UCD Gymnastics Club

Commonwealth Games are held every four years. The only rider is that the countries belonging to the Commonwealth can organize or participate in these games. Since presently 52 member countries of the Commonwealth will be participating in these games, the sheer magnitude of their participation makes them second only to the Olympic Games.

Delhi has been selected to host the Commonwealth Games 2010. Keeping in view the large number of tourists that will be visiting the city during the games, Delhi and India governments have made elaborate arrangements so that the event passes off hassle free. Infrastructure and security of the city is being revamped. Tourist Police will be deployed at all major public places of the city like Airports, Railways Stations, Bus Terminuses and Prepaid taxi booths to help the tourists and resolve their queries and concerns.

Hospitality industry is the major focus of this Game. Present hotel accommodation is insufficient to meet the accommodation demand of an estimated 3.5 million tourists that will be coming to Delhi to witness the games. Therefore, Delhi Government and private agencies are jointly making additional 25,000 rooms for the tourists. Moreover, existing hotel accommodation is being upgraded to meet the international standards of comfort and hygiene.

About 8000 sports persons of 52 countries will be participating in Games. There will be 17 major types of sporting events that would include athletics, swimming, gymnastics, hockey, cycling, weightlifting and boxing. Opening and closing ceremonies of the Game Delhi will be held in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The games will start on 03 October 2010 and will be closed on 14 October 2010.

Delhi’s neighboring tourist attractions like Agra, Shimla, Mussorrie, Khajuraho, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Nainital etc. are also being developed as a large number of tourists are expected to visit these sites during the Game. Tourist infrastructure, rail, air and road network and hotel accommodation of these destinations is also upgraded.

Commonwealth Games village is being developed at national highway 24 (NH24). The picturesque Village is spread over 63.5 hectares and will be completed by August 2010 at an estimated cost of USD 230 million. The Games Village will have 2, 3, 4 and 5 BHK apartments which will be provided with round the clock security, water and electricity supply. The satellite towns of Delhi like Noida and Ghaziabad are within 20 minutes drive. Several landmarks of Delhi like Akshardham Temple, Red Fort, India Gate and Humayun’s Tomb are in the vicinity of the Commonwealth Games.

The main purpose of Commonwealth is to increase economic cooperation, sporting spirit and peaceful coexistence among the participating nations. Suresh Kalmadi, President of the Indian Olympic Association is heading the organizing committee of Commonwealth Games Delhi. He recently stated that Thyagaraj Stadium in Delhi will be developed as model stadium for the games. The Commonwealth have been projected as Green Games and Delhi Government has taken several steps to minimize pollution and conserve water and electricity during Commonwealth 2010. Shera, the mascot of Commonwealth Games Delhi is a reflection of the vibrant and energetic young Indians.

By: Anushka Roy

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