All 71 countries will participate in the Delhi Commonwealth Games. Athletes and delegates from 11 countries have already reached New Delhi. More teams are expected to arrive in the national capital today for the games starting on 3rd of next month. The largest contingent so far is from Trinidad and Tobago. A 15 member delegation from Malayasia has also checked in the Games village last night. Over 200 Indian athletes and delegates including hockey, weightlifting, boxing and shooting teams have also checked in the village. Most of the athletes living in the Games village appreciated it but some of them had reservations over the cleanliness. The process of cleanliness is still on and it is expected to be over by tonight. Chief Minister Sheila Dixit who visited the Games village this morning again took stock of the cleanliness drive at a high level meeting last night. Representatives of organising committee and other agencies responsible for upkeep and maintenance were present. The officials present in the meeting said that all efforts are being made to provide water and electricity connections to remaining 100 flats in the Games village which has 1168 flats. They maintained the village can presently accommodate over 7,000 athletes and delegates. Arrangements have also been made for athletes and delegates in some five star hotels. The express metro rail from international air port to New Delhi Railway Station is expected to be operational before the start of the games. Delhi metro is earmarking one bogey for ladies in each train from 2nd of next month to encourage women spectators to witness the games. A world class facility for treatment of sports injuries is being launched at Safadarjung hospital in New Delhi today by the Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh.AIR correspondent reports that a four tier security apparatus is in place to ensure incident free Games. Australia, which had earlier expressed apprehension over the security, is now satisfied over the arrangements. Two special police stations one at Paharganj and other at the games village are being set up to cater to tourists and sports persons. A special bus service is being launched by Delhi tourism department for the benefit of tourists. A festival of India showcasing India's varied and rich cultural canvas is also on in Delhi. 160 nations will broadcast the games live. All India Radio and Doordarshan are the official broadcasters. Over 750 low floor air conditioned DTC buses are being deployed to pick and drop athletes and officials at 17 competition venues. Delhi government has appealed to people to make Delhi smoke free before the Games. Delhi government has already issued orders for the closure of schools and colleges from 2nd to 17th of next month.In a related development, the commerce minister Anand Sharma accused the international media of showing old pictures of games infrastructure to tarnish India's image. He said in Toronto that such a tendency can effect the trade prospects between India and other nations.
News On AIR | September 26, 2010 4:26 PM
Delhi all set to host 19th Commonwealth Games