Commonwealth Games Began
2010 Commonwealth Games finally started after long security talks
Following many complaints regarding viability, security and health conditions, 2010 Commonwealth Games have just started. It is the 19th edition of the big event which takes place in Delhi, India, an improper location at least for those who refused to travel and compete because of the poor organizing. The place has become contested once a footbridge collapsed three weeks before the Games would start. However, these issues have been eclipsed by the wonderful opening celebration which brought in front of the people country’s rich culture and also its great diversity on one hand and India’s financial, economic potential on the other.
The Games are more than 4 billion dollars worth and gathers all the countries that are under Commonwealth label, including here Canada, New Zealand, Scotland, England, etc. Some of them announced initially their departure delay due to the poor preparations but also because of the rumors regarding terrorism attacks in the region. “The Commonwealth Games now really are open, let the Games begin,” President Patil would announce in front of 60,000 crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This year’s edition of Commonwealth Games are stripped by few Olympic riders, swimmers, etc, these refusing their participation to the Indian games. Thus, the Games welcome athletes from 71 colonies as 272 gold medals are expected to be worn. The first day, Monday, will host mainly swimming events where Australia, South Africa, Canada and England will bring all the world champions together. The most successful country remains Australia which finished top of the tables in 10 of the last 18 Games competitions. Leisel Jones, who won seven Games titles, will also fight for more although she foresees a very tough competition this year. “It is certainly not going to be as easy this year as it has been in the past. The Commonwealth Games this year is actually very strong,” she said.
On the other hand, one of the biggest names the Games will welcome, too is Olympic freestyle champion Rebecca Adlington, who together with her compatriot Fran Halsall will have to face the big rivalry between them and Australia. “It gives me more pleasure to beat the Aussies. It’s always a bit sweeter to beat them in the pool,” she said. To the opposite, many other big names, including Usain Bolt and Khotso Mokoena are among those who didn’t want to take place to the Indian Games. The reasons are already well-known.11
