Organisers promised a Bollywood-inspired opening extravaganza at the opening with thousands of singers and dancers showcasing India’s rich history and culture with dazzling sound-and-light effects.
“We’re sure the Games will be a huge success,” said Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit after inspecting sites. “We’re working around the clock.”
But with fears militants might attack the quadrennial competition, the Indian capital has been blanketed by massive security with 17,000 paramilitary troops reinforcing 80,000 police.
Delhi police commissioner YS Dadwal promised “foolproof security” but called the Games a “moment of challenge for Delhi” with authorities seeking to guard the venues.
The Queen’s baton – the Commonwealth equivalent of the Olympic torch – made its way around New Delhi under brilliant sunshine on the final leg of its journey before the opening which is due to be attended by Britain’s Prince Charles and India’s President Pratibha Patil.
Pull-out ‘never an option’, says England’s Adlington
England’s Rebecca Adlington, the Olympic 400m and 800 freestyle champion, said that pulling out of the troubled Games was never an option and is looking forward to competing after inconsistent recent form.
“I have never ever thought I was going to pull out,” said the 21-year-old. “They’ve got our personal interest at heart. I thought it was never going to come to that. I’m just so excited. It’s my first Commonwealth Games. We’ve had an amazing holding camp in Doha and the whole team is swimming very, very well.”
Murray seeks Delhi tennis gold
There will be a Murray representing Scotland at the Games, but it will not be Andy.
The world number four and former US and Australian Open finalist has given India the cold shoulder and left the stage clear for older brother Jamie. The 24-year-old will have three chances to strike gold here as he competes in singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
“It’s a once in a lifetime chance to come and play for Scotland as we don’t know if tennis is going to be in the Commonwealth Games again. For us as tennis players we don’t get a chance to do that ever. It’s always Great Britain that we’re playing for either individually or as a team in Davis Cup.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2010.
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