Delhi it seems is losing the race to host the Commonwealth Games in 2010. Close on the heels of Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president's SOS to prime minister, now Union secretary of tourism has admitted to the lapses on part of state government.
After several false assurances by the state government, the warning bells are now ringing loud and clear. Will preparations be complete in time for the Commonwealth Games or will it prove to be a major embarrassment? Officials cast doubt about capital's preparedness.
Union Secretary of Tourism Sujit Banerjee said, "It is a difficult task, impossible. I can only leave it as a challenge for you."
The nation's worst sporting fears are close to coming true as these ominous words by the tourism secretary were a clear acceptance of the capital's ill-preparedness to host the Games.
The official also saw merit in the doubts raised by CGF president Michael Fennel. He blamed the situation on those involved in the preparations not realising the gravity of the situation.
"They don't realise that it is a matter of prestige, all thinking that there are still 365 days to go," he said.
But the tourism secretary was not alone in worrying about the slow pace of the preparations for the prestigious games. After being under attack by the CGF for delay in various projects, Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikhsit too had on Monday admitted her nervousness in meeting the deadline.
After the CGF president shot a letter seeking the prime minister's intervention to put things in order, the capital is slowly waking up to the reality. But the big question is whether Delhi will be able to meet the challenge and save itself from the embarrassment of failing to host a prestigious multi-sport event?link
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