India has held Asian Games, SAF Games, Afro-Asian Games in the past. Holding such events helps the country in many ways. First of all, it sends message to international community that despite being a developing country we are in position to hold games of repute. Secondly, such games bring in large number of tourist from all over the world benefiting economy by foreign exchange earnings. Thirdly, it helps improving sports infrastructure in the country which is in a very poor condition. Fourthly, sports as a profession is not encouraged in our country but such events will encourage youngsters to take up sports. Moreover, these games are symbol of harmony, peach and unity.

Yesterday, the way India-Shri Lanka cricket match was abandoned due to under-prepared pitch, I am really worried for forthcoming Common Wealth Games also. Both national and international observers have been raising questions about pace of work. Even questions were raised in parliament and subject was discussed at a great length. Just few days back, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Treasurer Austin Sealy said India has made ‘noticeable’ progress towards the October 3-14 Games, but a lot remained to be done. Autin adds, ‘There has been a noticeable progress over the last two months, but with effectively only nine months remaining, the intensity must continue, and in fact, works must be further accelerated’. Well, now IOC has shown some sense of urgency but I just don’t understand that what they have been doing all this while? If we fail to hold a successful game, it will be a huge international embarrassment and will raise doubts about India becoming a super power in future.

I think 27 years ago we were better prepared when we held Asian Games in 1982 without any glitches, if I remember correctly then Sports Minister Buta Singh did a tremendous job. Present Sports Minister Mr. Gill was Sports Secretary in 1982 and he used to spend the better part of his day at under construction sports venues. Rajiv ji and Indira ji were regular visitors to these venues during construction. The officials engaged in these preparations were under orders to remove Red Tape; and take decision very promptly.  I don’t see that kind of enthusiasm and eagerness to perform this time around. I don’t know whether we have moved forward or gone backward since 1982.

Even a developing country like Brazil has managed to beat mighty USA in its bid for 2016 Olympics. I have a big question in my mind, whether we are ever going to be in position to claim and hold Olympics. I have my doubts because some one like Suresh Kalmadi is at the helm of affairs. Regarding some important issue related to sports I called him many times but neither had he had decency nor responsibility to return my call. Union Sports Minister Shri M.S. Gill is an epitome of grace and humility while Suresh Kalmadi is symbol of affluence, arrogance and inaccessibility. Both belong to two different world of culture and only God knows how devil and deep sea will be able to get submerged into one unit for the success of sports in general and common wealth games in particular.

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