shot put gold medallist Valerie Vili and 1500m silver medallist Nick Willis are among the several stars named by New Zealand in its first batch of track and field squad to compete at the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. They will defend their 2006 gold medals while discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina with attempt to win her third Commonwealth Games gold medal.

Beijing Olympians Stuart Farquar (javelin), Adrian Blincoe (5000m) and Rebecca Wardell (heptathlon) are also in the initial line-up as is Beijing Paralympian Jessica Hamil (F34 shotput), according to a release by the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

“Athletics is a high profile Commonwealth Sport and we’ve got a strong team heading to Delhi,” NZOC Secretary-General Mr. Barry Maister said. “Legends like John Walker and Peter Snell are born at the Commonwealth Games and I’m excited to see what athletes like Vili and Willis will achieve in Delhi. These household names are joined by younger athletes who have exciting future ahead of them and the Commonwealth Games are where it all begins.”

High-jumping teenager Liz Lamb is one such young athlete and is heading for her first Commonwealth Games. At just 18 years of age, Lamb will aim to beat her personal best of 1.85m and gain valuable experience in the international multi-sport environment before setting her sights on the London Olympic Games in 2012.

High Performance Director Mr. Kevin Ankram has similar hopes for other newcomers including Brent Newdick, Nikki Hamblin and Monique Williams. “I am hopeful that our up-and-coming athletes can continue to improve and use Delhi as an opportunity to fine tune their skills at a championship event,” he said.

Since 1930 New Zealand has won 117 Commonwealth Games medals in athletics. New Zealand athletes must demonstrate they are capable of finishing within the top six at the Commonwealth Games to meet New Zealand Olympic Committee selection criteria for Delhi.

The squad:

Men: 1500m: Nick Willis; 5000m Adrian Blincoe; Javelin throw: Stuart Farquhar and Decathlon: Brent Newdick.

Women: 200m: Monique Williams; 800m/1500m Nikki Hamblin; 100m hurdles Andrea Miller; High jump: Elizabeth Lamb; Shot put: Valerie Vili; Discus throw: Beatrice Faumuina; Heptathlon: Rebecca Wardell and F34 shot put: Jessica Hamill.

International Rugby Board looks at Delhi 2010 to reach out to Indian audience

2010-06-11T23:04:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI: The International Rugby Board says it expects Rugby Sevens to make a big impact on Indian audiences during the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi this year.

“The Sevens tournament at the Commonwealth Games has consistently proven successful and this year we are particularly excited that the event is being held in India where Rugby is reaching out to new young audiences in a rapidly developing market for our sport,” IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset has been quoted as saying. “We are looking forward to what promises to be a memorable tournament for the Rugby family and sports fans alike.

“We firmly believe that the Sevens tournament at the Commonwealth Games plays an important role in the ongoing development and promotion of rugby around the world,” he said. “The event continues to attract some of the world’s top players, delivering exciting matches and attracting new fans thanks to the remarkable talent of all the international teams competing.

The Rugby Sevens competition will be held on October 11 and 12. The draw and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

The recently-crowned world series champion Samoa will head a line-up of 16 nations competing in the competition at. Samoa captured its first Sevens World Series title by winning the season-ending Edinburgh tournament on May 30. It will be joined in the competition by reigning Commonwealth Games champion New Zealand, world champion Wales, host India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Uganda, England, Scotland, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Canada and Guyana.

“With a record crowd of 50,000 at the final Rugby Sevens session in Melbourne in 2006, the Rugby Sevens tournament has become one of the most sought-after attractions at the Commonwealth Games, providing an excellent spectacle for both fans and television viewers,” Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive Mike Hooper said. “The inclusion of some of the world’s best Sevens teams and star players from every corner of the world continue to broaden the Games’ global appeal even further.”

New Zealand shooter guns for medals in seventh successive Games

2010-06-11T23:02:00.000-07:00

Date:

Thu, 10 Jun 2010

NEW DELHI: New Zealand’s 53-year-old pistol shooter Greg Yelavich, who has 10 medals in the Commonwealth Games competition since 1986, is hungry for more as he prepares for his seventh successive Commonwealth Games appearance in Delhi this October.

Yelavich figures in a 12-members New Zealand shooting team announced for the Games on Thursday. The team also includes 34-year-old Olympian and Commonwealth gold medallist Nadine Stanton (clay target) and the up-and-coming Miles Browne-Cole (clay target), who won the Australian title in January.

Yelavich, who has competed at the Olympics, as well as Commonwealth Games since 1986 said the competitive landscape was changing. “The Games are getting harder and harder and the competition that we face is getting smarter,” Yelavich told tvnz.co.nz. “Other countries have more money but we have to be typically `New Zealand' and step up. Kiwis are known for that.”

Shooting team coach Gavin Paton said he was pleased with the make up of a team which included youth and experience, and some strong pairings. “It is a strong team and I'm very pleased to see it includes young people coming through,” he said. “Overall it's a strong team, especially in the pairs where an experienced athlete will be matched with one of the younger ones.”

The New Zealand shooters compete at the world championships at Munich in July, before returning to New Zealand and Australia to prepare for the Games, to be held from October 3.

New Zealand has been participating in Commonwealth Games shooting since 1978 and the sport has raked in 49 medals to rank fourth on the New Zealand Commonwealth medal table.

The shooting team is the third team to be named to the Commonwealth Games squad which is expected to number 195 athletes and 100 support staff.

New Zealand shooting team:

Clay Target: Men: Myles Browne-Cole and Allan Sinclair; Women: Natalie Rooney and Nadine Stanton.

Small bore (prone): Men - Adrian Black and Ryan Taylor; Women - Sally Johnson and Juliet Etherington

Pistol: Greg Yelavich and Allan Earle.

Full bore: Mike Collings and John Snowden.

First lot of Rs. 1000 tickets for opening ceremony sold out, second to be released soon

2010-06-09T05:38:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI, 7 JUNE 2010: The first lot of Rs. 1000 tickets for the opening ceremony has been sold out. The Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi (OC CWG Delhi 2010) got great response from the general public for tickets of all denominations but Rs. 1000 tickets sold like hot cakes. OC CWG Delhi 2010 will be releasing the second lot of Rs. 1000 tickets soon.

Games’ tickets released to a blockbuster opening at the ticket box-office. Within three days, tickets worth more than Rs. 1 crore have been sold since the tickets opened for general public.

As the ticketing programme was launched on 4 June, the ticketing website got thousands of hits; the toll free number kept on getting calls 24x7and people are queuing up at the retail outlets of Central Bank of India and Hero Honda to book their place for witnessing India’s biggest sporting extravaganza.

Tickets for Opening and Closing Ceremony, to be held in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, are the bestsellers, as they promise to be majestic events featuring spectacular shows, followed by tickets for popular sporting events like Hockey, Athletics, Swimming, Tennis and Squash.

Of 10,800 tickets sold so far, 60 percent are being sold through the ticketing website and rest through retail outlets and call centre.

Everyone wants to watch at least one of the Games' events, going by the present trend, when tickets to the bigger events will be sold out people are expected shift to the other events as well.

Games tickets promise that the holder can travel free of charge by Delhi Metro trains and DTC buses to reach and return from the venue on the day of the event for which they hold a ticket.

Green Games’ Sustainable Transport Rally spreads the message of eco-friendliness

2010-06-09T05:37:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI, 05 June 2010: Keeping up with the Green theme of the Delhi 2010, the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi (OC CWG Delhi 2010) today organised Sustainable Transport Rally comprising of eco-friendly means of transport like cycles and electric (battery running) cars and scooters.

Almost 200 enthusiasts from all walks of life, young and old participated in the 8 km long rally. Cycle rally was flagged off by Shera, the Games mascot, from the OC CWG Delhi 2010 Headquarters and the other rally comprising of electric vehicles started from Delhi Chief Minister Mrs. Sheila Dikshit’s residence. Mrs Dikshit herself drove an electric car Reva. Apart from the Cheif Minister, Mrs. Kiran Walia, Health Minister of Delhi. Mr. R. K. Pachauri, MD, TERI, Mr. Parimal Rai, Chairman , NDMC, Mr. P. K. Tripathi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Mr. V. K. Verma, DG of the OC CWG Delhi 2010 participated in the Rally. Both rallies culminated at Commonwealth Gardens in Africa Avenue, Chanakyapuri where the Chief Minister and other guests planted a sapling in the Commonwealth Garden.

Speaking on the occasion Mrs Dikshit said we need to spend our natural resources wisely as there are many species but only one Earth. She lauded the efforts of children, RWAs, women organisations and NGOs to make Delhi one of the greenest cities in India and in the world.

“Delhi is one of the largest cities. We need to strike a balance between the huge, rising population and the natural resources and spend them wisely. Almost 42% of the clean, fresh water available to Delhi is wasted, we must change our habits. Fuel consumption is another reason for environmental pollution hence battery run vehicles are an option. We must have courage to demand clean fuel so that companies provide us the same.”

Mr. Pachauri said, “It is heartening to see many young people today turning up to protect environment. We must work together to make sure that we bring prosperity for all.”

Mr. Verma said OC CWG Delhi 2010 is committed make Delhi 2010 the first ever Green Games. Delhi Government’s initiative for clean transport like Metro, Cycling tracks for cyclists, etc., are playing huge role in improving Delhi’s air quality.

The Chief Minister released State of Environment Report for Delhi 2010. Bonsais were presented to all the guests. The Rally that travelled to different parts of the city spread the message Reduce, Recycle and Reuse.

Delhi 2010 launches its Ticketing Programme

2010-06-05T01:16:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI, 04 June 2010: The Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi (OC CWG Delhi 2010) formally launched its Ticketing Programme today. Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Mr. Tejendra Khanna, at a function held this morning in the OC CWG Delhi 2010 Headquarters, launched the Ticketing Programmes as Shera, the Games Mascot, handed over first ticket to him and the second one to the Mayor of Delhi Mr. Prithvi Raj Sawhney.

Speaking on the occasion OC CWG Delhi Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, said he was confident that the sports loving people of Delhi and India will contribute to the successful delivery of the Games that is being held in Asia for only the second time and in India for the first time.

Mr. Suresh Kalmadi said, “The tickets for the Games are affordable and easily accessible by everyone. I believe that sports fans across the country will be eager to witness the sporting spectacle that will unfold in October. I hope all Delhi-ites will come forward and buy tickets in large numbers resulting in house full stadiums during all the competitions.” Mr. Kalmadi thanked the Delhi government for waiving the entertainment tax on the tickets which has made it possible to make the tickets affordable for everyone.

“We are hosting an event of this magnitude for the first time in 28 years and this is vastly different in scale to the 1982 Asian Games. I believe that sports fans will be eager to witness the sporting spectacle that will unfold from 3 to 14 October,” he said.

“The Commonwealth Games are your opportunity to explore your passion and enthusiasm for sports, especially when a number of our athletes are pegged to be medal winners in a range of sports. Ticketing is one of the four revenue streams for the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, the others being Broadcast Rights, Sponsorships and Merchandise. I am sure ticketing will raise the budgeted revenues for us,” Mr. Kalmadi said.

The Lt. Governor said he was happy with the ceremonial launch of Delhi 2010’s Ticketing Programme. Sports lovers from all the country will come and buy tickets in large numbers. The Government of India, OC CWG Delhi 2010, Sports Ministry and the Chief Minister of Delhi are tirelessly working together to ensure the success of Delhi 2010.
“Delhiites will showcase India’s traditional hospitality and universal brotherhood to the guests visiting India during the Games and beyond,” he added.

Ticket prices for the sporting events range from Rs 50 to Rs 1000. Prices for the Opening Ceremony will range from Rs 1000 to Rs 50,000, and for the Closing Ceremony from Rs 750 to Rs 50,000. Almost 40% of the competition venue tickets will be Rs 200 or below. Four events will be free of charge – the Marathon, the Walk, Cycling Road Race and Cycling Time Trial.

The sale of tickets will come into force with immediate effect at counters through the outlets of Central Bank of India and Hero Honda, CWG Ticketing call centre (1800-200-1294) as well as through the official ticketing website – www.tickets.cwgdelhi2010.org.

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has been appointed as the official ticketing agency for Delhi 2010 in consortium with Broad Vision Systems and TicketPro. IRCTC will provide ticket sales via the Internet, call centre, a network of retail outlets and at different sporting venues during the Games. IRCTC will also provide call center for information dissemination and handling customer queries from the public related to ticketing.

During the first phase, 40 per cent of the tickets for the local market will go on sale. All venues will have accessible seating for spectators with special needs (based on the international standards of 0.5% of the total venue seating capacity).

The tickets sales will be in three phases; during phase I, spectators buying the tickets will be provided with a confirmation voucher which will be exchanged for actual tickets beginning 1 August (Start of Phase II). During Phase II, the spectators will have actual tickets against every purchase. Phase III, which will begin just before the Games (1 October), will witness venue sales outlets also added to the sales channel. Spectators can choose the option of getting their tickets delivered through courier or opt for pick up option if booking online or through the call centre.

Ticket sales in international markets began in November 2009. Sales to sponsors began in May 2010. Sale to the general public in India will begin from today through IRCTC. Sales at the Games venue will be from 02 October 2010 and will continue through the duration of the Commonwealth Games till 14 October.

Each ticket holder can travel free of charge by Delhi Metro trains and DTC buses to reach and return from the venue on the day of the event for which they hold a ticket.

The OC CWG Delhi 2010 has ensured that tickets will be printed at Government of India Security Press with complete inbuilt foolproof security features to prevent counterfeit of the Games tickets.

Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra, MP and Senior Vice President of the Indian Olympic Association, Mr Tarlochan Singh, MP, Mr. Rakesh Kumar Tandon , MD, IRCTC and Dr. Lalit Bhanot, Secretary General of the OC CWG Delhi 2010 were also present on the occasion.

India sees Delhi 2010 as chance to emerge as significant sporting nation

2010-06-05T01:15:00.002-07:00

NEW DELHI, 2 June 2010: The Government of India sees the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi as an excellent opportunity to herald the country’s emergence as a significant sporting nation and showcase its organisational capacity to host such major events

In its report to the nation presented by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Tuesday, Government said apart from highlighting the important role of sports, promoting closer ties between the people of the Commonwealth countries and promoting tourism, this Commonwealth Games will provide the nation with state-of-art, international standard sports infrastructure.

The report said Government had approved a budget of nearly Rs. 11,494 crore for the successful conduct of the Games through various ministries. (Of this, the budget for the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi to conduct the Games is Rs 1620 crore). The Commonwealth Games will also result in the upgradation of city infrastructure on an unprecedented scale, it said.

The new terminal at the Indira Gandhi International Airport will be fully operational soon, well in time for the Commonwealth Games. It has been designed to cater to 100 million passengers per annum by 2036, the report said.

It also said that 45.83 km was added to the Delhi Metro network. Of course, it will expand to 185 km during the Games, spanning the IGI Airport to Connaught Place, to the Games Village in Akhshardham to all venues.

Australia names teenager in Delhi 2010 lawn bowls squad

2010-06-05T01:15:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI, 2 June 2010: Natasha van Eldik was on Wednesday named to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games lawn bowls pairs competition in Delhi in October. At 19, she will become the youngest lawn bowler to wear Australian colours in a Commonwealth Games competition.

She lines up alongside reigning gold medallist, 26-year-old Lynsey Armitage. The pair won the silver medal at the eight-nation tournament at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium lawn bowls facility here in April. That convinced Australian coach Rex Johnston that Van Eldik was ready.

“I got the call at 6.45 this morning...they said we would get a call whether we had made the Commonwealth Games team or not so I didn't know what to expect,” she was quoted as saying in the Australian media. “It's a bit overwhelming really. In 12 months I have debuted for my country, played about 14 or 15 games for Australia and now I'm going to a Commonwealth Games. It's a dream come true.”

The 20-year-old Kelsey Cottrell, a reserve four years ago, will make her debut in the women's singles, while Sharyn Renshaw (NSW), Claire Duke (NSW) and Julie Keegan (NSW) have been selected to play in the triples.

In the men's disciplines, world No.2 Leif Selby has secured the coveted singles role while Mark Berghofer and Aron Sherriff will play in the pairs and Brett Wilkie will partner defending Games champions Wayne Turley (NSW) and Mark Casey (QLD) in the triples.

Australia topped the medal count in Melbourne four years ago with three gold, one silver and one bronze. National coach Rex Johnston believes it is possible to replicate that performance in Delhi. “We're extremely happy with the final 12 that has been selected,” he said, preparing for his sixth successive Commonwealth Games campaign as a player or a coach.

“We have a strong mix of youth and experience, with the likes of Armitage, Turley and Casey being given the chance to defend their respective gold medals from Melbourne, while we've also invested our faith in the likes of Cottrell and Selby who have proven to be world class players over the past couple of years.”

The team:

Men: Singles: Leif Selby; Pairs: Mark Berghofer and Aron Sherriff; Triples: Brett Wilkie, Wayne Turley and Mark Casey.

Women: Singles: Kelsey Cottrell: Pairs: Lynsey Armitage and Natasha Van Eldik; Triples: Sharyn Renshaw, Claire Duke and Julie Keegan.

Benefits of Games will be felt for longer than 15 days

2010-06-05T01:14:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI, 29 May 2010: Only for 15 days? That is the question that springs up in my mind each time I read a report or hear about how much the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are costing us. I shall get to the numbers a little later but let me first ask: Is the sports and city infrastructure, which is rapidly coming up and making Delhi a more classy megapolis, going to last just 15 days?

A lot of numbers are doing the rounds, including a mind-boggling Rs 30,000 crore than an NGO has released to the media. Let me reiterate that the cost of the Commonwealth Games is Rs 1620 crore – and this is by way of a loan from the Government that will be repaid from the revenues we earn from four streams – sale of broadcast rights, sponsorships, ticket and merchandise sales.

There has been some talk of the city being left with what the anti-sport minded have called ‘severe financial legacy’. I shall address that but only after speaking of the sporting legacy that the Commonwealth Games will leave for Delhi, in particular – and India, at large.

Seven venues are being upgraded, spanking new facilities for nine sports are being opened and a number of training facilities are being either upgraded or created. And each of these has been designed with the athlete in mind. Small wonder then the FIH President Mr. Leandro Negre called the Maj. Dhyan Chand National Stadium the best hockey facility in the world.

Delhi can well truly be the sports capital of the country too, what with our national squads training here in the run up to major competitions. Also, the megapolis has the wonderful opportunity to become the most sports conscious city in India. Its citizens – who are among the most important stakeholders in the venture – have taken to the Games admirably.

The city’s development will have advanced by five to 10 years, thanks to the Commonwealth Games. The new terminal at the Indira Gandhi International Airport will become operational soon. I am sure it won’t be long before it is rated among the best in the world.

The ever-expanding network of the Delhi Metro – I am told that it will extend to 185km during the Games, spanning the IGI Airport to Connaught Place, to the Games Village in Akhshardham to all venues – and the 2000 low-floor buses will make commuting in the city a pleasant experience. Add to that, new over-bridges and fly-overs, Delhi’s commuters can have a hassle-free time on the city’s roads. And East Delhi residents will find the elevated road over the Barapulla drain from Sarai Kale Khan to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium a boon as it will save travel time and fuel costs.

None of these facilities has been built to benefit only the Commonwealth Games, has it? These are lasting legacies -- just as the Moolchand and Lodhi Road flyovers and Khel Gaon (Games Village) are from the 1982 Asian Games. Besides, Delhi’s power-generation capacity is being augmented and that will serve the city for time to come.

I am sure that the new city infrastructure, especially the new airport terminal, will also boost tourism and will make Delhi a hub for international tourists who would usually skip India and head to Singapore, Malaysia, Bangkok and Hongkong. That will definitely change from the Commonwealth Games. A study by Price Waterhouse Cooper says India’s GDP will benefit by $4500 million over four years from 2008-2012. As many as two and a half million jobs will have been created, thanks to all these projects.

Having said that, let me draw your attention to reports from Scotland where the budget for the Commonwealth Games 2014 Glasgow has been revised by 70 million Pounds to 523.6 million Pounds. It was not any different in Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 nor is it a different story with London 2012. Indeed, inflation is not a local phenomenon and cost escalation is quite a common feature in such projects.

So then, to brand the Games a wasteful extravaganza is to take a very short-sighted view and ignore the enormous tangible benefits that it brings along. Let me congratulate you and your fellow citizens for taking the discomfort during the city development with a smile. Your patience, I am sure, will be rewarded with a world class city. Rest assured: That is not just for 15 days.

This Article first appeared in the Hindustan Times newspaper dated 29 May 2010

The Games will leave a lasting legacy, Chairman tells The Times of India

2010-06-05T01:13:00.004-07:00

Talking to the Times of India, OC CWG Delhi 2010 Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, lists out the massive preparations for the Games in Delhi, and says that everything is on track

Delhi has undergone a lot of changes because of the CWG ...

Most of the schools and colleges will be able to use the infrastructure being built in Delhi. These changes are not for 15 days of the Games. We now have an airport which is world class, the Metro connecting the airport to CP to the Games Village, and the Games Village to other parts of the city. Even after the Games, citizens will enjoy the same facilities. They’re green Games; a lot of plantation is happening in and around Delhi...

To read the full interview,Click here

Australian track and field squad rises to 74

2010-06-05T01:13:00.003-07:00

NEW DELHI, 28 May 2010: The Australian track and field squad to compete in the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi has risen to 74 with the addition of walker Jess Rothwell and marathon runners Lisa Flint, Martin Dent, Jeff Hunt and Michael Shelley. Athletics Australia hopes that number will increase to 90 by Games-time, including 12 elite athletes with a disability.

Coming back from injury, Rothwell finished ninth at the World Race Walking Cup in Mexico earlier this month. The 20-year-old will join Claire Tallent and Cheryl Webb in the women's 20km race in Delhi.

“For a long time, Jess has been regarded as having real potential going forward and the selectors had no hesitation in nominating her to the team,” AA Chairman of Selectors Mr. Peter Fitzgerald was quoted as saying in the Australian media.

Lisa Flint, Martin Dent, Jeff Hunt and Michael Shelley join Lisa Weightman, who earned automatic nomination to the team following her top-20 finish in Berlin last year, as australia’s representatives in the marathon events.

With just one marathon under his belt, Shelley said his first marathon in Rotterdam in April was a big learning experience. He finished 12th in 2:13:05hrs. He hit the wall at the 38km mark and was forced to battle over the final kilometres. “It was very tough for last couple kilometres," he said.

“But you learn a lot and my next run (in a marathon) will be in Delhi so I have plenty of time to get my training right. This is a stepping stone to the next hopeful goal which would be a marathon at the 2012 Olympics in London," said Shelley, who has run for Australia four times at the world cross-country championships.

Dent contested the 3000m steeplechase four years ago in Melbourne. Hunt impressed selectors by clocking a fast time of two hours 11 minutes on his marathon debut in Japan.

Borel-Browne aims for women’s shot put gold in Delhi 2010

2010-06-05T01:13:00.001-07:00

PORT-OF-SPAIN, 28 May 2010: Trinidad & Tobago’s Cleopatra Borel-Browne has targetted a shot put medal at the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi as her primary focus this year. She won the bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne four years ago and she now aims for a brighter colour this October, the Jamaican Gleaner reported.

“The goal for this year is to bring another Commonwealth medal back to T&T,” the 31-year-old Borel Brown. “The competition will be pretty steep. Valrie Vili (the reigning Olympic, World, and Commonwealth champion from New Zealand) is arguably the No.1 shot-putter in the World and the Commonwealth.

“It is going to be a tough meet, but I am preparing for it. I am really excited. It is at a difficult time of the year for track and field – October, but I really like competing for T&T. I believe I have a very good chance to bring home a medal, and I don't take that lightly, so I am going to go out there and do my best,” she said.

In Melbourne, Borel-Brown won bronze with a distance of 17.87 metres to finish behind Vili and Vivian Chukwuemeka of Nigeria.

Last Sunday, she continued her preparations for the Games with a victory at the Brazil Grand Prix in Rio de Janeiro, with a season's best throw of 18.05m. “I am trying not to limit myself,” she said. “I would like to throw a personal best, of course. I would like that to happen at the Commonwealth Games, but I will take it anywhere.”

Borel-Brown, who holds the T&T national record at 18.91m, explained that her preparations for the Commonwealth Games may have cost her a place in the final of the shot put at this year's World Indoor Championships in February in Doha. She finished 12th with a distance of 18.31m. “My training for Doha was not intense as it would have been if the World Indoors were the sole focus of the year,” she said.

Country’s culture to be on show during the Games

2010-06-05T01:12:00.002-07:00

Date:

Thu, 27 May 2010

NEW DELHI, 27 May 2010: The Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, in collaboration with the Delhi Government, has decided to showcase India's rich culture to the Games visitors by organising a series of events offering a taste of country's music, dance and folklore.

The Tribune reported that the state government has selected 15 venues in the city where cultural festivals will be held during the mega sports event to be held from 3 -14 October.

A host of renowned artistes and singers will perform in the events.

"The cultural programmes are being selected very carefully as we want the spectators to preserve the memories of the events for a long time," the official said.

He said to cater to the taste of young visitors, programmes featuring fusion music and dance will also be held.

Another official said the government had already roped in renowned theatre director Aamir Raza Hussain to stage shows at Red Fort and Quli Khan Tomb in Mehrauli.

There will be light and sound shows at Red Fort, Old Fort and Quli Khan Tomb.

The official said Hussain had been given the responsibility for the Red Fort and Mehrauli shows, while a film company will organise the light and sound show at Old Fort.

Titled Dasatan-e-Dilli, the 45-minute Mehrauli show will show Delhi's story.

"This is a great opportunity to showcase our cultural heritage to the entire world, and we are putting in a lot of efforts to select the programmes for the events," said a senior official with the Chief Minister's office.

He said cultural programmes would be held at venues, including the Games Village, Red Fort, Mehrauli Fort, Purana Qila and Kamini auditorium.

The article first appeared in The Tribune, date 27 May 2010

Hockey schedule for Delhi 2010 released

2010-06-05T01:12:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI, 22 May 2010: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) have released the hockey schedule for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, with four women’s matches to kick-start the competition on 4 October.

A total of ten men’s and ten women’s teams will compete in the11-day hockey tournament, to be played on two pitches of the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the Indian capital, the same venue as the Hero Honda FIH World Cup in March this year.

The draw sees teams allocated across two pools.

Men

Pool A: Australia, Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Scotland.

Pool B: England, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago.

Women

Pool A: Australia, South Africa, India, Scotland, Trinidad & Tobago.

Pool B: England, New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Wales.

The women’s tournament opens with a match between New Zealand and Wales, followed later in the day with host India talking Scotland in a Pool A clash.

The men’s tournament will start on Tuesday 5 October, with India facing Malaysia in the evening match.

The women’s final is schedule for Wednesday 13 October, while the men’s teams will compete for the gold medal one day later.

Match schedule (all times local, all matches on Pitch 1 unless stated):

Monday 4 October
Women Pool B	10:30		New Zealand	-	Wales
Women Pool A	13:00		South Africa	-	Trinidad & Tobago
Women Pool B	16:00		Canada	-	Malaysia
Women Pool A	18:00		India	-	Scotland

Tuesday 5 October
Women Pool B	08:30		England	-	Wales
Men Pool A	10:30		Pakistan	-	Scotland
Women Pool A	13:00		Australia	-	Trinidad & Tobago
Men Pool B	14:00		New Zealand	-	Trinidad & Tobago	Pitch 2
Women Pool B	16:00		New Zealand	-	Malaysia
Men Pool B	16:30		Canada	-	South Africa	Pitch 2
Men Pool A	19:00		India	-	Malaysia
Women Pool A	21:00		South Africa	-	Scotland

Wednesday 6 October
Men Pool A	08:30		Australia	-	Scotland
Women Pool B	11:00		Canada	-	England
Women Pool A	13:30		India	-	Australia
Men Pool B	15:30		England	-	Trinidad & Tobago
Men Pool B	18:30		New Zealand	-	South Africa
Men Pool A	20:30		Pakistan	-	Malaysia

Thursday 7 October
Women Pool A	11:00		Scotland	-	Trinidad & Tobago
Women Pool B	13:00		Malaysia	-	Wales
Men Pool A	16:00		India	-	Australia
Men Pool B	18:00		Canada	-	England

Friday 8 October
Women Pool A	08:30		South Africa	-	Australia
Women Pool A	10:30		Trinidad & Tobago	-	India
Women Pool B	13:30		New Zealand	-	England
Men Pool B	15:30		South Africa	-	Trinidad & Tobago
Women Pool B	18:30		Wales	-	Canada
Men Pool A	20:30		Malaysia	-	Scotland

Saturday 9 October
Men Pool B	08:30		New Zealand	-	England
Men Pool A	10:30		Pakistan	-	Australia
Women Pool A	13:30		Australia	-	Scotland
Women Pool B	14:00		England	-	Malaysia	Pitch 2
Men Pool B	16:00		Trinidad & Tobago	-	Canada
Women Pool B	16:30		New Zealand	-	Canada	Pitch 2
Men Pool A	19:00		Scotland	-	India
Women Pool A	21:00		South Africa	-	India

Sunday 10 October
Men Pool B	12:00		England	-	South Africa
Men Pool B	14:00		New Zealand	-	Canada
Men Pool A	16:30		Australia	-	Malaysia
Men Pool A	19:00		Pakistan	-	India

Monday 11 October
Women 9-10	08:30		5th Women Pool A	-	5thWomen Pool B
Women semifinal	11:00		1st Women Pool A	-	2nd Women Pool B
Women 5-6	13:30		3rd Women Pool A	-	3rd Women Pool B
Women semifinal	17:30		1st Women Pool B	-	2nd Women Pool A
Women 7-8	20:00		4th Women Pool A	-	4th Women Pool B

Tuesday 12 October
Men 9-10	08:30		5th Men Pool A	-	5th Men Pool B
Men semifinal	11:00		1st Men Pool A	-	2nd Men Pool B
Men 5-6	13:30		3rd Men Pool A	-	3rd Men Pool B
Men semifinal	17:30		1st Men Pool B	-	2nd Men Pool A
Men 7-8	20:00		4th Men Pool A	-	4th Men Pool B

Wednesday 13 October
Women		10:30	Bronze Medal Match
Women		13:00	Gold Medal Match

Thursday 14 October
Men		09:00	Bronze Medal Match
Men		11:30	Gold Medal Match

Commonwealth Games are our big chance, says India's Rugby Captain

2010-06-05T01:11:00.001-07:00

India’s rugby team get set for their big year. India captain Nasser Hussain spoke to The Tribune about the sport that in a country of a billion, is still struggling to find a top class pool of players.

Q: This is the big year for rugby in India. What are your expectations from it?

A: Yes, this is the big year. With the Asian Games, and more importantly the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, a lot can happen for the good of the sport...

To read full interview, Click here

Lady June Hillary joins Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi in New Zealand

2010-06-05T01:10:00.002-07:00

AUCKLAND, 17 May 2010: Wife of Sir Edmund Hillary, who reached the zenith of Mt. Everest with Tenzing Norgay before anyone else on 29 May 1953, Lady June Hillary joined the celebrations of Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi in Auckland New Zealand.

The baton’s day in Auckland started with a media interview conducted by TVNZ. OC CWG Delhi 2010 representative Ms. Priyanka Negi, Danyon Loader, former swimmer Mr. Daniel Bell and Mr Sam Webster, cyclist from New Zealand were interviewed.

The baton then proceeded from Auckland city to Manukau city to the Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate School, which is named in the memory of Sir Edmund Hillary. The school children welcomed the baton, which is known as powhiri, after which the baton was taken to the school Marae (prayer ceremony).

The baton was handed over to Lady June Hillary, Head boy - Arthur Tuiafiso, then to athletes Daniel Bell - swimmer, Sam Webster - cyclist and Danyon Loader - former swimmer. The baton was then passed around to the school children and a relay followed including visiting Dawson Road Primary School.

In the afternoon, the baton was taken to Chapel Down School, were students were very enthusiastic about the baton and all children had an opportunity of touching the baton.

Later, the baton visited the Indian Community at Munukau Square. They all were very excited and felt proud to be the part of the Relay.

In the evening, the baton attended a reception hosted by New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC). The NZOC welcomed the relay and shared how they will be part of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

We will not be distracted from our goal of producing a great Games

2010-06-05T01:10:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI, 14 May 2010: There are 142 days to go for the start of the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi and the feeling of excitement is growing by the day. We felt a sense of relief last week when we heard from Commonwealth Games Federation’s Co-ordination Commission (CoCom) Chairman Austin Sealy that CoCom had completed its last visit to Delhi.

To us in the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, CoCom’s decision not to return for another trip is a sure sign that preparation to stage the Commonwealth Games is moving in the right direction. But we will not let our guard down and keep completing the numerous tasks that will add up to make this the best Games ever.

Personally, I am pleased that the Co-ordination Commission termed its last visit as the best, recognising there has been progress, among other areas, in venue planning, securing of Games accommodation requirements, implementation of major Games technology systems, ticketing distribution systems besides recruiting thousands of volunteers to date.

The CoCom also noted the successful Chefs de Mission Seminar and the conduct of eight test events as achievements since its previous visit. We have assured that we are ready to work day and night to ensure that things are in place well before the Games.

We have signed the catering contracts so that we can serve 36,000 meals a day during the Games and a total of over 400,000 meals between September 1 and October 30. The team that has come on board has terrific experience of handling such tasks at the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games and knows the athletes’ needs.

I am sure that the 8000 athletes and officials will be completely satisfied with the food they get at the Games Village. Similarly, for transporting the Games Family, we are in advanced talks with companies like Mahindras, Tatas and Maruti and we hope to finalise the deal in the coming week or so.

Let me assure you that the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi is all geared up and waiting for the venues to be handed over so that we can complete the remaining tasks that will ensure we can produce a great Games. Let me also reassure you we are focussed and will not let any diversions affect our readiness to host the Games and make a great job of it.

That is what we assured the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh when we met him last. We know he is very keen that the Commonwealth Games be conducted successfully. We can never forget how concerned he is and how greatly supportive he is of our efforts. We will live up to his expectations and not let him down. Yes, we can and, yes, we will produce a great Commonwealth Games that will make you proud.

Delhi 2010 will promote greater participation of women in sports

2010-06-05T01:09:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI, 11 May 2010: In its endeavour to achieve greater participation, gender equality, and to address all women related matters during the Games time and beyond, the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi (OC CWG Delhi 2010) today held its first Women Sub-committee meeting headed by its Chairperson Ms. Sara Pilot and Ms. Lora Prabhu, Convenor. It was attended by the OC CWG Delhi 2010 Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi MP and members of the Sub-committee including prominent women personalities from different sections.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Kalmadi said 40 percent of the workforce in the OC CWG Delhi 2010 is women and it shows OC's commitment to give equal participation to them. “Half of the 8000 athletes coming to participate in the Games are women and they will be accommodated in the Games Village. I propose to have a woman as the Deputy Mayor of the Village so that women issues can be taken care of in a better way,” he added. Thereafter the Sub-committee proposed Air Marshall (Retd.) Ms. Padma Bandhopadhyay to be the Deputy Mayor of the Games Village.

Mr. Kalmadi also suggested to the Sub- committee to ensure greater participation of women in the Domestic Sector of the Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi and other functionalities of the Games like hospitality.

Sub- committee’s Chairperson Ms. Sara Pilot, in her presentation gave the slogan of “voice, choice, freedom and rights for women”. She also reiterated that a national level impetus needs to be created for women related issues.

Ms. Gul Panag, actress, social activist and member of the Sub-committee said, “We need activism in this matter, we already have many constitutional articles that legally bind the government to ensure gender equality.” Another member, Ms. Kalli Puri said, “Our idea is to do one big signature activity with this organisation to create a role model from an underprivileged section of the society who can serve as the brand ambassador to this cause.”

All members were of the view that sports are a big tool to empower women and also said that there is a need to empower women in sports itself. Commonwealth Games are a platform giving the country an opportunity to enhance visibility of sports and women.

The Sub- committee unanimously echoed Mr. Kalmadi’s view that upcoming Commonwealth Games is the immediate goal and a launch pad to boost women’s participation in sports and it can help in creating awareness in the entire system to spot and nurture the talent at an early age and promoting Olympic sports in the country in general.

Mr. Kalmadi gave his full support to suggestions given by the members on setting up a Women Help-desk in the Games Village, training volunteers and workforce in a gender sensitive way and enhancing female viewership of the Games.

The eminent Sub-committee members present in the meeting included Ms. Sayeda Hamid (Member, Planning Commission), Ms. Jyoti Suri (President, lalit Group), Ms. Indu Puri (Arjuna Awardee, table Tennis Champion), Ms. Abha Sehgal (Principal, Sanskriti School), Shobhana Bhartia (Hindustan Times), Ms. Barkha Dutt (NDTV), Ms. Tanya Chaitanya (Editor, Femina), Ms. Nisha Agarwal (CEO Oxfam), Mr. Ravi Verma (Regional Director, ICRW) and Ms. Kanta Singh (Women Power Connect).

UN praise for India’s pollution monitoring system for the Games

2010-06-05T01:08:00.002-07:00

NEW DELHI, 9 May 2010: A pollution monitoring system developed by Indian scientists has come in for praise from the United Nations as an important step to ensure clean air during the Commonwealth Games.

According to a report published in the Economic Times dated 9 May 2010, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), a specialised agency of the UN, said the System of Air Pollution Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) will serve as an example within India, South Asia and globally.

Aimed at managing air quality, it has been developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.

‘The WMO recognises SAFAR as a very important activity in the region and will make all efforts to get international visibility for the project,’ L. Jalkanen, head of the WMO’s Atmospheric Environment Research Division, wrote in a letter to SAFAR project director Gurfan Beig in March.

Scientists at IITM are elated and confident that the system will help in ensuring clean air during the Games, dubbed as the first ever Green Games.

SAFAR will provide information on air quality on an hourly basis and forecast pollution levels 24 hours in advance through wireless colour digital display panels located at 11 key points in the city during the Games.

Only a few developed countries have the technical knowhow to use such a system. It was used during the Olympic Games in Beijing and also at the last Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

SAFAR’s inputs will greatly help in identifying the major sources of air pollutants and recommending measures to help improve the air quality.

Baton’s trip to the endangered Kiribati brings Green Games message home

2010-06-05T01:08:00.001-07:00

Date:

Wed, 05 May 2010

NEW DELHI, 5 May 2010: As the Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi arrived in Kiribati, which is set to become the first nation to disappear from the world map because of climate change, the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi reiterated its commitment to being the first Green Games in history and to create greater awareness about environmental issues.

While the world is confronting global warming and its consequences, Kiribati is fighting a losing battle for its survival. Indiscriminate destruction of forests, unplanned development and uncontrolled carbon emission has caused Kiribati to face the threat of becoming the first nation to be swamped by sea within this century.

Global warming will cause the sea to rise up to 19 inches in the Asia-Pacific region by 2070. The irony is that Asia-Pacific, a home to some of the world’s most impoverished and least equipped countries, which are making none or negligible contribution to the global warming will face its consequences more than other countries.

It has led to Kiribati urging the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, two developed countries in the region, to accept Kiribati citizens as permanent refugee since the island nation is expected to be totally submerged by the rising sea.

When the Kiribati citizens are facing a man-made calamity, the Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi reached there to reiterate its attempt to spread greater awareness about environmental issues. The baton has not only carried messages about the Commonwealth Games, Delhi and India but also one about it being the first ever Green Games.

Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi has taken upon itself the mission to host Green Games by using effective carbon emission mitigation, reduction and offset techniques. Its Green Games vision covers all the environmental aspects including Land, Energy, Water, Air, Carbon, Waste, Procurement and the most important task of Green Sensitisation.

The Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi, which has travelled 115,831km across Commonwealth nations and territories in Europe, Africa, Americas and parts of Oceania before reaching Kiribati, has visited some of world’s most bio-diverse regions, and geographical wonders in world. And everywhere, eco-consciousness was the prime theme.

The relay also offers Kiribati a platform to attract the world’s attention to global warming and its impending threats. Kiribati’s President Mr. Anote Tong said in 2008 that the island nation had reached “the point of no return. To plan for the day when you no longer have a country is indeed painful but I think we have to do that,” he said.

This is a paradox since the sun is setting on a country that sees the sun rise on the world before anyone else. Then again, Kiribati may be the first to face the threat of disappearing from the world map, parts of South Asia are facing similar danger. The Commonwealth Games tries to break the shackles the world has imposed on itself and bring the Commonwealth together.

Statement from the 7th Coordination Commission Meeting - Delhi

2010-06-05T00:50:00.002-07:00

NEW DELHI, 05 May 2010: The Commonwealth Games Federation’s Coordination Commission has spent the past four days in Delhi, evaluating preparations for the Commonwealth Games that get underway in the Indian capital on October 3rd - in just 151 days.

The Coordination Commission, chaired by CGF Honorary Treasurer, Austin Sealy from Barbados, received detailed presentations from the Organising Committee and its delivery partners.

It also received reports from the various venue construction agencies on the progress of competition venues, the athletes’ village, and other Games’ infrastructure projects and undertook site visits to the main venues.

This is the final visit of the full Coordination Commission.

Progress Achieved

In December 2009, 70 critical issues were identified by the Coordination Commission and as at 5 May, 2010, this has been reduced to 38. Important achievements include:

• Progress in relation to venue planning
• Finalisation of workforce training arrangements and commencement of
delivery
• Securing of Games accommodation requirements
• Implementation of major Games technology systems
• Implementation of a successful Chefs de Mission Seminar
• Resolution of all outstanding Travel Grant issues
• The Conduct of 8 Test Events
• Securing of US$40m in sponsorship to date with a further US$34 million
under final negotiation and a healthy residual pipeline
• Progress in relation to the ticketing distribution systems
• Attraction of additional experienced Games operations staff to support
local talent within the Organising Committee
• The ongoing delivery of major services infrastructure by Delhi
Government including for transport, water, power and other essential
Games services
• The attraction of 24,000 volunteers to date.

Key Challenges

• While there remains much to be done to ensure readiness and a cohesive Games delivery from the opening of the Games Village on September 16th, the main concern for the CGF is the delay in the delivery of the major sports venues by the venue owners and, in particular, the JLN Stadium (Athletics & Ceremonies) and the Talkatora Swimming Complex, as well as the Games Village. These delays have a knock on effect and hamper the Organising Committee’s planning and implementation for final overlay, staff training, rehearsal, and simulation. It is imperative that everything be done to accelerate works and that the agencies responsible for venue delivery cooperate fully with the Organising Committee to ensure the final planning for handover and operations.

• Integration of all agencies within a cohesive operational and decision making system which has clear lines of communication, decision making authority and responsibilities at Games time is always critical, and this remains a challenge. But there is time to address this with the cooperation and commitment of all parties.

• Games Security - the CGF continues to work closely with the OC, Delhi Police and the Governments of India and Delhi to monitor all Games security arrangements and has assigned specialist consultants to work on its behalf as is its standard practice for all Games. All parties, including the CGF, are committed to the conduct of safe and friendly Games which will be enjoyed by all.

The CGF congratulates the Chairman Suresh Kalmadi and his team at the Organising Committee on their rapid progress since December, and urges an increased acceleration in all areas which pose a substantial time or delivery challenge for the Games.

CGF CoCom praises Delhi 2010 commercial programme

2010-06-05T00:50:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI, 4 May 2010: The Commonwealth Games’ Coordination Commission during its session today with the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi praised the excellent progress being made with the sponsorship programme.

“We were particularly pleased with the in-roads being made in the area of sponsorship and the results achieved to date by the Organising Committee and their appointed agent for the Games, Sports Marketing and Management (SMAM),” CGF CEO Mike Hooper said.

“With what has already been contracted, and what is currently at contract stage, the sponsorship programme has almost eclipsed what Melbourne achieved in 2006. Melbourne was the most successful sponsorship campaign in the history of the Commonwealth Games by a significant margin,” he said

“While the total currently sits at US$74 million, the presentation today confirmed that there is now very good prospects in a number of other key sponsorship categories. CGF is confident that the Organsiing Committee, through its Chairman, Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, and its marketing agent, SMAM, are doing everything possible to maximise opportunities from this market.

“Based on the presentations received today we expect to see further strong gains over the coming five months as corporations realise the opportunities presented by being part of the biggest sports event ever to take part in India, an event of national, and international, significance.”

Journey of Unity: Students embraced as Queen’s Baton Relay 2010 Delhi ends

2010-06-05T00:49:00.001-07:00

HONIARA, 1 May 2010: The Queen’s Baton Relay 2010 Delhi has ended on a high note after a three days journey around the capital, Honiara.

Island nation's leading newspaper the Solomon Star reported that the last day yesterday has again been a successful day as the baton visited children and students in different schools and also the Rove prison.

The relay started at Mbokonavera School yesterday then to Mbokona, St John, Bishop Epalle Catholic School, Red Cross handicap centre, White-River and ended at Tanagai School.

From Tanagai, it was accompanied down to Rove where it was met and handed over to the Police Commissioner Peter Marshall who took the baton through a police guard of honour to the Rove Correctional Services.

At the Rove prison, it was met by the Correctional Services Commissioner Francis Haisoma who took escorted the baton to visit the prisoners.

Haisoma during his short remarks said that the prisoners were truly grateful that the Queens Baton has visited them.

It was explained to the prisoners that the baton has a GPS that monitors its whereabouts, a video camera and audio recorder that captures everything that moves and makes a sound.

“We are very privileged that the baton is here with us and I want to thank the organisers that there are no discriminations or whatsoever in regards to the status of the prisoners and therefore although our prisoners are here they are thought of to have the chance to see and touch the baton”, Haisoma said.

The baton after leaving Rove police station was accompanied by Commissioner Marshall again to town ground to the awaiting Miss Solomon Rabobo Toma, British High Commissioner Timothy Smart and the NOCSI president Fred Maetoloa who accompanied the baton to the Honiara City Council.

At the HCC, it was met by the Director of Public Prosecution Ronald Bei Talasasa.

The baton ended its journey at the Government House with NOCSI presenting the baton back to the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui who then handed it back to the Oceania Commonwealth President Vui Tapasu Leung Wai.

The baton will be leaving the country on Monday morning to Nauru.

The article first appeared in the Solomon Star, Honiara, dated 1 May 2010

India’s incredible draw lures huge squads from Australia and England

2010-06-05T00:48:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI, 30 April 2010: I knew instinctively that the world has started seeing the larger picture of the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi when in one of my recent interviews, an overseas journalist asked me about the importance of the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi in India’s emergence as a soft power. With 155 days to go for the start of the Games, there is growing awareness about India and its incredible draw.

Perhaps that is the reason we continue to hear some good news from countries as far-flung as Australia and England. In the past week, Australian Commonwealth Games Association CEO Mr. Perry Crosswhite and Commonwealth Games England Chairman Sir Andrew Foster have reassured their athletes that Delhi will be safe and secure for their athletes and have said they will both bring the biggest contingents to a Commonwealth Games outside their home nations. Between these two teams, I guess they will account for nearly 1200 participants in the Games.

From a sporting perspective, I was delighted to hear that Australia has named a preliminary squad of 69 track and field athletes including world pole vault champion Steve Hooker. Australia has also announced a 48-member swimming contingent including 2008 Olympic champion Stephanie Rice and former world record holder Eamon Sullivan. Olympic silver medallist Geoff Huegill, who has lost 45kg in a year and a half, is also in the squad. Double Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Adlington and world champions Liam Tancock and Gemma Spofforth will spearhead England’s challenge in the swimming competitions.

I was also pleased when I heard that England’s Bradley Wiggins, who had three Olympic gold medals and five world championship titles against his name, has decided to focus on competing in the Commonwealth Games ahead of the World Championship to be held in Australia in September 2010. And, in Adelaide, World and Olympic champion Anna Meares, who is expected to compete in three events in Delhi, has said all the Australian riders were looking forward to locking horns with their British rivals and the strong New Zealand team at the Games.

Indeed, when the Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi was in Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast earlier this month, we saw how sport can be a marvellous bridge between societies. Sport is a balm that soothes surging emotions and, at the same time, is a fuel that drives intense passion among the people to watch competition. Friendship through Sport is one of our key themes and we will see this emerge in a big way when the baton reaches India from the Wagah Border on June 25, 2010.

Back home, as we prepare to host the Commonwealth Games Federation’s Co-ordination Commission next month, we are very confident that we are on course to organising a great Games that will leave an impact in the minds of all concerned – athletes, technical officials, sponsors, broadcasters and other media, volunteers, spectators and, above all, the citizens of Delhi. We have got a tremendous response for our volunteer programme Delhi United, inspiring confidence that the city’s young and old alike have started taking ownership of the Games. Besides, I can see a growing awareness about Olympic sport in this country and that is really heart-warming.

Let me leave you to mull over a statement by Australia’s Chef de Mission. A wonderful marathon runner in his time and Mayor of the Games Village in 2006, Steve Moneghetti told the media on the sidelines of the Queen’s Baton Relay 2010 in Melbourne that he is really looking forward to returning to Delhi in October. “It's such a cosmopolitan place and a place you really fall in love with,” he said. I am sure that each visiting athlete will say the same when the Games are complete. Yes, indeed, it is time for everyone to discover what a beautiful city Delhi is and what a wonderful country India is.

The article first appeared in the Hindustan Times newspaper dated 30 April 2010

England’s cycling star prefers Delhi 2010 to World championship

2010-06-05T00:33:00.000-07:00

Date:

Fri, 30 Apr 2010

NEW DELHI: Triple Olympic gold medallist Bradley Wiggins, who also has five world championship titles against his name, has said he will miss the road World Championships in Melbourne, Australia to concentrate on the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi that will be held a fortnight later.

“I'm still doing the Commonwealth time trial but I'm not doing the Worlds. You'd have to go out (to Australia) a good chunk (of time) in advance and I just don't fancy it,” Wiggins was quoted as having said in an interview to Cycling Weekly. The 30-year-old Wiggins, who suffered a bike failure while on course for a world championship medal last year, has won three silver medals in the Commonwealth Games in 1998 and 2002.

Meanwhile, according to other reports in the British media, British Cycling officials are confident star names such as Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton, gold medallists for Scotland and England in Melbourne four years ago, will be free to compete in Delhi despite some scheduling issues.

The UCI, cycling's world governing body, is reportedly discussing incorporating continental championships into the qualification calendar for the Olympics – a two-year qualification period which began after last month's Track Cycling World Championships in Copenhagen and runs until the March 2012 World championships in Melbourne.

If the European championships, slated for October 8 to 10 in Pruszkow, Poland, is extended to a five-day continental event which would then act as an Olympic qualification, there would be a direct clash with the Commonwealth Games where the track programme is scheduled for October 5 to 8.

British Cycling has been assured by the European Cycling Union (the UEC) that a clash between the Commonwealths and the European championships would be avoided. The possible conflict was a result of the Commonwealth Games not appearing on the UCI's global competition calendar because it is an event which takes place under their rules but outside of their control.

Hoy and Pendleton could forego this year's European Championships in order to take part in the quadrennial Commonwealth Games.

The results of the International Olympic Committee’s discussions with the UCI on qualification for track, road, BMX and mountain bike events meeting will be made public before mid-May.

Meanwhile, in Adelaide, the Australian team, which has just completed a successful World championships, where it topped the medal tally ahead of Britain, is looking forward to locking horns with its British rivals and with the strong New Zealand team at the Commonwealth Games. “There is going to be a lot of pride on the line. We're all extremely excited about it, we're all very motivated,” said Anna Maree Meares who is expected to feature in three events on the track in Delhi.

Delhi administration taking security matters very seriously: Hooper

2010-06-05T00:25:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI, 29 April 2010: Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mike Hooper has said Delhi Government and Delhi Police are taking the task of providing security for the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi very seriously.

“Security arrangements have been put in place by the Delhi government and Delhi Police and this is a responsibility they are taking very seriously and there is nothing to suggest that won't be the case,” he told The Telegraph newspaper in England.

Mr. Hooper said that he was in constant discussion with the Deputy High Commissioners of Britain, New Zealand, Canada and Australia about security matters and pointed out that no country had withdrawn from the Games, which features about 8000 participants, including new Commonwealth addition Rwanda that will send a team of 100 athletes to the Games.

He said other concerns about food safety and traffic congestion had been addressed by organisers of Delhi 2010. There will be food testing and strict hygiene standards within the Games Village, he said.

“There has been a dramatic change in the city infrastructure and my journey into the city from the airport now takes half the time it used to because of new flyovers and the metro is about to open in July which will be a big benefit too," Mr. Hooper said.

England will send biggest squad to a Games outside Britain: Sir Andrew

2010-06-05T00:24:00.002-07:00

NEW DELHI, 28 april 2010: Commonwealth Games England Chairman Sir Andrew Foster has said that the England team for the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi will be the biggest team it has sent for an overseas Games to date, with a team size that is likely to be more than 550, including nearly 400 athletes.

“England's intention is to compete at the Games and we are currently making arrangements to create the best possible environment for success in Delhi,” Sir Andrew told the BBC. “Security is something we and the Delhi 2010 organising committee take very seriously. We have taken, and will continue to take, expert advice on the situation.”

CGE is set to write to all its sports governing bodies informing them that the team will go to India, putting to rest speculation that the English team would pull out of the Games because of security fears raised after bomb blasts injured 15 persons before an Indian Premier League cricket match in Bangalore on April 17.

CGE, which has been receiving regular security updates from Delhi, believes the assessment that it will be safe to travel. It is confident that athletes will be safe in India, given that Delhi recently hosted the FIH World Cup and a slew of other test events without any security problems.

Wrestling Stadium opened, set to inspire great competition

2010-06-05T00:24:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI: The newly-constructed Wrestling Stadium in the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, one of the venues for this year's Commonwealth Games, was inaugurated by Union Sports minister M S Gill here on Sunday. The 6,000-seater state-of-the-art venue has been built at a cost of Rs 120 crore and has a built-up area of 22,350 square metres.

“The stadium is so inspiring. It is one of the best wrestling centres in the country. This is an outstanding and a remarkable engineering marvel equipped with all the modern facilities,” he said. The field of play measures 56mx38m and has Maple wood flooring with three competition mats. The warm–up hall has six mats on a field of play that measures 34mx37m and has Maple wood flooring.

It is also equipped with Green building features like thermal insulation of roof with rock wool insulation, gypsum board partitions and wall paneling, external glazing with low-energy tinted glasses and energy efficient lighting fixtures etc.

The field of play will be tested during the Asian championship that will be held from May 12 to 16

Delhi is secure for Commonwealth Games: Police Commissioner

2010-06-05T00:23:00.000-07:00

Date:
Sat, 24 Apr 2010

NEW DELHI, 24 April 2010: Reiterating that Delhi is safe and secure for the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, Delhi Police Commissioner Mr. Y. S. Dadwal has said that the security of the Commonwealth Games 2010 is a prime focus area for his team. In his message to the citizens of Delhi the Commissioner said, “Preparations for the Commonwealth Games-2010 have been initiated in right earnest well in advance. All issues pertaining to manpower requirement, infrastructural requirement, technological up-gradation, communications etc., have been addressed. Comprehensive security, law and order and traffic arrangements have been drafted which will cover IGIA, route and transportation, Games Village, hotels and other places of stay, competition, non-competition and practice venues and security of road events. Presentations regarding our Security and Traffic Plans were made to Heads of Commonwealth Missions on 9 September 2009, to the security experts from the participating Commonwealth Games Countries and Federations on 23 September 2009, to the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly 2009 on 12 October 09 and to the COCOM on 14 - 16 December 09. Satisfaction and confidence in the security arrangements has been expressed at all levels. These arrangements will be further fine-tuned.”

He assured Delhiites of his teams full preparedness for the Games, he said, “The Delhi Police worked out elaborate and holistic security measures to ensure not only the safe and secure conduct of the Games but also the security of the city. These measures were appreciated by the Commonwealth Games authorities.”

To further fine tune the security arrangement across the capital, the commissioner said that his proposal was cleared by the Government in quick time resulting in creation of 9 Sub-Divisions and 29 Police Stations in September, 2009 which included 7 police stations already being run from the existing resources. “These new Police Stations will go a long way in improving the policing of the National Capital and ensure a safer and more secure Delhi during the forthcoming Commonwealth Games,” he said.

Increased security efforts need more manpower for execution and in this regard Delhi Police has undertook a large-scale recruitment drive during the year to fill up existing as well as newly sanctioned vacancies so as to improve the manpower position substantially before the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. As a part of this drive, 387 Sub-Inspectors, 58 Head Constables, 4341 Constables and 215 Drivers were recruited during the year. As many as 6449 Constables are due to join training by 15 January.

The year also saw a significant thrust to the use of technology by the Delhi Police, keeping particularly the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in mind. The Central Police Control Room was expanded and upgraded.

The Delhi Police is also being provided, through the aegis of the Govt. of NCT of Delhi, a common secure communication network for the Commonwealth Games and beyond. An Integrated Command, Control, Coordination and Communication Centre (C4i) is also being established at the Police Headquarters to meet the operational requirements for the Commonwealth Games 2010 and beyond. This Centre will provide real time situation awareness from various parts of Delhi including Commonwealth Games venues, markets, Intelligent Traffic system etc. The C4i would have linkages with the ground level staff as well as the subsidiary bases on wireless sets, Tetra Nets, Mobile phones and landline phones. It will have hotline connections with various stake holders such as the Air Force, Central Para Military Forces, Delhi Fire Services, Hospitals and Ambulance Services etc. The Delhi Police is also in the process of acquiring three armoured vehicles, a Mobile Periscopic Van, sophisticated weapons etc. to bolster anti-terrorist capabilities.

Olympic and world champions among first lot of 29 England swimmers for Delhi 2010

2010-06-05T00:22:00.000-07:00

Date:
Thu, 22 Apr 2010

NEW DELHI, 22 April 2010: Double Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Adlington and world champions Liam Tancock and Gemma Spofforth will spearhead England’s challenge in the swimming competitions at the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi in October this year.

Commonwealth Games England has named them among 29 swimmers selected
to represent England at the Games, which start on 3 October. A further 13 swimmers will be added to the list after the European Championships (4 to 15 August, Budapest) and the National Championships (18 21 August, Sunderland).

The swimmers named in team achieved qualification standards at the British Swimming Championships, which took place in Sheffield just over two weeks ago. The team also includes Simon Burnett and Ross Davenport, who return to the Commonwealth Games action after winning a brace of gold medals each in Melbourne four years ago.

Achieng Ajulu-Bushell, 16, has earned a call-up after switching her nationality from Kenya. Ajulu-Bushell impressed at the trials where she won the women's 50 m and 100 m breaststroke double. She represented Kenya in the 2009 World Championships but decided to switch nationalities soon afterwards. The teenager, who was born in
Manchester to an English mother and Kenyan father, moved to Africa as a child before returning in September 2007.

England team Chef de Mission Craig Hunter said “I'd like to welcome our first group of swimmers to the England team for Delhi and wish them the very best in their continuing preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.”

England swimming team Team Leader for Delhi John Atkinson, said: "The swimmers selected for the England team can now begin their preparations for Delhi in earnest. For the others that didn't meet the qualification criteria there are still 13 places available on the team.”

“Having early trials will give the selected swimmers the chance to have a longer preparations and the later trials gives those swimmers that are hitting form later in the year a chance to make the team," he added. “I look forward to seeing the performances at our later trials as the athletes try to qualify for the Games.”

England's swimmers finished runners-up to Australia in the swimming medals table at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games with eight gold medals, 11 silvers and four bronzes. England finished second to Australia on the overall medal table at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games with 36 gold, 40 silver and 34 bronze medals.

Swimmers selected are:

Men: Robert Bale, Adam Brown, Simon Burnett, Ross Davenport, Daniel Fogg, James Goddard, Thomas Parris, Roberto Pavoni, Michael Rock, Joseph Roebuck, Liam Tancock, Grant Turner, Christopher Walker-Hebborn and Richard Webb

Women: Rebecca Adlington, Achieng Ajulu-Bushell, Ellen Gandy, Francesca Halsal, Joanne Jackson, Sasha Matthews, Keri-Anne Payne, Elizabeth Simmonds, Amy Smith, Gemma Spofforth, Jessica Sylvester, Stacey Tadd, Rebecca Turner, Aimee Willmott, Katherine Wyld and Nova Centurion

School kids become messengers of Delhi 2010’s Green theme as OC celebrates the Earth Day

2010-06-05T00:21:00.000-07:00

Date:

Thu, 22 Apr 2010

NEW DELHI, 22 April 2010: On the occasion of the Earth Day, the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi oraganised “Waste to Craft” Competition with participation 107 students from 27 eco-clubs schools, forming 42 teams, from across the Delhi National Capital Region.

The event gave wings to the imagination of school kids and they enthusiastically crafted different creative items from the waste. All crafted items had an underlying green theme. In his message to the kids, OC CWG Delhi 2010 chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP said, “The Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi is totally committed to its vision of making it the first ever Green Commonwealth Games. Our vision is to strive towards reducing the carbon footprint and become a benchmark for all mutli-disciplinary Games in the future.” He also gave the slogan of - pedh hai to sher hai, pedh hai to shehar hai aur pedh hai to Shera hai – underling the importance of trees.

The competition that was held between 10 AM to 1 PM at the OC CWG Delhi 2010 headquarters saw encouraging response from children as all of them worked hard to impress the judges. The main objective of the competition was to sensitise young children on the importance of natural resources and waste minimisation and to promote the cause of Green Games. The event was successful in its endeavour as students echoed similar sentiments. Rishabh Sharma, who also won second prize for his creative craft, from Modern School said, “This is an extremely good step to promote re-use of the waste into useful articles. Moreover, we have been encouraged not to pollute our mother Earth and remake eco-friendly goods instead of wasting them.”

Archana Anand, another participant from Delhi Tamil Education Association School, Mandir Marg supported Delhi 2010’s Green theme and appealed Delhiites to make the city clean. She said, “Commonwealth Games is about uniting people from different countries together and make India proud. I request people of Delhi to keep their neighbourhood and the city neat and clean so that the visitors from different countries feel pleased and help in spreading Delhi’s image around the world.”

The winners of the competition were announced later in the day at the Delhi Secretariat Auditorium. The ceremony included a prize distribution function for the winners and had the esteemed presence of the Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dikshit; Secretary of Delhi, Mr. Rakesh Mehta; Secretary, Department of Environment, Mr. Dharmendra along with other dignitaries.

The winners were:

First Prize – Pooja, Neha, Sneha and Babita from Sarvodhya Kanya Vidhyalya, West Patel Nagar

Second Prize – Rishabh Arora from Modern School, Barakhamba Road

Third Prize – Siddhi Gupta, Mehak Sodhi, Harnoor Makkar and Tanvi Raina from Convent of Jesus and Mary, Bangla Sahib Marg

Apart from this five other teams won consolation prizes.

Delhi is a place you really fall in love with: Australian Chef-de-Mission

2010-06-05T00:20:00.002-07:00

NEW DELHI, 21 April 2010: Australian contingent Chef de mission Steve Moneghetti has said he is really looking forward to returning here for the Commonwealth Games in October. “It's such a cosmopolitan place and a place you really fall in love with,” he told the media on the sidelines of a ceremony in Melbourne on Tuesday to mark the visit of the Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi.

“I was there a month ago and it was very safe and secure,” Moneghetti said.

Moneghetti, who won gold in the marathon event in Victoria in 1994 and was mayor of the Commonwealth Games Village in Melbourne in 2006, ran the last leg of a short Queen’s Baton Relay 2010 along the Yarra River along with four-time Commonwealth champion and Sydney 2000 Olympic 400m gold medalist Cathy Freeman.

Freeman said if she were not retired from track and field sport, security concerns would not stop her going to Delhi in October. “As an athlete I was pretty ruthless and very focussed,” Freeman said. “I was very unfazed by any kind of external goings-on, once I knew what my target was, I stayed committed. Nothing could really take me away from an arena of competition. My priority was just to compete and compete against the best there was,” she said.

Australian Commonwealth Games Association Chief Executive Mr, Perry Crosswhite said their position had not changed and the country will send a team to the Games. “Certainly it (the bombing in Bangalore) is not a good thing, but it doesn't affect our current position,” Mr. Crosswhite said.

“Right now, we're going to the Games and as we said all along, if athletes (or officials) don't want to go to the Games, that's their decision and it won't be held against them. I'm very confident the actual athletes will be protected, the safest place will be the (Games) Village in Delhi, the venues and the transport routes there and from.”

Initial Media Accreditation process for Delhi 2010 begins

2010-06-05T00:20:00.001-07:00

Date:

Wed, 21 Apr 2010

NEW DELHI, 21 April 2010: The media accreditation process, for the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi to be held in the capital from 3 to 14 October 2010, has commenced. Editors-in-chiefs are requested to send their accreditation requirements.

The Accreditation Proforma can be downloaded from the OC CWG Delhi 2010’s website and the link for it is - http://www.cwgdelhi2010.org/dcwg/index.php?q=node/1422

Editors are required fill up with their requirements (number of reporters, photographers/camerapersons and support staff), and return the same by an email (scanned copy) to media.acr@cwgdelhi2010.org, signed by the Editor-in-chief/Editor to the address mentioned in the form by 7 May 2010.

This is only an initial process to facilitate media accreditation and firther process will be updated on the website as well. A committee including media representatives has been set up to process accreditation requests and grant final approval.

Only those media organisations that submit their requirements for accreditation by numbers, within the deadline given, would be eventually granted accreditations. Also the numbers specified by the organisation doesn’t ensure them of all the accreditations.

World champion Steve Hooker leads 69 Australian track and field hopefuls

2010-06-05T00:19:00.000-07:00

Date:
Tue, 20 Apr 2010

NEW DELHI: Athletics Australia has named a 69-strong squad for the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi after the three-day Australian Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games selection trials in Perth, according to information reaching here.

As many as 41 athletes earned automatic nomination to the team based on their results. A further 28 athletes were today announced as discretionary nominations to the team, taking the total number of nominated athletes to 69. The squad includes 12 disabled athletes, the best-known being wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley in the 1500m.

Newly-crowned national pole vault champion and athletics team captain Steve Hooker (pole vault) will lead a squad that features a true mix of youth and experience into battle in Delhi, with Liz Parnov (pole vault) the youngest athlete nominated to today’s team at 15 years of age and track veteran Patrick Johnson (4x100m relay) the oldest at 37.

John Steffensen (400m and 4x400m relay) is another big name who will defend his 2006 titles in Delhi. Fabrice Lapierre, Chris Noffke and Mitchell Watt were all named in the men's long jump.

A team of up to 90 athletes is expected to be named to the final squad, to be announced following the close of the qualifying period on August 15, Athletics Australia said. With the window for automatic nomination to the team now closed, all future nominations will be made at the selectors' discretion.

“God, I can't even describe it, I'm just so overwhelmed and happy and grateful to my family and my coach,” Liz Parnov, 15-year-old daughter of Russian pole vault guru Alex Parnov, said. She had to concentrate hard during the competition to avoid being distracted by her sister Vicky's troubles. "I have my bad days, she (Vicky) has her bad days but in the end we're still sisters," she said. She credited her sister for blazing the trail for her to break into the national team.

“Knowing Vic could do it, it really made me realise I had a chance and especially with my training group, I have Steve Hooker, Alana (Boyd), Amanda (Bisk), all of these amazing pole vaulters,” she said. “To have jumped what I have jumped and to make it is pretty cool.... But I don't really think about how old I am, I'm just like everyone else, trying to do my best.”

It will be the fourth Commonwealth Games for 31-year-old Tamsyn Lewis (4x400m relay - an event where she is going for her fourth gold medal), 28 athletes will make their Games debut.

Australian Commonwealth Games Association Chief Executive Mr. Perry Crosswhite said the Games were a great place for young Australian athletes to “'learn to win [against international competition at a major event]. The Commonwealth Games gives them that opportunity [to win] then they go on [to win elsewhere]. That's what happened with Steve Hooker who won at the Commonwealth Games, then went on to win the Olympics and world championships.”

That means the door remains open for two-time world champion Jana Rawlinson, recovering from injury, to defend her 400m and 4x400m relay titles, with places still available in those events. But injury-plagued middle-distance runner Craig Mottram, who also missed the trials, will not have a chance to defend his 2006 silver medal in the 5000m or race the 1500m, with all three places in both events already filled.

Mr. Crosswhite said the ACGA planned to take a team of about 425 athletes – its biggest squad ever sent to an overseas Games. Australia collected 16 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze medals in able-bodied events at the 2006 edition of the Games in Melbourne four years ago.

Men (42)

100m: Aaron Rouge-Serret

200m: Matt Davies*

400m: Ben Offereins, John Steffensen, Joel Milburn.

800m: Lachlan Renshaw and Ryan Gregson.

1500m: Gregson, Jeff Riseley and Jeremy Roff.

5000m: Ben St Lawrence, Collis Birmingham and David McNeill.

10,000m: Birmingham.

400m hurdles: Brendan Cole and Tristan Thomas.

High jump: Liam Zamel-Paez.

Pole vault: Steve Hooker.

Long jump: Fabrice Lapierre Chris Noffke and Mitchell Watt.

Shot put: Scott Martin and Dale Stevenson.

Discus throw: Benn Harradine, Martin and Julian Wruck.

Hammer throw: Tim Driesen and Simon Wardhaugh.

Javelin throw: Jarrod Bannister.

20km walk: Luke Adams, Chris Erickson and Jared Tallent.

T46 100m: Gabriel Cole, Heath Francis and Simon Patmore.

T54 1500m: Richard Colman, Kurt Fearnley and Jake Lappin.

F32/34/52 shot put: Damien Bowen and Hamish MacDonald.

4x100m relay: Davies, Jacob Groth, Patrick Johnson, Isaac Ntiamoah and Rouge-Serret.

4x400m relay: Milburn, Kevin Moore, Offereins, Steffensen and Sean Wroe.

Women (27)

100m: Melissa Breen.

5000m and 10,000m: Eloise Wellings.

100m hurdles: Hayley Butler and Sally McLellan.

400m hurdles: Lauren Boden.

Marathon: Lisa Weightman.

High jump: Ellen Pettitt* and Petrina Price.

Pole vault: Amanda Bisk, Alana Boyd and Liz Parnov.

Shot put: Joanne Mirtschin.

Discus throw: Dani Samuels.

Hammer throw: Karyne di Marco, Bronwyn Eagles and Gabrielle Neighbour.

Javelin throw: Kimberley Mickle and Kathryn Mitchell.

20km walk: Claire Tallent and Cheryl Webb.

T37 100m: Jodi Elkington.

T54 1500m: Christie Dawes.

F32-34/52/53 shot put: Louise Ellery and Brydee Moore.

4x400m relay: Jody Henry, Tamsyn Lewis and Pirrenee Steinert.

All arrangements in place to ensure Delhi 2010 will be safe, secure: Kalmadi

2010-06-05T00:17:00.000-07:00

Date:
Mon, 19 Apr 2010

NEW DELHI: Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi reiterated its confidence that the Commonwealth Games, to be held in October, will be hosted in a safe and secure environment.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs and Delhi Police have been working on making the best security arrangements for the athletes and visitors in the Commonwealth Games. Along with them, we are monitoring the situation in the wake of the recent incident in Bengaluru and we are leaving no stone unturned to make sure that the Capital is safe and secure,” Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, said.

“The Commonwealth Games Federation has been advised by its international security consultant that India is making the best security arrangements for the Games,” he said. “Besides, we have had a number of security briefings for Heads of Missions of the Commonwealth countries and, recently, we had the Chefs de Mission Seminar for all 71 nations. At each such forum, our security plans and arrangements have been welcomed as the best,” he said. “ the CGF President Mr. Mike Fennell was also satisfied with the security arrangements.”

“We have been planning the security arrangements for many years and Government has spared no expense in asking for the best equipment and personnel to be in place. Once all venues are ready, there would be another International Security Liaison Group Security Commanders’ conference. We are taking no chances at all,” Mr. Kalmadi said.

The test events for a number of sporting disciplines, including FIH World Cup hockey, Commonwealth Shooting Championship, Commonwealth Boxing Championship, Badminton Asia Championship, invitational meets in archery, rugby 7s and lawn bowling have all been held successfully and the participants have been happy with the levels of security provided,” he said.

“The security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games are constantly being monitored by the Organising Committee Commonweath Games 2010 Delhi in tandem with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Delhi Police. We are sure we will have a safe and secure Games and that the athletes will be able to perform, assured that they would be given the best protection,” Mr. Kalmadi said.

Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi begins its journey Down Under

2010-06-05T00:06:00.001-07:00

Date:

Mon, 19 Apr 2010

SYDNEY, 19 April 2010: The Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi begun its journey Down Under from Parramatta (the first Australian city to host the Queen’s Baton) making its way through the main business district to Parramatta Town Hall with the first Batonbearer Kristy Pond, wheelchair athlete and Parramatta sports person of the year. Five Batonbearers relayed the baton to Parramatta Town Hall very excitedly.

Later in the morning, the baton entered Parramatta Town Hall for the official reception and cultural display. Parramatta Lord Mayor Mr. Paul Garrard, Ms. Tanya Gaddiel, Member for Parramatta and the Indian High Commissioner Ms. Sugatha Singh welcomed the baton with traditional aboriginal smoking ceremony followed by speeches and a number of cultural performances.

The baton then passed to 2006 Commonwealth Games road cycling champion, Natalie Bates, who carried the baton to Parramatta Wharf and took the baton onto the RiverCat ferry with cheering from the crowd. The ferry dropped off the team at Homebush ferry wharf and the baton then went on Marine Rescue Vessel to Sydney Opera House. Along the way the baton had lots of pictorials including with the Sydney Harbour Bridge where the Commonwealth Games Flag was flying atop throughout the day.

Later the baton arrived Man-o-War wharf where students of Gladesville Public School were lined up to greet the baton, after which the baton was handed to one of the students who took it to the steps of the Sydney Opera House and passed it to Matt Shirvington, Commonwealth Games sprinter. Matt Shirvington took the baton on the stage for the official welcome by MC James Bracey from SkyNews who spoke about the baton and its features and addressed all the dignitaries from Australia and India followed by some speeches and music & dance performances.

In the afternoon, eight Batonbearers conveyed the baton across the Opera House forecourt and south along East Circular Quay. This concluded the relay’s Parramatta and Sydney.

In the evening, the baton attended CBCI reception hosted by the New South Wales (NSW) Consulate General of India and the Australian Indian Business Council. This was a well attended reception by leaders from Australian-Indian business community, Games Organisers, Australian companies doing business in India and dignitaries from the Indian, Australian and NSW governments.

Great days ahead for Indian sport

2010-06-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

Date:

Fri, 16 Apr 2010

NEW DELHI, 16 April 2010: One of my primary tasks as an Indian sports administrator is to bring up Olympic sport. I can see that interest is already growing substantially with a series of test events being conducted in the run up to the Commonwealth Games. With the Games itself to be held in October, there is new thrust to Olympic sport – and that warms my heart. Yes, there are great days ahead for Indian sport.

I am delighted that Delhi has responded really well to some of the big ticket events like the FIH World Cup hockey, Commonwealth Boxing Championships and the Badminton Asia Championships. I am also pleased to hear of how the infrastructure that is coming up for the Commonwealth Games has come in for praise from those who have participated in these events. I was at hand to hear the visitors speak highly about the facilities at the lawn bowls complex in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

With superb infrastructure coming up – of course we know there is some fine-tuning to be done – I am confident that our National Sports Federations, encouraged by the Indian Olympic Association and supported by a clutch of sponsors, will ensure that we have a regular series of sporting events in the country so that the people’s hunger for quality events is satiated. And that we make optimum use of the facilities created for the Commonwealth Games.

One of the biggest learnings from the test events has been the fact that while security is of paramount interest, we need to ensure that sports protocol is followed so that the Games Family – athletes, officials, sponsors, broadcasters, media and spectators alike – have a wholesome sporting experience. After all, for more than three and a half decades since the 1974 edition in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Commonwealth Games has been known as the Friendly Games.

Back home, the 20,000km route chosen for the Queen’s Baton Relay across 100 cities and thousands of villages in 28 States and seven Union Territories will also act as a great impetus for the promotion of the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. Our genial mascot Shera is already gaining popularity across the country, with our road show in Kochi showcasing that fact.

We are in talks with a number of corporates who want to come on board as our partners and associates. In the coming weeks, we will also announce the plans for the launch of ticket sales and unfold Games merchandise which are important revenue streams for us in our effort to repay the Rs 1620 crore loan that we will get from the Government to organise the Games.

Believe me, Team India – the Governments of India and Delhi, the Indian Olympic Association, the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi – will deliver a great Games, one that you will remember for time to come as a great sporting event and one that left Delhi and India with a superb legacy.

This article first appeared in the Hindustan Times, New Delhi, dated 16 April 2010.

Second World Broadcasters Meet begins in New Delhi

2010-06-05T00:04:00.001-07:00

Date:
Fri, 16 Apr 2010

NEW DELHI, 16 April 2010: The three-day Second World Broadcasters Meet for the Rights Holding Broadcasters (RHB) of the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi began here on Friday. Host Broadcaster Prasar Bharati and Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are hosting the Meet.

Representatives of Network 10 and FoxTel (Australia), Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, British Broadcasting Corporation, Asian Broadcasting Union and Astro (Malaysia), Singapore Sports Council as well as Sky NZ and TV NZ (New Zealand) are attending the WBM along with Doordarshan and All India Radio.

Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, informed the WBM that everything was on track to ensure seamless broadcast of excellent images to millions of homes round the Commonwealth. Delivering the keynote address, he said Doordarshan had gathered some of the industry’s best TV professionals to ensure that Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi is an exceptional and memorable broadcast.

“SIS is Doordarshan’s production partner. Similarly, Global TV Australia is partnering Shaf India in building the International Broadcasting Centre and delivering all the technical services needed there,” he said.

Mr Kalmadi said the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi has hired experts in all areas that interface with the Rights Holding Broadcasters – technology, telecommunications, accreditation, transport, accommodation and logistics. “All this will ensure that you will enjoy working during the Games and contribute to the overall success of Delhi 2010,” he said.

Prasar Bharati CEO Mr. B. S. Lalli said the three-day WBM, which would include visits to all venues, would address any issues that the RBHs would have. “Let me assure you that we shall overcome any hiccups there are to ensure that you are able to broadcast excellent images to your viewers back home,” he said. “The Commonwealth Games are a national project.”

Doordarshan Director General Mrs Aruna Sharma, who welcomed the delegates from the RHBs, said every effort would be made to facilitate a great broadcast from the Games that will be held in Delhi from October 3 to 14.

Prasar Bharati and Delhi 2010 to host World Broadcasters Meet from Friday

2010-06-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

Date:
Thu, 15 Apr 2010

NEW DELHI, 15 April 2010: Prasar Bharati and Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi will host the three-day Second World Broadcasters Meet for the rights holding broadcasters of the Games, to be held here in October, here from Friday.

Organsing Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, said the Organising Committee and host broadcaster, Prasar Bharti, will update the international and national Rights Holding Broadcasters (RHBs) of the Games on all the broadcasting activities.

“We acknowledge the importance of the Rights Holding Broadcasters and place on record that the revenues earned from the sale of broadcast rights will help us repay the loan of Rs 1620 crore that we are getting from Government to conduct the Games,” he said.

“We shall appraise the RHBs of the arrangements we are making for them to ensure that they showcase the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi to a world-wide audience,” Mr. Kalmadi said.

The First World Broadcasters Meet was held from October 26 to 28, 2009.

Accomodation in CommonWealth Games 2010 Delhi

2010-04-13T03:13:00.000-07:00

Accommodation Introduction

The XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are scheduled from 3 October to 14 October, 2010. This is the best time to travel to Delhi, which has average daytime temperatures of 22°C (71.5°F) in October. You can visit many of Delhi’s numerous heritage sites and monuments, sample world class cuisine and entertainment at the city’s numerous hotels and restaurants, shop till you drop at the various malls and shopping outlets the city provides, and experience all that this vibrant, exciting city has to offer.

Delhi is located a few hours away from the world’s greatest monument to love, the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra. Also close by is the colourful state of Rajasthan with its forts and palaces, tales of valour, and unbeatable exotic experiences. The sheer scale and diversity of India offers a range of destinations and experiences found nowhere else in the world: the mystical and breathtaking Himalayas in the north; vast beaches with an exciting range of water sports and other activities; peaceful lagoons and inland waterways; yoga and meditation to lift your spirits; wildlife parks to commune with nature; and ancient heritage sites to remind you of India’s ancient past. Incredible India has it all – waiting to be experienced!

The Accommodation Functional Area (FA), Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi (OC CWG Delhi 2010) in conjunction with the Games Travel Office (GTO) has secured a comprehensive range of hotel accommodation in and around Delhi exclusively for visitors who will travel to Delhi for the Games. It is important to note that all accommodation options listed in this document are subject to availability at the time of request and will be allocated in order of receipt of bookings.

Kindly go through the Accommodation manual to view the hotel options before submitting the accommodation booking form.

http://www.cwgdelhi2010.lpti.in/accomodation_manual.pdf

Accommodation Booking Form

http://www.cwgdelhi2010.lpti.in/Accomodation-Booking-Form.aspx

Contact Games travel Office

Ms. Moti Irani, DDG Accommodation
M: +91 9650714040, +91 9923760007
E: moti.irani@cwgdelhi2010.org / moti.cwgd2010@gmail.com

ACCOMMODATION

Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi

New Delhi City Centre, Tower II,
Opposite Jantar Mantar, Jai Singh Road,
New Delhi 110001, India.
T: +91 11 24500400, +91 11 24500539
E: acco.gto@cwgdelhi2010.org
Online Bookings: www.cwgdelhi2010.org/accommodation

Games Travel Office

Mr. Sunil Kundu
M: + 91 9810798617
E: sunil.cwgd2010@gmail.com

TOLL FREE : 1800-300-23333 ( Toll Free within India only)

Indian Business delegation to visit Canada during the Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi

2010-04-13T03:12:00.004-07:00

NEW DELHI, 12 April 2010: A high-level business delegation from India is visiting Canada between 12 -16 April 2010, coinciding with the Queen’s Baton Relay 2010 Delhi’s visit to the country. The delegation, consisting of members of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, aims to strengthen business ties between Canada and India by exploring new trade and economic opportunities.

Mr. Tarlochan Singh, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Media Committee of the OC CWG Delhi 2010, will be present during the relay in Toronto and Ottawa as well as during all the business meetings.

The business delegation from India will hold series of meetings with Canadian business leaders from the Canada-India Business Council, Canadian Council of Chief Executives (CCCE), etc., as well as meeting with various government departments like Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Industry, Canada, Ministry of Economic Development & Trade, Ontario. The itinerary also includes a day-long seminar on ‘Re-organize for Resilience’ in Ottawa. All these meetings will be organised on the backdrop of the relay’s celebrations in the country.

New Zealand names 12 swimmers for Delhi 2010

2010-04-13T03:12:00.003-07:00

NEW DELHI: New Zealand named a squad of 12 swimmers for the Commonwealth Games at the end of the National Swimming Championships in Auckland last week Seven swimmers successfully met stiff qualification times set by the selection panel while five others were included after a re-evaluation of recent times worldwide.

According to reports in the New Zealand media, Swimming NZ successfully petitioned the New Zealand Commonwealth Games Association to extend the squad to 12. The New Zealand Commonwealth Games team is expected to total about 185 competitors in 18 sports.

Swimming NZ performance and pathways general manager Jan Cameron said the initial qualification targets agreed with the NZOC were set against world times 12 months ago. Since then, times around the world, particularly at the Australian trials last month, had eased back after the controversial rubber swimming suits had been banned.

“We have applied the same criteria of top six ranking in the Commonwealth based on these latest results and information,” Cameron said. “We have adjusted the criteria to 890 Fina points and, under this weighting, it means there are an additional five swimmers under the qualifying ranking for the Commonwealth Games. The selectors were satisfied all swimmers meet top-six selection criteria.”

New Zealand coach Mark Regan said he wanted to see more. “I actually expected better,” he told Sunday News. “I think the pressure got to them and that had a lot to do with it. They've got to deal with these situations a lot better and that's what I'll try to do over the next couple of months – put them under extreme pressure so they handle it better.”

Regan said he would do this by using tough workouts, stiff competition and revising the expectations placed on them, believing they are struggling to cope with the pressure they're putting on themselves.

“They all look at the result more than the process – the process of doing the race the best way instead of looking at it as being a mountain that's too high to climb. We've just got to change our mindset, but that's do-able. I'm excited by them. They're a good team of individuals. They can all improve, can all go better,” he said.

Standout swimmer from the national champs in Henderson was Daniel Bell, who did enough to be able to compete in the backstroke over 50m, 100m and 200m in Delhi. “I'm pretty happy with how I swam here,” Bell said. “I didn't quite get the times I was looking for but the goal was to qualify and I've done that.”

Backstroker Melissa Ingram says the team will have to be careful how they handle the conditions in India. “We're going to have to be onto it and be watchful about what we eat, learn about the culture and try to adapt to the best of our ability,” she said.

NZ swimming squad

Daniel Bell 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke;

Lauren Boyle 200m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle relay;

Moss Burmester 200m butterfly;

Melissa Ingram 200m backstroke;

Hayley Palmer 100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay;

Glenn Snyders 50m breaststroke, 100m breaststroke;

Natalie Wiegersma 200m individual medley, 400m individual medley

Tash Hind 200m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle relay, 4x100m freestyle relay;

Penelope Marshall 200m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle relay, 4x100m freestyle relay;

Amaka Gessler 4x200m freestyle relay, 4x100m freestyle relay;

Emily Thomas 100m backstroke;

Gareth Kean 200m backstroke.

Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi arrives to fanfare in Belize City

2010-04-13T03:12:00.001-07:00

BELIZE CITY: The Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi arrived to fanfare from Bahamas at the Phillip Goldson International Airport in Belize on Wednesday. Belize is the 47th country the Queen’s Baton has been to since the relay was launched at the Buckingham Palace on October 29. It is due to leave Belize on Friday for Bermuda after which it will travel to Canada.

According to The Belize Guardian, 10 members of Belize’s national cycling team hoisted the 2kg Baton high and in a scorching afternoon heat proudly led a motorcade as they rode with it from the Airport to the Stella Maris School on Princess Margaret Drive.

After a short ceremony on the Stella Maris Campus, cyclist Byron Pope handed the Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi to Michael Graham who won gold in the 200m race in the 2008 Special Olympics. Graham in turn handed it to Belize City Mayor Zenaida Moya-Flowers. She accepted it and said the Baton represents the heritage shared by Commonwealth countries.

“It is an honour for me to be handed over the Baton simply because this is a very prestigious event. It is an event that brings together all the Commonwealth countries. It is a camaraderie that we share, all of us speaking English in terms of all of us having a history and we share a lot in common,” she said.

On Thursday afternoon, the Mayor will formally hand the baton to Minister of Sports, Information, and Broadcasting Mr. Elvin Penner after a parade through the streets. It heads to Belmopan on April 9. On its way, it will stop briefly at the Youth Hostel at Mile 21. Thereafter, in Belmopan it will be presented to Mayor Simeon Lopez. Athletes will then relay it to the Governor General Sir Colville Young and British High Commissioner Patrick Ashworth.

Belize will be sending a contingent of 18 athletes to the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi that will be held from October 3 to 14.

Ingram becomes seventh New Zealand swimmer to book Delhi 2010 berth

2010-04-13T03:11:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI, 9 April 2010: Olympian Melissa Ingram, who missed out on the world championships last year, qualified for the Commonwealth Games at the New Zealand Swimming Championships on Thursday. She was one of the three swimmers under the qualifying mark on the penultimate night of finals. Daniel Bell and Southland's Natalie Wiegersma qualified in their second events for Delhi 2010.

According to reports in the New Zealand media, Ingram won the women's 200m backstroke under the qualifying time at the Waitakere City West Wave Aquatics Centre in the Commonwealth Games trials. This brought the total to nine qualifying performances from seven swimmers with one day remaining.

Ingram went through the halfway point of the 200m backstroke in 1:03.88 before two 33 second laps helped her clock 2:10.73, nearly a second inside the qualifying mark and well clear of Penelope Marshall and Jessie Blundell.

“I definitely felt a few demons walking along the pool to the blocks tonight,” she said. “It was maybe not quite as fast on the back half than I would have liked but it is definitely my fastest swim in a fabric suit. It's a bit like starting again now to race without the suits. And most importantly I got the qualifying time. I am absolutely thrilled to get that out of the way.”

She set the tone for the night with Bell recording his second qualifying performance in winning the 100m backstroke in 54.40s, half a second under the qualifying time. He will also be able to swim the 50m backstroke in Delhi. “I would have liked to have gone half a second faster but it was still a pleasing performance,” he said after finishing clear of Gareth Kean and John Gatfield.

Wiegersma rounded off a brilliant championship with her second qualifying time in the 400m individual medley. She won in 4:41.15, nearly two seconds under the qualifying mark. She showed plenty of strength to power home in 31.40 seconds for the final 50m freestyle to win by 15 second from Grace Francis.

“We came here to get both qualifying times. My coach targeted the 400m individual medley and said that was where there is an opening at Commonwealth Games level,” Wiegersma said.

Snyders and Palmer join list of Delhi-bound New Zealand swimmers

2010-04-13T03:10:00.004-07:00

NEW DELHI: Olympians Glenn Snyders and Hayley Palmer became the fifth and sixth New Zealand swimmers to qualify for the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi when they won the men’s 100m butterfly and women’s 100m freestyle events respectively at the New Zealand swimming championships in Auckland on Wednesday.

According to reports in the New Zealand media, Snyders went through the 50m mark in 28.70 seconds and while his stroke shortened in the final 15m he had enough in the tank to win in 1:01.56, which was 2/10ths under the qualifying time. He finished ahead of United States-based Nic Ferrif and Luke Westgaard.

Snyders gave himself the perfect birthday present by qualifying for Delhi 2010. He said it was mission accomplished but he wanted a better performance. “I was really relaxed this morning (in the heats) and swam well. I probably just tried too hard in the final and the stroke was not as long and not as smooth as this morning.

“But tonight was about making that qualifying time. Now I have time to work on swimming faster and to be competitive come time for the Commonwealth Games. It was a good birthday present, for sure.”

It was a similar story in the 100m freestyle for Palmer, who also turned fractionally ahead of the heat time in 26.29sec. She held on to win in 55.17 seconds ahead of Tash Hind and Penelope Marshall to go under the qualifying mark by 2/10ths of a second.

“That's a pleasing result for sure. The focus tonight was getting under that qualifying time,” Palmer said.“The aim was to go faster but first and foremost it was about qualifying. I knew that getting to my New Zealand record of 53-high which was set in the full suits was unrealistic but my aim is to be very competitive by the time I get to New Delhi."

Corney Swanepoel finished a close second to training partner Moss Burmester in the men's 100m butterfly, with both just outside the Games qualifying time. Burmester won in 53.69 seconds with Swanepoel posting 53.92 seconds ahead of Matt Thomas in third.

“It was slow. I can only put it down to the suits really because both Corney and I have been training right up to our best times,” Burmester said. “It's going to take some time to adjust but I am gutted for Corney.”

Bell becomes fourth New Zealand swimmer to qualify for Delhi 2010

2010-04-13T03:10:00.003-07:00

NEW DELHI: New Zealand’s teenaged Olympian backstroke ace Daniel Bell rang a warning to his rivals after qualifying for the Commonwealth Games at the New Zealand Swimming championships in Auckland on Wednesday.

According to reports in the New Zealand media, Bell qualified in the 200m backstroke by clocking a personal best time of 1:58.96 to go under the qualifying mark for the Games by half a second. It raised the number of Games qualifiers from New Zealand after two days of the championships to four.

Bell led from the start but was pushed all the way by former national record holder Gareth Kean, with the pair going through the midway mark in 57 seconds when Bell was 4/10ths of a second off Kurt Bassett's New Zealand record.

“I am really happy with that. The 200 is not my main race so to get a qualifying time in that relieves a lot of pressure for the 100. I am now looking forward and upwards,” Bell said. “I will go back and look at the splits but obviously it's the fastest time that I've done before and it's been two years since I have done this event seriously. I've only been training for this for five months so I am really pleased.

“It's a real confidence boost leading up to the Commonwealth Games. All of the top backstrokers in the world are now swimming the 200m. It helps with some back end endurance for the 100m. Hopefully now I can produce a top time in the 100m and give some of the top backstrokers in the world a bit of a fright.”

Emily Thomas and Glenn Snyders missed qualification by only fractions from the target times in the women’s 100m backstroke and men’s 200m breaststroke respectively. Thomas won the 100m backstroke in 1:01.51, one-fifth of a second off the qualifying time for Delhi. Snyders won the 200m breaststroke in 2:13.55sec, 13/100ths of a second off the qualifying mark.

Snyders looked set to better the qualifying standard at the 150m mark but faded a fraction coming home. “I was where I wanted to be but should have been able to bring it home. And I should have glided at the end instead of taking that extra stroke which cost me,” he said.

Northern Ireland delegation on reconnaissance trip to Delhi

2010-04-13T03:10:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI, 7 April 2010: A 10-member delegation of the Commonwealth Games Council for Northern Ireland, led by Chairman Mr. Robert McVeigh and Secretary-General Ms, Terry Crothers, is in the Capital on a two-day familiarisation visit in the run up to the Commonwealth Games, beginning here on 3 October.

Mr. McVeigh, who is a shooter himself and has been to Delhi a number of times, expressed confidence that the Games will be a big success. “I see the commitment from the Governments of India and Delhi and the Organising Committee for Delhi to produce infrastructure and a Games that will make the city a major player in the world of sport in the future,” he said.

The delegation, which arrived here on Tuesday, visited the Games Village, the headquarters of the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi and a number of Games venues. Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, and other members of the top management met the group.

The delegation includes coaches Maggie Squires (archery), 1990 Commonwealth Games discus throw silver medallist and Northern Ireland Athletics High Performance Manager Jackie McKernan, Stephen Friel (boxing), Tom Causer (badminton), three-time Commonwealth Games cyclist Cormac Macann (Cycling) and Nelson Lindsay (swimming).

On Thursday, the CGCNA delegation will have meetings with some Functional Areas of the Organising Committee 2010 Delhi.

Northern Ireland, which won two silver medals in the Commonwealth Games in 2006, is targeting a number of disciplines for medals. “We will have around 80 athletes in a team of 120 and will look to return better off than we did from Melbourne. And one the reasons is that the timing of the Games suits us, coming as it does towards the end of our summer,” McVeigh said.

Mr McVeigh said the visit of the Queen’s Baton was a memorable event for Northern Ireland. “We were able to take the Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi to all areas of Northern Ireland. It came as a messenger of peace and it united the community. It was also an opportunity for us to promote sport at large and Commonwealth Games in particular,” he said.

Burmester earns right to defend 200m butterfly gold at Delhi 2010

2010-04-13T03:08:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: Commonwealth Games 2006 Melbourne gold medallist Moss Burmester (New Zealand) will be in Delhi to defend his 200m butterfly title, after going half a second under the qualifying time at the National Swimming Championship at the West Wave Aquatic Centre in Waitakere on Monday.

Burmester turned at the 100m in 55.60 and won in 1:57.43, half a second inside the qualifying mark, according to reports in New Zealand media. He was one of three to qualify on the opening night of the championship that is double up as Commonwealth Games trials, with qualifying times only able to be set in the finals.

The America-based Lauren Boyle has qualified for her second Commonwealth Games after winning the women's 200m freestyle while 20-year-old Natalie Wiegersma became the first Southland swimmer in 20 years to qualify when she broke her own New Zealand record in the 200m individual medley.

“There was a fair bit of pressure I guess and for me it was about getting the job done and getting that qualifying time,” Burmester told reporters. “I am still getting used to competing without the suit. My training times have been pretty similar but I am used to putting on the suit and stepping up probably mentally as much as physically. I am now getting used to racing without it.

“I dropped off a bit coming home. I took a breath about five metres out so I will get a bit of a bollocking from my coach about that. It's pleasing and a relief to get the qualifying time. There's a lot of hard work to go. I always want to go better than I have done before so I want to go to Delhi and defend the gold,” Burmester said.

Australia gets ready to welcome Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi

2010-04-13T03:07:00.000-07:00

SYDNEY: Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, will be in Australia next week, in a visit that will coincide with the arrival of the Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi, the Australian Commonwealth Games Association has said on Monday.

Mr. Kalmadi will travel to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, where he will attend a number of functions and activities associated with the baton’s arrival, ACGA said. The Commonwealth Business Club of India will also hold roadshows to ensure interaction between the business communities of both nations.

The Queen’s Baton, on its 190,000km journey around the world, will make its first stop in Sydney on April 19, before travelling to Melbourne, the host of the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the following day.

On April 21, the Baton will go to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Queensland city which recently submitted its official bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

A series of events and activities featuring dignitaries, athletes, school children and members of the Indian community will be held during the time the Baton is in Australia, the ACGA said.

“Suresh (Kalmadi) has a big task and it is an honour that he has taken time out to join us for the Australian leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay,” AGCA Chief Executive Mr. Perry Crosswhite said.

Delhi 2010, from October 3-14, will comprise 17 sports, making it the largest Commonwealth Games to date. ACGA has said it anticipates sending its largest-ever team to compete in an overseas Commonwealth Games, with more than 425 athletes and 175 officials expected to be selected.

Kerala responds well to Commonwealth Games roadshow

2010-04-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

Kerala responds well to Commonwealth Games roadshow

KOCHI: The first in the series of nationwide Commonwealth Games road shows concluded on Monday.

Jiji Thomson, special director general, 2010 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Delhi, said the response to the first road show has been excellent.

"It is the biggest sporting extravaganza for India and is being held nearly three decades after the Asian Games. It is important to sensitise the youth of the nation towards sports," said Thomson.

The road show was kicked off with a painting competition, which saw participation from children of various age group.

Paintings depicting Shera, the Games' mascot, sports and harmony were on display. State Sports Minister M. Vijayakumar also gave awards to children for their efforts.

Commonwealth Games Village gets dedicated power grid

2010-04-04T09:23:00.001-07:00

Commonwealth Games Village gets dedicated power grid

NEW DELHI: The Commonwealth Games Village on Saturday got a dedicated power sub-station, the first green grid in north India. Officials said the grid would help meet power demand at the Village during the Games and provide relief to nearly two lakh people residing in nearby areas.

The Rs 40-crore Commonwealth Grid sub-station with an a capacity of 66/11KV was inaugurated by chief minister Sheila Dikshit. She said the facility will distribute around 50MW electricity to the Village as well as adjoining localities. "Not only the Games Village, but the adjoining areas will get the benefit of this grid. There is no chance for failure with this grid as it operates on a dual system. If it cannot draw power from Delhi, it will get electricity from national Grid,'' Dikshit said.

Delhi 2010 will be majestic canvas for sportspersons

2010-04-02T23:43:00.001-07:00

A wonderful mixture of positive emotions – joy, pride and excitement laced with confidence – overwhelms me as we get closer to the start of the Commonwealth Games. As I write, there are 200 days to go for the grand opening and we have planned an event on Sunday afternoon to mark this milestone, with dozens of leading artists painting a 200-foot canvas.

I am sure the Games will offer a majestic canvas for sportsperons from 71 nations to express themselves. Besides, it will be an opportunity for India to become more conscious of Olympic sport and participate in a big way. My excitement stems from my belief that the Commonwealth Games will be a huge turning point in India’s sporting history.

And yes, there is the feeling of satisfaction that the Chefs de Mission Seminar for leaders of the contingents from all 71 nations was conducted successfully. It gave us a good chance to share with them our levels of preparations, our plans to make the stay of their athletes most comfortable and also understand their own expectations. The Chefs de Mission were completely satisfied with what they saw of the preparations for the Games, including a visit to the Maj. Dhyan Chand National Stadium for the FIH World Cup.

Talking of test events, we have already the Commonwealth Shooting Federation Championship, the FIH World Cup hockey, an invitational archery tournament and the Commonwealth Boxing Championship being completed successfully. I am sure that the comfort level of athletes around the Commonwealth will have gone up as the events were complete without security incident.

I am glad Commonwealth Games Federation President Mr. Fennell made it a point to speak about the robust security for the athletes and officials. He is convinced the Chefs de Mission would have no hesitation in telling their athletes that Delhi has made all the arrangements to ensure a safe and secure Games. At the same time, we are impressing upon the security personnel the need to follow sports protocol and that the fans must enjoy the Games.

It is heartening to read reports from Australia where Olympic and world pole vault champion Steve Hooker says he has no reasoned to be concerned about security and from England where Commonwealth Games England says it would send a larger contingent to Delhi 2010 than it did to Melbourne 2006

It is all coming together – and coming together well. I know we cannot afford any slip ups but, at the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, we are working through the day and night to ensure that our plans are in place and we have the personnel to execute these plans so that the Games can become a memorable experience for one and all.

We have embraced a positive approach all along. That will remain an important part of our countenance as we are confident that we will produce the best Games ever. Indeed, Team India, including the Governments of India and Delhi, the Commonwealth Games Federation, the Indian Olympic Association and the Organising Committee, will make it a great Games.

The article was written as a fortnightly column in Hindustan Times

Virgin Islands top brass throws weight behind Baton Relay 2010

2010-04-02T23:42:00.001-07:00

BEEF ISLAND: Governor Mr. David Pearey and Premier and Minister of Finance Mr. Ralph T. O´Neal have thrown their full support behind the Queen´s Baton Relay 2010 Delhi and the activities to be held in honour of the baton´s journey through the British Virgin Islands, according to reports in the local media.

Mr. Pearey described the relay as an important event for a number of reasons. “The Commonwealth itself is an important and unique institution, comprising as it does of 71 nations, essentially uniting much of the English speaking world, particularly those who are committed to the ideals of democracy,” he said.

He described the Commonwealth Games, which the baton relay precedes, as an exciting event and one which serves to further unify the Commonwealth group of nations.

“There is also a place in this highly interconnected world for the physical presence of the games and other such events to be brought to respective territories and in a sense that is what the baton relay is about; it is brought physically to 71 countries participating in the games and brings home the importance and the imminence of the games to each of the countries involved in the relay,” he said.

Mr. O´Neal said the baton relay represents the harmony among Commonwealth nations and symbolises their shared ideals. “This is quite a mark of distinction for the BVI Commonwealth Games Association and it also gives our tourism a boost to know that we will be represented in India.

“I am sure the BVI Tourist Board will make good use of that to again showcase the BVI in that part of the world,” he said. “I hope the passing of the baton will also create more local attention and awareness of the Commonwealth Games and how the Commonwealth helps in a lot of aspects of our lives. I sincerely believe that the baton will be an inspiration to our athletes.”

On behalf of the Education Minister, Assistant Secretary Ms. Tasha Bertie described the BVI´s participation in the Queen´s Baton Relay as a unique and significant experience. “It is an opportunity for us to showcase across all corners of the world, our Virgin Islands´ athletes, both men and women, boys and girls and the extraordinary beauty of these islands,” she said.

“Sporting activities have continued to play a major role in the development of the people of these islands and in our own community life,” she said, disclosing that Education Minister Mr. Andrew Fahie intended to run one of the legs of the relay.

President of the BVI Commonwealth Games Association Mr. Ephraim Penn said the baton relay would be very interesting for the general public. “I hope that everyone is as excited as we are and will come out and really enjoy the running of the baton through the different communities,” he said.

A welcome ceremony at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park on Tuesday, a ceremony hosted by Premier O´Neal on Virgin Gorda on Wednesday and a grand cultural presentation at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College are among the activities planned in honour of the Queen´s Baton Relay 2010 Delhi.

Mr Lindel ‘Chef’ Hodge will bring in the Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi at a public welcome ceremony at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. Mr Hodge of Cane Garden Bay, was the first BVI athlete to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand in 1990.

H Lavity Stoutt Community College will be presenting ‘Tastings Under the Tent’ for the finale. Its Executive Chef Mr. Henry Prince, and the College’s Culinary Arts Department will showcase a taste of the BVI and India as part of the event’s grand finale on the lawns of the Paraquita Bay Campus on Wednesday

‘Tastings Under the Tent’ will bring to a close two full days of the Baton Relay in the territory. The buffet will be a culinary presentation of typical local dishes and Indian cuisine, and will take place immediately after the official closing ceremony, which is also being hosted at HLSCC.

A grand cultural presentation by traditional artistes will precede the closing ceremony. The line-up of entertainers includes the Lashing Dogs, the BVI Heritage Dancers, Enis Adams Primary School Dancers, BVI Elite Sky Dancers and an Indian ghazal performed by Vishal Munesar and Kumar ‘Bobby’ Gansaw.

Badminton Asia Championship in Delhi to feature world class players

2010-04-02T23:41:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: World champions Lin Dan and Lu Lan, Malaysian star Taufiq Hidayat and India’s own Saina Nehwal headline the list of entries in the $150,000 Yonex Sunrise Badminton Asia Championships, presented by Premier Brands, will be held at the newly-built state-of-the-art Siri Fort Badminton Stadium here from April 12 to 18.

The array of stars will make the event the biggest held in Delhi since the 1982 Asian Games. “By organising a number of high profile events in the country like the World Championship in Hyderabad and the World Junior Championships in Pune as well as the India Open every year, BAI has ensured that the fans at home get to see world class competition frequently,” Badminton Association of India President Mr. V K Verma said at a media briefing here today.

“I thank the title sponsor Yonex Sunrise and presenting sponsor Premier Brands for sharing our vision. I am also happy that Longines, SAIL and Central Bank of India have agreed to associate themselves with the event. Needless to say, an event of this magnitude would not be possible without the robust support we have received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as well as the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi,” he said.

“The conduct of the Badminton Asia Championships is a step towards ensuring that the rich legacy in our country is sustained,” Mr Verma said. “We have had a number of stars like Nandu Natekar, Dinesh Khanna, Prakash Padukone, Syed Modi and P Gopi Chand. Thanks to a series of wonderful performances by players like Saina Nehwal, Chetan Anand, Jwala Gutta and V. Diju – to mention just some names – the profile of the sport is at an all time high.”

After India qualified for the world team championship finals for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup for the first time in its history, World Badminton Federation has ranked India as seventh. A number of delegates from the World Badminton Federation and Badminton Asia Confederation have been invited for an appraisal of the facilities which may qualify the venue for bigger events in the future. Mr. Verma revealed that China, Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia and Malaysia would all be fielding squads that exceed 20 players each. “As many as 334 players from 21 nations will compete in the championships that will come to India for only the fourth time and to Delhi for the first time after Hyderabad (1976 and 2005) and Calcutta (1983) hosted the event,” he said.

The men’s singles draw will feature Lin Dan, China’s 26-year-old who has won the men’s singles crown in the last three World Championships and the Olympic Games in Beijing and his arch rival, Taufiq Hidayat, the 28-year-old Indonesian who won the 2004 Olympic Games gold medal, the 2005 World Championships title and has three Asian crowns to boot. Ponsana Boonsak (Thailand) and 2007 Asian Junior Champion Chen Long will increase the intensity in the men’s competition where the Indian challenge will be led by Chetan Anand. The 2002 Commonwealth Games champion and 2009 India Open runner up Hashim Mohammad Hafiz (Malaysia) will also be in action.

In fact, as many as eight of the world’s top 20 men figure in the singles draw. Similarly in the women’s competition, four of the world’s top 10 led by the fifth ranked Saina Nehwal will feature in the competition. China’s reigning World women’s singles champion Lu Lan, Hong Kong’s Zhou Mi who won the bronze medal in the 2004 Olympic Games and China’s Wang Shixian have confirmed participation. Indonesia’s Maria Kristin Yulianti, who won the bronze in the Olympic Games in 2008, will also take part.

The qualifying rounds will be held on April 12 to 13 and competition in the main draw will begin from April 14. The semifinals will be played on April 17 and the finals on the following day. The draw will be released next week. Tickets will be on sale from March 29, 2010. Details will soon be made available to the media. Doordarshan Sport will broadcast live the Badminton Asia Championship every day from April 13, 2010. The competition will be a test event for the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi that will be held in October this year.

Commonwealth leader says Delhi 2010 will be turning point for India

2010-04-02T23:40:00.002-07:00

NEW DELHI: The Commonwealth Secretary-General Mr. Kamlesh Sharma today said the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi is already a huge achievement and would be a greater achievement once the Games are over besides being the turning point for India as a nation.

Mr. Sharma was talking to the top brass of Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi at its headquarters after he sat through presentations about the preparations for the Games. Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, and his team updated Mr. Sharma on the progress made.

Mr. Kalmadi said it was an honour to have the Commonwealth Secrtary-General in the headquarters of the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. “I am glad you were present at the launch of the Queen’s Baton Relay 2010 Delhi in Buckingham Palace and we count on your support,” he told Mr. Sharma.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General said the Games will be a great Indian show. “I am glad I came here. Of course, one has a theoretical view that these things must be very complex but it is only when you visit a place where things are being done that the magnitude of the task really hits you,” he said. “I wish you all strength and success. I am sure it will be a Games that India is going to be proud of and the Commonwealth, too.”

Mr. Sharma hoped the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi would have a larger benefit to the Commonwealth societies by encouraging sports culture as a whole, not just in terms of medal-winning sport but also by inspiring younger people in the villages or towns and everywhere else to take up sport. “We should make it into a Commonwealth strength,” he said.

I always say that it was the turning point for the Commonwealth in many ways when runners from the Caribbean nations beat the United States in the 100m dash – for gold medal and silver medal. This is an example of how much achievement there is inherent in our societies,” he said.

Fashion Council lends support to Delhi 2010

2010-04-02T23:40:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI: India's apex fashion body, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) has come out to support the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi.

Along with the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, FDCI unveiled a graffiti wall at the ongoing India Fashion Week here, with several designers writing their wishes for the Games on it.

“All the best,” wrote designers Parvesh-Jai. “Good luck,” wrote Niharika while Charu Parashar write “The Games rock.”

“The FDCI and Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are vibrant bodies. So we decided why don't we come together and support this sports event for public awareness,” FDCI President Sunil Sethi told reporters here.

“FDCI is also planning to involve some of our top designers to design uniforms for the participants in the Games,” he said, sharing the stage with Commonwealth Games mascot Shera, Organising Committee Vice President Mr. Randhir Singh, hockey stars Sandeep Singh and former India hockey captain Zafar Iqbal.

Mrs. Dikshit and Kalmadi launch ticket sales for Delhi’s biggest badminton event since 1982

2010-04-02T23:39:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Mrs. Shiela Dikshit and Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, today launched the sale of tickets for the Yonex-Sunrise Badminton Asia Championship to be held at the state of the art DDA Siri Fort Badminton Stadium from 12 April 2010. It is the biggest badminton competition in the Capital since the 1982 Asian Games.

Mrs. Dikshit said she was confident the event would draw full houses, especially since India’s own Saina Nehwal is a big draw. “Last month, Delhi showed it loves top notch sporting events by supporting the FIH World Cup Hockey and the Commonwealth Boxing Championships. I am sure that the Badminton Asia Championships, featuring a lot of leading names, will also draw a terrific response,” she said.

Mr. Kalmadi said he expected the Badminton Asia Championship to be a roaring success. “Badminton Association of India hosted the World Junior Championship in Pune and the World Championship in Hyderabad successfully. By bringing the Asian Championship as the test event for the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, BAI has ensured that the sport stays in the public eye,” he said.

BAI President Mr. V. K. Verma pointed out that the ticket prices were pegged really low. “Given the fact that the world class players will be competing for honours in the event, we have pegged the ticket prices really low,” he said. “The prices range from Rs 50 to Rs 200 for the first two days, Rs 100 to Rs. 350 for the third and fourth days, Rs 150 to Rs 500 for the quafterfinals and semifinals and from Rs 300 to Rs 1500 on the final day.”

Bookmyshow.com has been identified as official ticketing agency. Tickets can be booked online by logging on to www.bookmyshow.com from 4.00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30, 2010. The agency will setup a call centre (011-39895050) and will send SMS/e-mail alerts for updates on the Championship 2010.

Tickets will also be available for purchase at Café Coffee Day outlets near Siri Fort Sports Complex and across major areas in Delhi. CCD outlets at the following locations will have tickets for sale: Gargi College, Chanakyapuri, Greater Kailash I M-Block Market, Greater Kailash II M-Block Market, Lajpat Nagar, Ansal Plaza, South Extension II, Rajouri Garden, Connaught Place Inner Circle and Galleria Market (Gurgaon).

Pakistan confirms participation in Asian Rugby Sevens Invitational

2010-04-02T23:38:00.002-07:00

NEW DELHI, 1 April 2010: Delhiites can look forward to a fast and furious long weekend as top eight Asian rugby sevens teams including Pakistan battle it out for supremacy in the Asian Rugby Sevens Invitational Tournament. The two day high adrenalin championship will be played at the picturesque Delhi University North Campus grounds beginning tomorrow. The event, which is being treated as a test event en-route to the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, is also a part of the Asian Rugby Football Union Sevens Series.

Apart from India (host nation) and Pakistan, top ranked Asian team - Malaysia is also participating in the tournament. Other countries to participate in this event are Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Brunei, Iran and Uzbekistan. The event, to be played under the supervision of Ms. Beth Coatler, International Rugby Board Tournaments Manager and CWG Delhi 2010 technical delegate, is expected to increase awareness of this high-energy sport within India. The Indian Rugby Football Union is extremely pleased upon hosting the premiere championship.

Nearly 100 men and women volunteers who have travelled great distances across India, would also help in the smooth running of the event. The tournament will see 24 matches being played in two days. The duration of a single match is of 14 minutes and is played in two halves of 7 minutes each. Rugby Sevens, also known as seven-a-side, is the shorter variant of the Rugby Union, which consists of seven players a side instead of the usual 15. The matches are also of shorter duration and the sport is very popular in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas especially in the South Pacific. Sevens, considered to be one of the most well distributed forms of rugby, was included in 2009 as an Olympic Sport and is expected to debut in the 2016 summer Olympics.

Two cities nominate for 2018 Commonwealth Games

2010-04-02T23:38:00.001-07:00

LONDON, 1 April 2010: Two cities have submitted a formal nomination to the Commonwealth Games Federation to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Gold Coast in Australia and the Sri Lankan city of Hambantota met the
CGF’s deadline of March 31 to nominate as a candidate city.

Each will now build their candidature in the hope of being selected as the 2018 host city by the CGF General Assembly, consisting of representatives of all 71 member nations and territories, when it meets in St Kitts and Nevis in October, 2011.

Commonwealth Games Federation President, Mike Fennell, is delighted that cities from two different Commonwealth regions have put themselves forward to host the 2018 Games. “It is most pleasing to have two cities from different regions of the Commonwealth vying for the right to host the 2018 Games,” Mr Fennell said.

“We have India hosting the Games for the first time in 2010, Glasgow already selected for the 2014 Games as a European host, and now we know we will be in either the Oceania or Asia region for the 2018 edition. “Each city has recognized the enormous benefits that flow from hosting a Commonwealth Games. A successful bid provides an opportunity to provide a legacy for future generations.

“I am confident that each city will put forward a strong case for selection. “The Commonwealth Games Federation thanks both the Gold Coast and Hambantota for their interest and commitment, and we certainly wish them the best as they try to win the prize of hosting the 21st Commonwealth Games.”

Courtesy - The CGF

No power shortage during Commonwealth Games: Diksh

2010-03-14T10:27:00.001-07:00

No power shortage during Commonwealth Games: Dikshit

New Delhi, March 13: Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit Saturday assured that there will be no power shortages during the summer or the Commonwealth Games to be held in October. “The city will become power surplus and there will be no shortage of power during Commonwealth Games and thereafter," Dikshit said at the two-day national seminar on power sector reforms. Dikshit also told the discoms to purchase the power at whatever rates were available to avoid any shortages.

"It is a satisfactory fact that the per capita consumption in Delhi has increased from 1,259 units in 2000-01 to 1,615 units in 2007-08. The increased demand has been met successfully by arranging adequate power from various states," Dikshit said adding, this is the result of privatization of the power sector. "This is an era of power trading. Delhi will get more than 1,400 MW power from Bawana project this year, around 750 MW from Jhajjar and 900 MW from NTPC Dadri. This will definitely suffice our demand. Apart from this, work on 750 megawatt Bamnauli project will also be taken up soon," Dikshit added.

Appreciating the private discoms for providing good service to consumers, Dikshit said: "Discoms in Delhi are now competing with each other to provide the best possible services to their customers." Dikshit also expressed satisfaction at the fact that transmission losses have come down from 50 percent to 18 percent and urged people to save electricity. (IANS)

Rs.2069 allocated for Commonwealth Games

2010-02-26T19:24:00.001-08:00

India Blooms News Service

New Delhi, Feb 26 (IBNS)The Commonwealth Games to be held later this year got the major share in the union budget allocation for sports in 2010-11, but the overall outlay has gone down to Rs.3,565 crore from Rs.3,706 crore.

The Games, which will be held from Oct 3-14, have been allocated Rs.2,069 crore, and out of this Rs.378 has been set aside for for the preparation of teams.

Welcoming the budget proposals of 2010-11, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister M.S. Gill said: "I am very happy that the finance minister consistently supported sports and the CWG. I am fully funded."

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) got Rs.1,175.54 crore while Rs.30 crore go for the equipments and furnishings of stadia. Around Rs.82 crore have been allocated for the high definition coverage of the Games.

Taking serious note of the doping in sports, the government has set aside Rs.11.50 crore for National Dope Test Laboratory, Rs.3 crore for National Anti-Doping Agency, and Rs.50 lakh for World Anti-Doping Agency.

The National Sports Development Fund will have Rs.15 crore.

India Will Step Up Security at Commonwealth Games

2010-02-22T20:47:00.000-08:00

NEW DELHI — India’s plans for the 2010 Commonwealth Games include roof-top snipers, food tasters for the athletes and their families, and the closing of schools and courts to cut traffic, officials said Monday.

“We’re quite determined to provide a safe and secure games,” Home Secretary G.K. Pillai said at a press conference in New Delhi.

A bomb blast that killed 15 people in Pune this month has heightened concerns about security in India, which is scheduled to host several international sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games in October, in the coming months.

Pakistan finalise 75-member contingent for Commonwealth Games

2010-02-18T10:24:00.001-08:00

Pakistan finalise 75-member contingent for Commonwealth Games

LAHORE: Pakistan on Thursday finalised a 75-member contingent to represent the country in the Commonwealth Games to be held from October 3-14 in New Delhi.

Pakistan Olympic Association President Lt Gen Syed Arif Hasan said at a press conference after a general council meeting here that the country could win medals from tennis, weightlifting, wrestling and hockey.

"Pakistan will take part in athletics, swimming, boxing, hockey, squash, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling. We have fair chance to win medals in tennis, weightlifting, wrestling and hockey," he said.

He said tennis star Aisam-ul Haq has confirmed his participation in the Games and his presence will be a big inspiration for Pakistan as he is a medal prospect.

Barcelona offers to beautify Delhi for 2010 Games

2010-02-14T21:06:00.000-08:00

The city of Barcelona, which has hosted a successful Olympic Games, offered its cooperation and expertise in beautifying Delhi before the Commonwealth Games starting on October 3.

A Spanish delegation, led by Ambassador Ion de la Riva and including director of international relations of Barcelona City Council and a former director of the department of urban planning called on Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit at her office.

“The city of Barcelona has offered to sign a friendship agreement with Delhi. Director of international relations of Barcelona City Council Josep Roca and a former director of the department of urban planning during the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Josep Acebillo, were keen to know about ongoing infrastructure development in Delhi in view of the Commonwealth Games,” said an official statement here.

“They offered to render their constructive cooperation and expertise in setting up public art in various parts of the city,” the statement added.

Dikshit expressed her gratitude and stated that friendship agreement will prove to be beneficial to both the cities.

Ludlow Castle wrestling training venue inaugurated

2010-02-04T00:08:00.001-08:00

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Mrs. Sheila Dikshit and Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi on Friday inaugurated the Ludlow Castle Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya, training venue wrestling for the Commonwealth Games.

Mr. Kalmadi appreciated the pace of construction of the Games-related project, expressed confidence that they would all be completed within the stipulated time. He said by organising the Commonwealth Games successfully, India would get an opportunity to lay its claim on hosting the Olympic Games.

The Chief Minister said all projects related to the sporting event would be completed in time and funds would not be a problem as an additional Rs.1,300 crore has already been made available under the Plan outlay for the current year.

Ms. Dikshit said the construction of both Thyagraj Stadium and the Chhatrasal Stadium was also going on at full swing and they are expected to be completed in March, 2010.

Public Works Department Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan said that the construction of the Ludlow Castle venue has been completed in a record time at a cost of Rs.13 crore.

Though the government had sanctioned Rs 20 crore, the project was completed at a cost of Rs 13 crore in 11 months. The venue was built after demolishing the badminton hall. The ground floor has various facilities such as restrooms, gym, cafeteria, physiotherapy centres, doping control centre, changing rooms, sauna bath and a medical centre. The first floor has a training hall, which can accommodate six wrestling mats at a time.

Revamped Karni Singh Shooting Range ready to re-open on Sunday

2010-02-04T00:07:00.002-08:00

NEW DELHI: The Commonwealth Games venue for shooting competitions Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range is set to be re-opened on Sunday after being upgraded and renovated. Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. M.S.Gill will dedicate the ranges to the nation.

The construction work at the ranges started on October 25, 2008 with a financial projection of Rs. 150 crore and was completed in 13 months. All existing structures were demolished and completely new ranges with state-of-the-art technology constructed. The ranges for trap and skeet are now converted into composite ranges with state-of-the-art scoring equipment.

The newly built range now provides a world-class sport venue for the Commonwealth Games competition to be held in Delhi in October 2010 as it meets the requirement of Commonwealth Games Federation and the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF). The Commonwealth Shooting Championship will be held at these ranges from Feb 17 to 28.

The venue will provide a first class sporting venue for Indians participating in sport at local, national and international level.

The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range was first built for 1982 Asian Games. It was named in the honor of Maharaja of erstwhile princely state of Bikaner, Dr Karni Singh who has been a legendary shooter. Maharaja Karni Singh was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1961. He won the silver medal in the World Shooting Championship in 1962.

Facilities created at the range:

• 10m centrally air-conditioned indoor shooting range with 80 shooting points; Seating capacity of 500 for pistol and small bore rifle.

• 25m range with 50 shooting points for pistol; Seating capacity of 500

• 50m range, which is the largest, with 80 shooting points; Seating capacity for 500

• Six composite shotgun ranges for trap and skeet; Seating capacity of 2000

• Newly constructed air-conditioned armory building; fitted with secured doors and other equipment for storing arms and ammunition

• Shooting points equipped with LCD displays which will flash the scores

• State of the art electronic target and scoring system supplied by Suis Ascor for rifle and pistol ranges and Laporte for trap and skeet ranges

• Green campus spread over a vast area of 72 acres in the backdrop of Adilabad Fort

• The trap and skeet ranges have the majestic Adilabad Fort as the backdrop

• All ranges are equipped with lighting facility to provide 2200 Lux of light for high definition TV coverage

• Minimum hard pavement provided to allow Maximum greenery. Over 1000 new trees planted

• Buildings and structures complying with the requirements of international sports association in terms of geometry and strength

• Seating design to achieve optimum sight lines

• Automatic electronic scoring target systems recognised by ISSF for Olympics, World Cup and World Championship

• Use of special rubber wood in bullet catchers

• Air-conditioned lounges in all ranges

• Energy saving VRV system for air-conditioning

• Use of natural lighting with heat resistant glazing system

• External development in conformity with local undulating terrain

OC-AFI workshop prepares track and field technical officials for Delhi 2010

2010-02-04T00:07:00.001-08:00

NEW DELHI: A three-day Athletics Officials Workshop is being conducted by the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi and Athletics Federation of India, commenced at the Organising Committee Headquarter here. The workshop will train a pool of nearly 200 technical officials for track and field events for the Commonwealth Games.

“The workshop is a reflection of the commitment of the Organising Committee towards enhancing the knowledge of the technical officials in India across various sports,” Organising Committee Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, said. “Such workshops are being conducted from time to time to ensure that we conduct the Commonwealth Games spotlessly.”

International Association of Athletics Federation Council Member Mr. Bill Bailey, who is the Technical Delegate for Commonwealth Games, and International Para-Olympic Committee member Mr. Tarek Souei, the Technical Delegate for Para Sport at the Commonwealth Games, are conducting the workshop. The topics covered include new rules, roles, protocols, duties, reporting, sports equipment, venue and store, etc.

“The workshop is very well attended by officials from all over India,” Mr. Bailey said. “It is beginning of the process of training various teams of judges and officials to organise and conduct big competition. The participants were very enthusiastic and cooperative. We will be following it up with opportunities for further training and practice.”

Former National high jump record holder N Annavi was all praise for the workshop. “We are getting very important information for the total conduct of the event,” he said. “We are informed about our specific duties and systemization of the games conduct as per international standards.”

Former National triple jumper Md. Nizamuddin echoed that. “Mr. Bailey is very experienced and we are drawing from his experience. We have already 10 workshops under Mr. C K Valson and learnt lot about the changing rules, their adaptation and implementation on ground. The participants for the workshop have been selected after a rigorous process and this is for the first time that we are conducting lAAf’s Level 1 exam for six groups of 20 each.”

The workshop will conclude on Sunday and all participants will be officiating in the National Cross Country Championships to be held here on January 31.

Shera flags off walk aimed at creating greater Cancer awareness

2010-02-04T00:06:00.002-08:00

NEW DELHI: Saluting the undying spirit of cancer survivors, Shera, the affable mascot of the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, flagged off the annual Cancer Awareness Walk organised by the Indian Cancer Society on Sunday. Dr. M. S. Gill, Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports was the Chief Guest at the event.

The Walk is organised each year to spread awareness about cancer. The walk aims to drive home the two most important aspects about cancer: That it is curable when detected early and that there is life after cancer.

Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi staff extended their support to the fight against cancer by participating in the walk in large numbers. Over 3,000 people including cancer survivors and their families, patients and families, children suffering from cancer and their parents, doctors, nurses, NCC cadets, Armed Forces personnel and members of Indian Cancer Society and other cancer organisations like Roko Cancer and Global Cancer Concern India participated.

“Besides creating awareness, the Indian Cancer Society gets young people to meet and walk with cancer patients during the walk, so that they see them as ‘People like us’,” said Mrs. Jyotsna Govil, Additional Secretary, Indian Cancer Society.

Shera spread the message of togetherness, joy and belonging in the true spirit of the Commonwealth Games. He brought a lot of cheer to those gathered at the Air Force Bal Bharati School and lighted up the faces of all children as he mingled with everyone. The participants witnessed a lot of excitement and the school came alive with cheers, claps, smiles from everyone who were surprised by his visit.

Team India committed to hosting best Commonwealth Games ever

2010-02-04T00:06:00.001-08:00

Central Bank of India to sell tickets through its branches

New Delhi: Speaking at the occasion of the inauguration of the first ATM for the games by Central Bank of India, the Official Banker for the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi at the OC headquarters, Chairman of Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, thanked Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Sports Minister Dr. M.S.Gill and Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi for their personal involvement and deep commitment and support in upholding the vision of the Organising Committee of holding the best ever Commonwealth Games.

"Team India is working towards the success of the Commonwealth Games" he added.

Mr. Kalmadi also stressed on the partnership with Central Bank of India, the first Swadeshi Bank of India and outlined that the partnership would see Central Bank of India retailing the tickets for the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi across its vast network in the country.

"Our partnership with Commonwealth Games has started with Shera, the official Mascot of the Commonwealth Games being the first to withdraw cash from the ATM. We are going to ensure that we partner the Organising Committee in hosting the Games successfully. We will use our strong network to convey the spirit of sportsmanship and take the message of Commonwealth Games across India" said, Mr. S. Sridhar, CMD, Central Bank of India.

Outlining the progress made so far Mr. Kalmadi said, "Delhi is getting a sporting legacy on account of the rapid infrastructure development we are seeing in the city. Metro, world class airport will propel Delhi as a modern city with top amenities and will pave the way for further sporting action for the country."

Expressing his delight at the inauguration of the ATM, Mr.T.S. Darbari, Joint Director General, Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi said that, "Through this partnership Central Bank of India has access to a global platform of the Commonwealth nations which can assist the bank to achieve a higher intyernational presence. Powerful synergies can evolve in the activity of the Commonwealth Business Club of India."

Also present at the occasion was Mr. Parimal Rai, Chairman, NDMC who congratulated the Organising Committee and Central Bank of India in starting a new chapter as a lead up to the Games.

Games to bring cheer to the hotel industry

2010-02-04T00:05:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 - 18:00

India

New Delhi: The results for December quarter have reinforced the positive sentiment building up for the hotel industry. There is a healthy rise in occupancy level as well as revenue per available rooms. The industry has rebounded as a result of this. The Economic Times reports that the leading players in the industry reflect the change in fortunes with industrial growth back on track.

The XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi to be held in October this year are expected to ensure that the earnings of the hotel industry are further boosted in the next fiscal.

Not only the industry’s biggies will gain from the Commonwealth Games, but mid- and small-sized players would also benefit, thanks to the overall rise in business in the industry.

For the December quarter, all the big players saw a rise of over 50% in their sales while their net profit vaulted by over 100% compared to the year-ago period.

Much of this optimism is also reflected in the rising hotel occupancy figures in the top four cities. In the Mumbai region, for instance, the occupancy levels for Indian Hotels properties shot up to 71% during the third quarter from 55% in the second quarter and 51% in the first quarter.

The company’s revenue per available room (RevPAR) for the Mumbai region jumped to Rs 6,503 in December 2009 quarter from Rs 4,810 in the previous quarter. The industry is on course for a bigger and better quarter as occupancy levels and ReVPAR continues to rise in major centres.

Central Bank of India joins Delhi 2010 as Official Banking Partner

2010-01-29T23:12:00.000-08:00

NEW DELHI: Central Bank of India, one of the country`s leading Nationalised banks, on Monday became the Official Bank Partner for the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. They join Air India, NTPC and Hero Honda in the Delhi 2010 Games family as its partners.

Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman and Mr. S. Sridhar, Central Bank of India Chairman and Managing Director signed a Memorandum of Understanding to this effect at the headquarters of the Organising Committee of Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. (Both are seen the photo).

“The Year of the Games has dawned and I am pleased to welcome India`s first ‘Swadeshi Bank’ as our Official Banking Partner in India,” Mr. Kalmadi said. “The partnership will be mutually beneficial to us. The message and impact of the Commonwealth Games can be felt not just in Delhi but also across the country because the bank has a large network of 3541 branches and 218 extension counters in 27 States and four Union Territories.

“Truly described as a pan-India bank, due to its large network, Central Bank of India will find the Commonwealth Games platform to help it realise Mr. Sridhar`s vision of becoming a global bank. The Games hold interest not only in the 70 nations and territories but also beyond, especially in nations where a large number of NRIs will be tracking the sporting contests,” Mr. Kalmadi said.

“I am thankful to Mr. Sridhar and his team for such warmth and spontaneity. It is in keeping with Central Bank of India`s wonderful track record of supporting sport in India. The bank has associated itself with many events including the 1982 Asian Games, many tennis tournaments and veterans` hockey series,” he said.

“l am delighted that India`s first `Swadeshi bank` has come on board as our banking partner in our bid not only to host a successful Commonwealth Games but also to showcase India as a travel and economic destination,” he said.

“The Commonwealth Business Club of India initiative, with FICCI and CII as our partners, will showcase the synergy between sport and business houses and will go a long way in helping us find overseas partners,” Mr. Kalmadi said.

The Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman also said that the Central Bank of India’s network would be used for sale of tickets and merchandise in the run up to and during that Games that start on October 3, 2010.

Mr. Sridhar acknowledged the support from the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi and said that Central Bank of India has always been a part of various events on the national level. He also gave an account of the performance of the Bank and informed that the Bank has turned the corner during the current fiscal.

India can win a lot of tennis medals: Mahesh Bhupathi

2010-01-29T23:11:00.002-08:00

CHENNAI: Indian tennis players can win a lot of medals at stake in the Commonwealth Games says Mahesh Bhupathi, the 35-year-old ace who has 11 Grand Slam doubles titles under his belt.

“It has become big for us because it is being played in our backyard for the first time. Personally, I feel India have a huge chance of winning quite a few medals at the Commonwealth Games,” he told The Telegraph. “Actually, we can sweep all the medals at stake (in tennis), but for that we have to play well and plan properly,” he said.

Mahesh Bhupathi believes that his combination with Leander Paes remains India’s best chance for a gold in the doubles of the Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi later this year. “It is still Leander and I who have the best chance of winning gold,” he said when asked about the possibility of his pairing up with Rohan Bopanna.

Leander Paes, who has 10 Grand Slam doubles titles, and Mahesh Bhupathi won three Grand Slam titles together.

Leander Paes urges Commonwealth teams to experience India

2010-01-29T23:11:00.001-08:00

NEW DELHI: Indian tennis ace Leander Paes has urged New Zealand and other members of the Commonwealth Games Federation to overcome security concerns and send their teams to the Commonwealth Games to be held here later this year.

Leander Paes told the Sunday News in an interview during the Auckland`s Open that he believed every possible step would be taken to ensure the safety of athletes and appealed to Commonwealth governments to trust India’s efforts. “I`m sure everything that`s possible will be done, so please, come forward and experience my country,” he said.

“There will be high security measures taken at the Commonwealth Games because it`s like an Olympics or Asian Games,” Leander Paes said. “I am sure the security will be fantastic. India is a great country, we have a lot to show for ourselves as far as tourism, business and sport goes.”

He said the level of threat in India was manageable. “I am 100 per cent certain that it will be safe,” he said. “Anti-terrorism security is everywhere in the world… This generation around the world lives under constant threat. It`s all about how you look at it, security and the way we approach such situations.”

Ticket for CommonWealth Games

2010-01-29T23:10:00.003-08:00

Ticket Sales Launch for Commonwealth Games Associations

The Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi has launched the first phase of tickets sales to all Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs); the Ticket Order Form inclusive of prices has been mailed to the CGAs.

The CGAs will have three opportunities of purchase:

First Phase - Purchase period commencing

15 November 2009 - 15 January 2010
Second Phase - Purchase opportunity from

15 January 2010 - 31 March 2010
Ongoing from the May 2010 up to and during the Games

For more details, please check the following link to the Ticketing Manual or write to tanuj.malhotra@cwgdelhi2010.org

Tickets for General Public

Tickets for the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi will be on sale in May 2010 and 1.7 million tickets will be available. Tickets are subject to availability, and will remain on sale until the start of each event.

We will be launching our ticket-sales programme in April 2010.This will give registered supporters a chance to receive ticketing news and information. Please visit our website regularly for updates.

We aim to give as many people as possible the chance to attend the Games, ensuring a great atmosphere for all the events.

There will also be free events, including Road Cycling and Marathon. These events will take place at Central Vista (India Gate) and Greater Noida Expressway.

Caution

Don’t be fooled by bogus websites and organisations claiming to sell tickets for the Games. Tickets will only be available via official Delhi 2010 sales channels and the Games website.

If you are being offered the Games tickets otherwise, you can send us an e-mail at tanuj.malhotra@cwgdelhi2010.org.

Ticket for CommonWealth Games

2010-01-29T23:10:00.001-08:00

Ticket Sales Launch for Commonwealth Games Associations

The CGAs will have three opportunities of purchase:

First Phase - Purchase period commencing

15 November 2009 - 15 January 2010
Second Phase - Purchase opportunity from

15 January 2010 - 31 March 2010
Ongoing from the May 2010 up to and during the Games

For more details, please check the following link to the Ticketing Manual or write to tanuj.malhotra@cwgdelhi2010.org

Tickets for General Public

We will be launching our ticket-sales programme in April 2010.This will give registered supporters a chance to receive ticketing news and information. Please visit our website regularly for updates.

We aim to give as many people as possible the chance to attend the Games, ensuring a great atmosphere for all the events.

There will also be free events, including Road Cycling and Marathon. These events will take place at Central Vista (India Gate) and Greater Noida Expressway.

Caution

Don’t be fooled by bogus websites and organisations claiming to sell tickets for the Games. Tickets will only be available via official Delhi 2010 sales channels and the Games website.

If you are being offered the Games tickets otherwise, you can send us an e-mail at tanuj.malhotra@cwgdelhi2010.org.

Boxing Schedule at CommonWealth Games,

2010-01-29T23:09:00.001-08:00

Venue: Talkatora Indoor Stadium
Training Venue
• Delhi University – 4 Rings

Boxing is one of the few to have featured on every Commonwealth Games Programme. Delhi 2010 will feature events in 11 weight categories, over 5 - 13 October 2010, at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium.

Categories	Weight
Light Flyweight	46-49 kg
Flyweight	52 kg
Bantamweight	56 kg
Lightweight	60 kg
Light Welterweight	64 kg
Welterweight	69 kg
Middleweight	75 kg
Light Heavyweight	81 kg
Heavyweight	91 kg
Super heavyweight	+91 kg

Entry

One athlete for each Weight Category from a CGA

Hockey Schedule at CommonWealth Games

2010-01-29T23:08:00.001-08:00

Venue: Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (MDC National Stadium)
Training Venues
• MDC National Stadium
• Shivaji Stadium
• Yamuna Sports Complex

Hockey is one of three team sports to be introduced to the Commonwealth Games Programme in Kuala Lumpur 1998. Two events –team competitions, men and women - will be held at Delhi 2010 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium between 4 - 14 October 2010.

Entries
Men: 10 Teams
Women: 10 Teams

Entry to be received by OC
• By NUMBER – 3 April 2010
• By NAME – 3 September 2010

M2006 Placings

• Men
1. Australia
2. Pakistan
3. Malaysia
4. England

• Women
1. Australia
2. India
3. England
4. New Zealand

Badminton Schedule

2010-01-29T23:07:00.001-08:00

Venue: Siri Fort Sports Complex

Training Venues Badminton - 2

• Siri Fort Sports Complex - 6 courts

• Saket Sports Complex - 3 courts

Badminton is a core sport for men and women that made its debut in Kingston 1966 as one of nine included on the Commonwealth Games Programme in this year. Delhi 2010 will feature six events in this discipline – Singles and Doubles matches for men and women, Mixed Doubles and Team Mixed – to be held at the Siri Fort Sports Complex between 4 -14 October 2010.

Competition Format

Men	Singles – Four, Doubles – Two Pairs
Women	Singles – Four, Doubles – Two Pairs
Mixed	Doubles – Four Pairs


Team	1xMen’s Singles – 1xWomen’s Singles- 1xMen’s Doubles – 1xWomen’s Doubles - 1x Mixed Doubles

Competition Date

Mixed Team: 4-8 October 2010

Singles – Doubles – Mixed Doubles: 9 - 14 October 2010

Entry

Maximum entry per CGA: 5 men and 5 women

Entry to be received by OC CWG Delhi 2010

• By NUMBER – 3 April 2010

• By NAME – 3 September 2010

Venue at New Delhi

2010-01-29T23:05:00.002-08:00

The 17 sports to feature in the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi will be held at six venue clusters and five stand alone venues in Delhi. Ceremonies, Athletics, Lawn Bowls and Weightlifting will be held at Cluster I: Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex; Cycling, Gymnastics and Wrestling at Cluster II: Indira Gandhi Sports Complex; Archery (Qualification Rounds) and Table Tennis at Cluster III: Yamuna Sports Complex; Badminton and Squash at Cluster IV: Siri Fort Sports Complex; Hockey and Archery Finals (India Gate) at Cluster V: MDC National Stadium Complex; and Swimming and Boxing at Cluster VI: Talkatora Garden Complex.

Twenty-six new training venues are being constructed for the Delhi 2010 for different sports. Work has been initiated on all the training venues and is progressing satisfactorily. Apart from this, 16 training venues are being upgraded and will be ready on schedule.

Shera steals the thunder in R-Day parade in Delhi

2010-01-29T23:05:00.001-08:00

NEW DELHI: Shera, the mascot of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi was the star attraction of the Republic Day Parade along Rajpath and the eight-kilometer long route on Tuesday.

A quiverful of sportspersons, including boxer Vijender Singh, wrestler Sushil Kumar, weightlifter K Malleshwari, athletes Milkha Singh and P T Usha, hockey Olympians Ajitpal Singh and Zafar Iqbal, shooter Samresh Jung, badminton player Gopichand Pullela and swimmer Khajan Singh were the star attractions of the parade.

The Commonwealth Games tableau was prepared by the best craftsmen sought by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The vibrant colour palette of the Games lent a spectacular look to the tableau.

The iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium’s spectacular structure and a globe aptly positioned in the middle of the stadium along with flags of 70 participating nations and territories showcased how the world will be celebrating the Games at a common platform.

The tableau emphasised various aspects of Green Games. It was made of all recycled eco-friendly material. The wood used in the structure is chip board and MDF Board which is again eco friendly recycled material. The grass & planters on the tableau are natural.

The LED screens on either sides of the tableau displayed a film combining major sporting events, their medal winners and the snapshots of the various games.

Not to be left behind the young, energetic and enterprising volunteers of the Games were there in their colourful track suits. These volunteers walked along the tableau showcasing Delhi United which is the slogan for the volunteers programme.