| XIX Commonwealth Games | |
|---|---|
 Logo of 2010 Commonwealth Games | |
| Host city | New Delhi, India |
| Motto | COME OUT AND PLAY |
| Nations participating | 72 Commonwealth Teams |
| Athletes participating | TBA |
| Events | 17 disciplines |
| Opening ceremony | 3 October |
| Closing ceremony | 14 October |
| Officially opened by | President of India |
| Queen's Baton Final Runner | TBA |
| Main Stadium | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium |
| Website | www.cwgdelhi2010.org |
The 2010 Commonwealth Games are the nineteenth edition of the Commonwealth Games, and the ninth to be held under that name. The Games are scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India between 3 October and 14 October 2010. The games will be the largest multi-sport event conducted to date in New Delhi and India generally, which has previously hosted the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982. The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Dehli. It will also be the first time the Commonwealth Games will be held in India and the second time the event has been held in Asia (after 1998).
In addition to the Commonwealth Games, the city of Pune, India hosted the 3rd Commonwealth Youth Games between October 12 and 18, 2008. The Youth Games offered nine sports: athletics, badminton, boxing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling.Games Preparation
In January 2005, the Commonwealth Games Federation vice-president Raja Randhir Singh expressed concern that Delhi was behind schedule in forming an organising committee. On 18 January 2008, however, the Commonwealth Games Federation expressed its approval of Delhi's progress.
On 15 October 2009, Jarnail Singh, a former Secretary of the Government of India was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Organising Committee.
India's Sports Minister will head the apex committee for conducting the games while the Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi will head the organising committee. The Games will be held from the 3rd to 14 October 2010.
The total budget estimated for hosting the 19th Commonwealth is US$ 1.6 billion and this amount excludes non sports related infrastructure development in the city like airports,roads and other structures. This makes the 2010 Commonwealth Games as the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever (compared to Manchester 2002 - approx. US$420 million, and Melbourne 2006 - approx. US$ 1.1 billion).
Infrastructure
Delhi already has many international features of a modern and well-planned city. However, to get ready for the huge influx of tourists visiting Delhi during the Games, the Government of India has taken many steps to improve the city. This includes city beautification, transportation development, upgrading of many old structures etc.
Transport
Delhi proposed a four-lane, 2.2 km underground stretch from Lodhi Road to trans-Yamuna, linking the Games Village to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and reducing traveling time for athletes traveling between the Village and the Stadium by six minutes.
In response to concerns over the large number of trains that pass by the Delhi metropolitan region daily, construction of road under-bridges and over-bridges along railway lines has been started.
To expand road infrastructure, flyovers, cloverleaf flyovers, and bridges have been planned to provide connectivity to the Games Village, to sports venues, to hospitals, and for intra-city connectivity. Road-widening projects have been under process, with an emphasis being placed on expanding national highways. To improve traffic flow on existing road, plans are underway to make both the inner and outer Ring roads signal free.
To support its commitment to mass transport, nine corridors have been identified and are being constructed as High Capacity Bus Systems (for example, one from Ambedkar Nagar to Red Fort). Six of these corridors are expected to be operational in 2010.
Additionally, the Delhi Metro will be expanded to accommodate more people and boost the use of public transport during the 2010 games. By then it will have the second longest network in the world and later the longest, which will be more than 420 km.[4] The Akshardham Metro Station was recently opened by the Delhi Metro. To achieve this exponential increase in the network's length, the Delhi Metro has deployed 14 tunnel boring machines (TBMs). The Delhi Metro reports that no country in Asia has ever put to work so many TBMs at the same time.
To further support air travel, the Indira Gandhi International Airport is being modernized, expanded, and upgraded. By the 2010 games, a new terminal (Terminal 3) will have been constructed at a cost of nearly US$ 1.94 billion, with the capability to cater to more than 37 million passengers a year by 2010 and the planned expansion program will increase its capacity to handle 100 million passengers by 2030. Terminal 3 will be a two tier building, with the bottom floor being the arrivals area, and the top being a departures area. This terminal will have over 130 check in counters, 55 aerobridges, 30 parking bays, 72 immigration counters, 15 X-ray screening areas, duty free shops, and much more. The airport will also have a new runway to cater more than 75 plus flights an hour; the runway will be more than 4400 meters long and one of Asia's longest. The entire airport will be connected to the city via a 6 lane highway (National Highway 8) and the Delhi Metro.
Energy consumption
To prepare for the energy-usage spike during the Games and to end chronic power cuts in Delhi, the government is undertaking a large power-production initiative to increase power production to 7,000 MW (from the current 4,500 MW). To achieve this goal, the government plans to streamline the power distribution process, direct additional energy to Delhi, and construct new power plants. In fact, the government has promised that by 2010, Delhi will have a surplus of power.
Security
In preparation for the Games and to promote security at major tourist destinations, Indian states will be deploying a force of "tourist police" far before the Games begin. These tourism police are regular state police forces, but will be trained to handle tourist-related aspects. A number of states have already implemented this program; other states are expected to emulate this model within the end of the year.
Delays
In September 2009, Commonwealth Games federation chief Mike Fennell reported that the games were at risk of falling behind schedule and that it was "reasonable to conclude that the current situation poses a serious risk to the Commonwealth Games in 2010". A report by the Indian Government released several months prior found that construction work on 13 out of the 19 sports venues was behind schedule. The Chief of the Indian Olympic Association Randhir Singh has also called expressed his concerns regarding the current state of affairs. Singh has called for the revamp of the games' organizing committees commenting that India now has to "retrieve the games". Other Indian officials have also expressed dismay at the ongoing delays but they have stated that they are confident that India will successfully host the games and do so on time.
The Queen's Baton Relay
The Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi containing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's 'message to the athletes' left The Buckingham Palace on 29 October 2009. The baton will arrive at the Opening Ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi some 11 months later on 3 October 2010, after visiting the other 70 nations of the Commonwealth and travelling throughout India.The Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi will take the baton to the home of one third of the world's population, enabling many millions of people across the globe to join in the celebrations for the Games.
The Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi is a fusion of handcrafted elements interplayed with a precision engineered body, and ornamented with an intricate hand layered soil pattern.The shape and design of the baton is created using a triangular section of aluminium which has been twisted in the form of a helix and then coated with a diverse range of coloured soils collected from all corners of India. The interweaving of coloured soils, including white sands, deep reds, warm yellows, dark browns and an array of other hues creates a very distinctive design, form and texture never before seen in the styling of a Queen's Baton.
The very essence of India with its diversity and unrelenting endeavour towards a harmonious and progressive nation has shaped the inspiration of the baton. Culminating at the pinnacle of the Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi is a precious jewellery box containing the Queen's 'message to the athletes'. The Queen's message has been symbolically engraved onto a miniature 18 carat gold leaf, representative of the ancient Indian 'patras'. Modern laser technology known as micro calligraphy has been used for the first time to reproduce the Queen's message in this method.
The Queen`s Baton 2010 Delhi stands at 664 millimetres high is 34 millimetres wide at the base, and 86 millimetres wide at the top and weighs a mere 1,900 grams. The baton’s ergonomic contours allow for convenient holding and good balance.
The Queen`s Baton has been created using processes and technologies existing in India by Foley Design in partnership with Titan Industries and a technology consortium led by Bharat Electronics Limited.
The technology features of The Queen’s Baton for Delhi 2010 include:
>>The ability to capture images and sound as it travels throughout all nations of the Commonwealth;
>>The latest global positioning system (GPS) technology through which the exact location of the baton can be tracked on the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi website;
>>Embedded light emitting diodes (LEDs) which will change into the colours of a country’s flag whilst in that country; and
>>Text messaging capability so that anyone anywhere can send their messages of congratulations and encouragement to the Batonbearers throughout the Queen`s Baton Relay 2010 Delhi.
The baton was designed by Michael Foley, A graduate of the National Institute of Design [1]
Mascot - Shera
Shera, mascot of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, is the most visible face of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. His name comes from the Hindi word Sher – meaning tiger. Shera truly represents the modern Indian. He is an achiever with a positive attitude, a global citizen but justifiably proud of his nation’s ancient heritage, a fierce competitor but with integrity and honesty. Shera is also a ‘large-hearted gentleman’ who loves making friends and enthusing people to ‘come out and play’.
In Indian mythology, the tiger is associated with Goddess Durga, the embodiment of Shakti (or female power) and the vanquisher of evil. She rides her powerful vehicle – the tiger – into combat, especially in her epic and victorious battle against Mahishasur, a dreaded demon.
Shera embodies values that the nation is proud of: majesty, power, charisma, intelligence and grace. His athletic prowess, courage and speed on the field are legendary. He is also a reminder of the fragile environment he lives in and our responsibility towards the protection of his ecosystem.
Green Games
The construction and renovation of the venues for the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are being undertaken keeping in mind the Green vision of the Games. Measures in terms of energy efficiency, water conservation, etc., have been taken to reduce the carbon emissions from Games related activities. One of the venues of the Games, the Thyagaraj Stadium, is going to be a model Green Stadium with world class facilities in India. The Games Village which will house over 8,000 athletes and officials for the Games is also proposed to be setting new standards for green infrastructure.
The strategic intention of hosting ‘sustainable games’ has been pursued by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Environment Programme. This strategic intention has been initiated for supporting environmental activities by UNEP related to planning and staging of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. UNEP has agreed to provide necessary technical support for the Games.
THYAGARAJ STADIUM:MODEL GREEN STADIUM
The Thyagaraj Stadium will be the venue for Netball during the Games. Built over an area of 16,000 square metres and with an audience capacity of 4,494, the venue is being constructed by the Delhi Government. The latest green building technologies have been employed at the Thyagaraj Stadium such as the use of fly ash bricks in construction. The venue will feature effective water management systems such as rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment with 2 lakh litres a day capacity, dual flush systems, sensor based faucets, etc. Innovative landscaping is being done with an emphasis on native species and reduction in soil toxicity. In terms of energy efficiency, the Thyagaraj Stadium is setting a benchmark. Solar energy will be used for lighting purposes. In addition, the implementation of the building integrated photovoltaic concept will take place. As a result, Thyagaraj Stadium will start feeding electricity to the grid.
Other preparation
In addition to physical preparation, India and Delhi will be offering a myriad of amenities to all athletes. These include traditional Commonwealth Games services, such as free accommodation for all athletes, a modern, comfortable Games Village, cutting-edge health facilities, security, a pollution-free environment, entertainment for non-competition times, transportation, and other, unique amenities as well. Delhi will also be offering all athletes a free trip to the famed Taj Mahal and will provide a reserved lane for participants on selected highways.
The Delhi High Court is also set to implement a series of "mobile courts" to be dispatched throughout Delhi to relocate migrant beggars from Delhi streets. The mobile courts would consider each beggar on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the beggar should be sent back to his/her state of residence, or be permitted to remain in government-shelters.
Spoken English Skills
In preparation for a rush of English-speaking tourists for the Games, the Delhi government is implementing a program to teach English to low-income individuals who will have a high-frequency of contact with tourists. This subset includes city cab drivers, waiters, gatemen, and service staff. Over the past two years, the city has successfully taught 2,000 drivers English, and is continuing the program to reach as many as possible before the Games. The city plans to teach 1,000 people English per month, and hopes to reach everyone necessary by March 2009.
In view of the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2010 in Delhi, the Home Guards and Civil Defence Directorate has initiated a programme to train its personnel in spoken English.British Lingua , a Delhi based English language training institution is aiding the personnel to polish their spoken English skills. British Lingua Managing Director Dr Birbal Jha has devised a special module for the target audience for the purpose. The first phase of the Spoken English training programme for the Delhi Home Guards has received appluase from all quarters.
In addition to Delhi, the Indian Government plans to expand the program to teach people in local tourist destinations, including Agra and Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, Bhopal and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, Gaya in Bihar and Puri in Orissa.[14]
Participating nations
There are currently 71 nations planning to field teams at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. In alphabetical order, these nations are:
Rwanda may field a team for the games since becoming a Commonwealth member in 2009.
Sports
There are 17 disciplines planned for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Kabaddi will also be a demonstration sport at the 2010 Games.
The triathlon appears likely to be excluded from these games as there is no suitable location for the swimming stage. The organisers have also proposed removing basketball, but want to include archery, tennis, and billiards and snooker for men. Cricket, although in strong demand, may not make a come-back as the Board of Control for Cricket in India were not keen on a Twenty20 tournament, but the organisers did not want a one day tournament.
Calendar
The official calendar for the 2010 Commonwealth Games is as follows:
| ● | Opening ceremony | ● | Event competitions | ● | Closing ceremony |
| October | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceremonies | ● | ● | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium | ||||||||||
| Aquatics | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | SPM Swimming Pool Complex | ||
| Archery | I. G. Indoor Stadium Complex & India Gate / Red Fort | ||||||||||||
| Athletics | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium | ||||
| Badminton | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | Siri Fort Sports Complex | ||
| Boxing | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | R | ● | Talkatora Indoor Stadium | |||
| Cycling | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | I. G. Indoor Stadium Complex | ||||||
| Gymnastics | ● | ● | ● | R | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | I. G. Indoor Stadium Complex | |||
| Hockey | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | Maj. Dhyan Chand National Stadium | ||
| Lawn Bowls | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium | |||
| Netball | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | Tyagaraj Sports Complex | ||
| Rugby sevens | ● | ● | Delhi University | ||||||||||
| Shooting | T | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range | ||
| Squash | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | Siri Fort Sports Complex | ||
| Table Tennis | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | Yamuna Sports Complex | ||
| Tennis | R K Tennis Complex | ||||||||||||
| Weightlifting | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium | ||||
| Wrestling | ● | ● | ● | ● | I. G. Indoor Stadium Complex | ||||||||
| October | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Venue |
Venues
Existing and new stadia will be used to house the following sports: Archery, Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Elite Athletes with a Disability (EAD) Events, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby sevens, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Specific venues for 2010 games in Delhi are following:
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium - Opening and Closing ceremonies, Athletics, Lawn bowls, Weightlifting
- Dhyan Chand National Stadium - Hockey
- Indira Gandhi Arena - Archery, Cycling, Gymnastics, Wrestling
- Delhi University sports complex - Rugby sevens
- Tyagaraj Sports Complex - Netball
- Siri Fort Sports Complex - Badminton, Squash
- Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range - Shooting
- Talkatora Stadium - Boxing
- SPM Swimming Pool Complex - Aquatics
- RK Khanna Tennis Complex - Tennis
- Yamuna Sports Complex - Table tennis
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
The opening and closing ceremonies, athletics, lawn bowls, and weightlifting will take place at the massive Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi, which will have a capacity of 75,000 spectators for the Games.[19] The stadium will be renovated and improved in time for the Games.
Indira Gandhi Arena
The events of archery, cycling, gymnastics, and wrestling will take place at the Indira Gandhi Arena, the largest indoor sports arena in India and the second-largest in Asia, which seats 25,000 people. Located at the Indraprastha Estate in the eastern region of New Delhi, the arena will be connected to other venues via dedicated bus lanes and mass transportation. The arena will be renovated for the Games.
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