Indian Army to ensure smooth running of Commonwealth Games
The Indian government has decided to hire the services of the Army to help organize the Commonwealth Games set to start in October later this year.
The intervention has been deemed necessary after a series of controversies tarnished the image of the Games. As well as jeopardizing the event which is being billed as the showcase event in India’s sporting history.
The Games were badly hit when allegations of corruption were levied against the organizers and sport ministry. Besides the lack of infrastructure development also marred the New Delhi bound sporting extravaganza.
With time running out and uncertainty hovering over, the involvement of Indian Army and their expertise in specific tasks is a step aimed at improving the venues and clearing the surfeit of obstacles.
The government hopes that the Games would be smoother with Army taking care of some of the peculiar tasks that have become a tough challenge for the organizing committee.
The announcement was made by Suresh Kalmadi, who is the Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, during a press conference after the meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) at New Delhi this weekend.
Kalmadi disclosed that Chairman of the GOM for the Commonwealth Games, S Jaipal Reddy, who is also the federal Minister of Urban Development, wrote a letter to Defence Minister A K Antony.
Kalmadi filed a formal request with the Defence Minister, and asked him to deploy Army personnel besides providing certain other facilities free of charge.
"We have asked for the support from the Army, and Army has been good enough to give us support throughout the Baton Relay, for the opening and closing ceremony, for giving us lots of personnel for the Games, and we are very happy with it”.
The Group of Ministers (GOM), Mr. Jaipal Reddy, had requested the Defence Minister that the Army should do it free of charge. “So, they have agreed to do something free of charge, and something they are charging", said Suresh Kalmadi.
Jaipal Reddy, who wrote the letter, was not willing to disclose the contents of the letter stating that the communication was confidential and cannot be revealed to media.
He added that whilst the content cannot be disclosed certain communication agencies have been asked to act in tandem with the Army and organizing committee.
"I did write to the Defence Minister, not to charge us for several things. Those details I am unable to recall. As per today's meeting of Group of Ministers, we discussed, with focus on the technology network. The MTNL, TCIL, Prasar Bharati, have to get their act together before TSR equipment could be inserted", said S Jaipal Reddy.
Reddy added that besides the deployment of Army some other important decisions were made during the meeting which helped in finalizing some key issues.
Last week the federal government had stripped Kalmadi of most of his powers and appointed a 10-member panel to oversee the smooth operations of the Games.
The panel includes J S Deepak, Amarjeet Singh, Subodh Kumar, S R Rao, Shashi Shekhar, Gopal Krishna, Rohit Nandan and Rajeev Kapoor.
The showpiece event in the Indian capital is set to attract some two million tourists for the sporting extravaganza besides about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams that are representing 54 Commonwealth member states.
The event is set to become the biggest sporting extravaganza since the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Ten Indian boxers qualify for Commonwealth Games
Ten Indian boxers qualify for Commonwealth Games
The trials for the selection of the Indian boxers for the Commonwealth Games 2010 and Asian Games Guangzhou 2010 were held in Patiala and the results were announced today.
There were 44 Indian boxers who participated in the trials and there were international referees and judges along with the seven member selection committee & jury who selected those who would go on to represent the country at CWG 2010 and Asian Games 2010.
Some of India’s best boxers like Vijender Singh (who won a silver medal for India at the previous Olympics), Akhil Kumar, Suranjoy Singh and Dinesh Kumar were all present, along with some of the younger ones in the lot.
German coach Mirko Wolf was also present at the event. He is a part of the Indian team for the World Series of Boxing and he was there to oversee the way in which the Indian pugilists fought. He praised the training facilities at NS NIS Patiala and indicated that it was one of the best in the world. What would have heartened the Indian fans was that he said that India had more than just one boxer in each of the categories, unlike some of the other countries which had only one or two.
Apart from Wolf, the adjudicators included Jaslal Pradhan, Padam Bahadur Mall, Mehtab Singh, Jaipal Singh, BI Fernandez, GS Sandhu and Col PK Muralidharan Raja.
The trials were also held for all the categories where each boxer was given a fair chance. The boxers had to fight against each other in their categories in bouts which had three rounds of three minutes each. There was manual scoring and computerised scoring to back that up and there was also a provision to use replays in order to avoid any kind of controversy or doubt.
Ten Indian boxers qualified for the Commonwealth Games of 2010 in various categories. These include Amandeep Singh for the 49 kg category, Suranjoy Roy for the 52 kg category, Akhil Kumar in the 56 kg class, Jai Bhagwan Singh (60 kg), Manoj Kumar (64 kg), Dilbagh Singh (69 kg), Vijender Singh (75 kg), Dinesh Kumar (81 kg), Manpreet Singh (91 kg) and Paramjit Samota (91+ kg).
These ten boxers will continue their training in Patiala till September 15 before moving to Delhi where the games will be held.
India had won one gold, two silver and two bronze medals in the previous Commonwealth Games in boxing. The previous games were held in Melbourne in 2006.
The trials for the selection of the Indian boxers for the Commonwealth Games 2010 and Asian Games Guangzhou 2010 were held in Patiala and the results were announced today.
There were 44 Indian boxers who participated in the trials and there were international referees and judges along with the seven member selection committee & jury who selected those who would go on to represent the country at CWG 2010 and Asian Games 2010.
Some of India’s best boxers like Vijender Singh (who won a silver medal for India at the previous Olympics), Akhil Kumar, Suranjoy Singh and Dinesh Kumar were all present, along with some of the younger ones in the lot.
German coach Mirko Wolf was also present at the event. He is a part of the Indian team for the World Series of Boxing and he was there to oversee the way in which the Indian pugilists fought. He praised the training facilities at NS NIS Patiala and indicated that it was one of the best in the world. What would have heartened the Indian fans was that he said that India had more than just one boxer in each of the categories, unlike some of the other countries which had only one or two.
Apart from Wolf, the adjudicators included Jaslal Pradhan, Padam Bahadur Mall, Mehtab Singh, Jaipal Singh, BI Fernandez, GS Sandhu and Col PK Muralidharan Raja.
The trials were also held for all the categories where each boxer was given a fair chance. The boxers had to fight against each other in their categories in bouts which had three rounds of three minutes each. There was manual scoring and computerised scoring to back that up and there was also a provision to use replays in order to avoid any kind of controversy or doubt.
Ten Indian boxers qualified for the Commonwealth Games of 2010 in various categories. These include Amandeep Singh for the 49 kg category, Suranjoy Roy for the 52 kg category, Akhil Kumar in the 56 kg class, Jai Bhagwan Singh (60 kg), Manoj Kumar (64 kg), Dilbagh Singh (69 kg), Vijender Singh (75 kg), Dinesh Kumar (81 kg), Manpreet Singh (91 kg) and Paramjit Samota (91+ kg).
These ten boxers will continue their training in Patiala till September 15 before moving to Delhi where the games will be held.
India had won one gold, two silver and two bronze medals in the previous Commonwealth Games in boxing. The previous games were held in Melbourne in 2006.
Commonwealth Games 2010 – The Right Time to Visit India
Every Commonwealth country eagerly awaits its chance to host these games. This time round, Delhi will be doing the honours. The capital of India is in the throes of a restless anticipation for 3rd October, 2010 – the date for the colourful opening ceremony. The games will continue till 14th October, 2010 across a number of venues spread throughout Delhi. Visiting India during this period will be an excellent idea. Not only can one expect special hotel and flight deals, the October weather also proves perfect for outdoors sightseeing. Here are some of the exciting things to do and see during the games.
Sightseeing
The city has been built and rebuilt many times by different ruling powers and is packed with exhilarating historical remnants. While the Old Delhi area is crammed with awe inspiring Mughal era structures, Lutyens’ Delhi or New Delhi is a tribute to the grandiosity of the Raj days. Immerse yourself in a world of tranquillity at the serene Lodhi Gardens and Lotus temple or check out stunning monuments like Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Qutub Minar complex, and Humayun’s Tomb. Further popular tourists attractions are India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House. Find out about the Margaret Thatcher of India at the Indira Gandhi Memorial. Commonwealth Games 2010 gives you the chance to do all this and much more.
Going Beyond Delhi
Delhi is the central point for further travel into India. An excellent weekend trip is the golden triangle tour of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. This tour is a wonderful way to experience some of the top most crowd pullers of India like the one and only Taj Mahal, the deserts of Rajasthan, and amazing feats of architectural brilliance such as Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Albert Hall, and Amber Fort. The Golden Triangle tour remains an inseparable part of any India travel odyssey.
Eating Out and Shopping
The fact that the Commonwealth Games would be held in Delhi also ensures that visitors would have plenty of opportunities to indulge in the city’s legendary culinary and retail scene. Although, myriad global cuisines are available in Delhi, the city is among the best places in the world for Mughlai food. Some of the must visit eating joints are Bukhara, Spice Route, Kareems, Punjabi by Nature, and Chor Bizarre. Similarly, there are endless options when it comes to shopping. Be it world class swanky malls or charming little markets and traditional bazaars, Delhi has it all. The most popular shopping stops are Delhi Haat, Crafts Museum, Fabindia, Crafts Museum, and Cottage Industries Emporium. With so many attractions to choose from there would not be a single dull moment during the games. In fact, it is quite logical to state that India’s tourism will receive a major boost due to the event.
Experienced travel writer and editor, Sam Walker has been working with in this field for 8 years He is consultant and expert advice on air tickets to India and writing various tips and advices on holidays and travel industry.
Sightseeing
The city has been built and rebuilt many times by different ruling powers and is packed with exhilarating historical remnants. While the Old Delhi area is crammed with awe inspiring Mughal era structures, Lutyens’ Delhi or New Delhi is a tribute to the grandiosity of the Raj days. Immerse yourself in a world of tranquillity at the serene Lodhi Gardens and Lotus temple or check out stunning monuments like Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Qutub Minar complex, and Humayun’s Tomb. Further popular tourists attractions are India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House. Find out about the Margaret Thatcher of India at the Indira Gandhi Memorial. Commonwealth Games 2010 gives you the chance to do all this and much more.
Going Beyond Delhi
Delhi is the central point for further travel into India. An excellent weekend trip is the golden triangle tour of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. This tour is a wonderful way to experience some of the top most crowd pullers of India like the one and only Taj Mahal, the deserts of Rajasthan, and amazing feats of architectural brilliance such as Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Albert Hall, and Amber Fort. The Golden Triangle tour remains an inseparable part of any India travel odyssey.
Eating Out and Shopping
The fact that the Commonwealth Games would be held in Delhi also ensures that visitors would have plenty of opportunities to indulge in the city’s legendary culinary and retail scene. Although, myriad global cuisines are available in Delhi, the city is among the best places in the world for Mughlai food. Some of the must visit eating joints are Bukhara, Spice Route, Kareems, Punjabi by Nature, and Chor Bizarre. Similarly, there are endless options when it comes to shopping. Be it world class swanky malls or charming little markets and traditional bazaars, Delhi has it all. The most popular shopping stops are Delhi Haat, Crafts Museum, Fabindia, Crafts Museum, and Cottage Industries Emporium. With so many attractions to choose from there would not be a single dull moment during the games. In fact, it is quite logical to state that India’s tourism will receive a major boost due to the event.
Experienced travel writer and editor, Sam Walker has been working with in this field for 8 years He is consultant and expert advice on air tickets to India and writing various tips and advices on holidays and travel industry.
Indian boxing federation announces team for Commonwealth Games and Asian Games
NEW DELHI: The selection trials for Commonwealth Games 2010 and Asian Games Guangzhou 2010 were held successfully at the newly renovated airconditioned training hall at NS NIS Patiala from 26 – 28 August 2010.
A total of 44 boxers from the core group participated in these trials. It was the first time that the selection trials were held like a full fledged championship with international referees and judges assisting the seven member selection committee & jury to pick up the best boxers to represent India at CWG 2010 and Asian Games 2010.
The seven member selection committee and jury comprised of Jaslal Pradhan, Arjuna Awardee & Govt nominee, Padam Bahadur Mall, Arjuna Awardee and Asian Games 1962 gold medalist, Mehtab Singh, Arjuna Awardee, Jaipal Singh, Arjuna Awardee, BI Fernandez, foreign expert from Cuba, GS Sandhu, chief national coach and Col PK Muralidharan Raja, Secretary General, Indian Boxing Federation (IBF). Bhupinder Singh, Vice President, IBF was also present.
It was indeed a treat to watch India's top level boxers such as Vijender Singh, Akhil Kumar, Suranjoy Singh, Dinesh Kumar and other famed pugilists in action. The youngsters in the Core Group also proved their worth and gave a clear message to their seniors that they have arrived and will claim their places in the coming months.
Amongst the spectators was German coach Mirko Wolf who has been hired by Videocon for the Indian WSB team. Having witnessed the trials he was full of praise for the wonderful training facilities at NS NIS Patiala and said that it can be compared to the best in the world. He also said that India has the luxury of having more than one boxer of world class standard in each weight category whereas many other countries had to generally make do with just one or two boxers.
He complimented the Indian Boxing Federation's farsightedness and progressive plans which have been responsible for this phenomenal performance. He also remarked that at this rate India could be the next Cuba in Boxing, which was an excellent motivator for the Indian boxers and the coaches who have been toiling in earnest for the past few years. IBF would like to request the ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Sports Authority of India to kindly consider this airconditioned boxing training hall as a prototype of the minimum facility that should be provided for other SAI Centres where the National Boxing Coaching Camps are held.
The selection trials were held in a transparent manner wherein the boxers in each weight category had the opportunity of showing their mettle against the others in their category. Each bout was of full 3 rounds of 3 minutes each and judged with the AIBA approved computerised scoring system as an additional back up for the manual scoring that the selection committee and jury members were keeping track of. All the bouts were captured through a Video Recording so as to replay them and check the performance of the boxers when in doubt.
Indian Boxing Federation is pleased to announce the list of boxers for Commonwealth Games 2010 and Asian Games 2010 as follows:
Commonwealth Games 2010
49 kgs Amandeep Singh RSPB
52 kgs Suranjoy Singh SSCB
56 kgs Akhil Kumar All India Police
60 kgs Jai Bhagawan All India Police
64 kgs Manoj Kumar RSPB
69 kgs Dilbagh Singh RSPB
75 kgs Vijender Singh All India Police
81 kgs Dinesh Kumar All India Police
91 kgs Manpreet Singh SSCB
+91 kgs Paramjit Samota RSPB
Asian Games Guangzhou 2010
49 kgs Amandeep Singh RSPB
52 kgs Suranjoy Singh SSCB
56 kgs Chhote Lal Yadav SSCB
60 kgs Vikas Krishan HAR
64 kgs V Santhosh Kumar SSCB
69 kgs Dilbagh Singh RSPB
75 kgs Vijender Singh All India Police
81 kgs Dinesh Kumar All India Police
91 kgs Manpreet Singh SSCB
+91 kgs Paramjit Samota RSPB
The Indian senior men's boxing team will continue to train at NS NIS Patiala till 15 September 2010 where excellent facilities exist for preparations in a conducive manner and then shift base to Delhi to acclimatize themselves prior to CWG 2010.
Abhay Singh Chautala, President, Indian Boxing Federation and all members take this opportunity of thanking LS Ranawat, Executive Director (Academics), NS NIS Patiala and his entire staff for the extremely positive attitude and support that they have rendered to the Indian boxing team throughout their stay. Not only has excellent facilities been provided in terms of boarding and lodging, training arrangements and the requisite morale boosting support, but the authorities have always gone out of their way to meet any additional requirements projected by the National Campers. The students of the boxing coaching diploma course at NIS led by their chief instructor TL Gupta and other instructors have gone out of their way to provide support to the Indian boxing campers. A special mention is also in order to appreciate the hardwork put in by chief national coach GS Sandhu, special foreign expert from Cuba BI Fernandez and the team of Indian Coaches ( Shiv Singh, Jaydev Bisht, Jagdish Singh, Sub Ramanand, Nb Sub CA Kuttappa and DS Yadav) as also the support staff which includes the team doctor Dr Karanjeet Singh, physiotherapist Hari Shankar Varma and the Masseurs Bismillah Khan and Ankit, without whose hardwork and dedication the above results would not have been possible.
A total of 44 boxers from the core group participated in these trials. It was the first time that the selection trials were held like a full fledged championship with international referees and judges assisting the seven member selection committee & jury to pick up the best boxers to represent India at CWG 2010 and Asian Games 2010.
The seven member selection committee and jury comprised of Jaslal Pradhan, Arjuna Awardee & Govt nominee, Padam Bahadur Mall, Arjuna Awardee and Asian Games 1962 gold medalist, Mehtab Singh, Arjuna Awardee, Jaipal Singh, Arjuna Awardee, BI Fernandez, foreign expert from Cuba, GS Sandhu, chief national coach and Col PK Muralidharan Raja, Secretary General, Indian Boxing Federation (IBF). Bhupinder Singh, Vice President, IBF was also present.
It was indeed a treat to watch India's top level boxers such as Vijender Singh, Akhil Kumar, Suranjoy Singh, Dinesh Kumar and other famed pugilists in action. The youngsters in the Core Group also proved their worth and gave a clear message to their seniors that they have arrived and will claim their places in the coming months.
Amongst the spectators was German coach Mirko Wolf who has been hired by Videocon for the Indian WSB team. Having witnessed the trials he was full of praise for the wonderful training facilities at NS NIS Patiala and said that it can be compared to the best in the world. He also said that India has the luxury of having more than one boxer of world class standard in each weight category whereas many other countries had to generally make do with just one or two boxers.
He complimented the Indian Boxing Federation's farsightedness and progressive plans which have been responsible for this phenomenal performance. He also remarked that at this rate India could be the next Cuba in Boxing, which was an excellent motivator for the Indian boxers and the coaches who have been toiling in earnest for the past few years. IBF would like to request the ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Sports Authority of India to kindly consider this airconditioned boxing training hall as a prototype of the minimum facility that should be provided for other SAI Centres where the National Boxing Coaching Camps are held.
The selection trials were held in a transparent manner wherein the boxers in each weight category had the opportunity of showing their mettle against the others in their category. Each bout was of full 3 rounds of 3 minutes each and judged with the AIBA approved computerised scoring system as an additional back up for the manual scoring that the selection committee and jury members were keeping track of. All the bouts were captured through a Video Recording so as to replay them and check the performance of the boxers when in doubt.
Indian Boxing Federation is pleased to announce the list of boxers for Commonwealth Games 2010 and Asian Games 2010 as follows:
Commonwealth Games 2010
49 kgs Amandeep Singh RSPB
52 kgs Suranjoy Singh SSCB
56 kgs Akhil Kumar All India Police
60 kgs Jai Bhagawan All India Police
64 kgs Manoj Kumar RSPB
69 kgs Dilbagh Singh RSPB
75 kgs Vijender Singh All India Police
81 kgs Dinesh Kumar All India Police
91 kgs Manpreet Singh SSCB
+91 kgs Paramjit Samota RSPB
Asian Games Guangzhou 2010
49 kgs Amandeep Singh RSPB
52 kgs Suranjoy Singh SSCB
56 kgs Chhote Lal Yadav SSCB
60 kgs Vikas Krishan HAR
64 kgs V Santhosh Kumar SSCB
69 kgs Dilbagh Singh RSPB
75 kgs Vijender Singh All India Police
81 kgs Dinesh Kumar All India Police
91 kgs Manpreet Singh SSCB
+91 kgs Paramjit Samota RSPB
The Indian senior men's boxing team will continue to train at NS NIS Patiala till 15 September 2010 where excellent facilities exist for preparations in a conducive manner and then shift base to Delhi to acclimatize themselves prior to CWG 2010.
Abhay Singh Chautala, President, Indian Boxing Federation and all members take this opportunity of thanking LS Ranawat, Executive Director (Academics), NS NIS Patiala and his entire staff for the extremely positive attitude and support that they have rendered to the Indian boxing team throughout their stay. Not only has excellent facilities been provided in terms of boarding and lodging, training arrangements and the requisite morale boosting support, but the authorities have always gone out of their way to meet any additional requirements projected by the National Campers. The students of the boxing coaching diploma course at NIS led by their chief instructor TL Gupta and other instructors have gone out of their way to provide support to the Indian boxing campers. A special mention is also in order to appreciate the hardwork put in by chief national coach GS Sandhu, special foreign expert from Cuba BI Fernandez and the team of Indian Coaches ( Shiv Singh, Jaydev Bisht, Jagdish Singh, Sub Ramanand, Nb Sub CA Kuttappa and DS Yadav) as also the support staff which includes the team doctor Dr Karanjeet Singh, physiotherapist Hari Shankar Varma and the Masseurs Bismillah Khan and Ankit, without whose hardwork and dedication the above results would not have been possible.
Wrestlers grappling for gold at the Commonwealth Games
It needed just 2 medals, Sushil's bronze in Beijing Olympic and another one by Ramesh Kumar in the World Wrestling Championships 2009, Herning to perk up wrestling once again in India. Some out-of-the-skin performances by juniors, and of late, women wrestlers have only been adding to it. In a sport where decades can pass before something noteworthy comes up, such a successful streak has made Indian wrestlers an buoyant bunch.
Nineteen gold medals (7 in freestyle, 6 in Greeco Roman and 6 by women wrestlers) in 2009 Commonwealth Senior Championships, Jalandhar is a firm indication that India have the talent to shine on big stages. To follow was 2 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze in the 2010 Senior Asian Wrestling Championship, Delhi and suddenly India were rubbing shoulders with China, Iran and Korea, big boys of the wrestling world.
So, can we expect 2010 Commonwealth Games an extension of that winning streak? Yes, in all probability. For one, the grapplers have trained like never before and with just a month to go, they are at the peak of their form. Secondly, the home crowd will be really behind them. Besides, history also gives them an edge - India have invariably done well in the CWG. The tally so far is 23 gold, 24 silver and 11 bronze, their best being in 1970 (5-3-1) and 1974 (4-5-1). Then, the opposition at the CWG won't be world class, in most categories.
Thus, the feeling in the fraternity is that 2010 Games may even turn out to be India's best ever.
Freestyle wrestling has always been India's strong point and Yogeshwar Dutt (60kg), Sushil Kumar (66kg) and Sumit (74 kg) are expected to shine. 2002 CWG silver medallist Anuj Kumar (84kg) is hoping to better his record this time. Chief coach (freestyle), Jagminder Singh said, "For the last two years, we have consciously worked on the grapplers' technique. They have power but fall short of technique. Special emphasis has been given to ground wrestling because top grapplers score most of the points here. Also, we have strengthened our counterattacking skills." Meanwhile, freestyle coach Vladimer Mestvitishvili is working on the technique of tackling the opponent's feet.
However, it's Greco-Roman wrestling that has found its feet in India recently and Rajinder Kumar (55kg), Ravinder Singh (60kg), Sunil Kumar (66kg) and Dharmendar Dalal (120 kg) hold a lot of promise.
The wrestlers themselves say that frequent foreign trips in the last two years have changed their approach to the sport. They have been to Spain, US, Canada, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Cuba and France for training and competitions and that is showing in their performance. However, the Senior World Championship, Moscow (Sept 6-12) will be an acid test for them, much bigger than the CWG. "If we can do well there, CWG preparations will take care of itself," said Dutt.
Hargobind Singh, chief coach, Greco-Roman, added: " With three big events - Senior Worlds, CWG and Asian Games - lined up in the coming months, the boys are primed and determined to prove India's might."
Coming to women's wrestling, it will be making its debut in the Delhi Games. It's good tiding for the hosts as the Indian contingent is certain of grabbing a few gold medals. Babita Kumari (51 kg), Geeta (55), Alka Tomar (59) are India's best bets. Babita and Geeta's gold in Commonwealth Senior Championships in Jalandhar (December 19-21, 2009) is a testimony to India's growing muscle power. Alka Tomar's bronze in the Asian championship 2010 is in keeping with her consistent graph.
Nineteen gold medals (7 in freestyle, 6 in Greeco Roman and 6 by women wrestlers) in 2009 Commonwealth Senior Championships, Jalandhar is a firm indication that India have the talent to shine on big stages. To follow was 2 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze in the 2010 Senior Asian Wrestling Championship, Delhi and suddenly India were rubbing shoulders with China, Iran and Korea, big boys of the wrestling world.
So, can we expect 2010 Commonwealth Games an extension of that winning streak? Yes, in all probability. For one, the grapplers have trained like never before and with just a month to go, they are at the peak of their form. Secondly, the home crowd will be really behind them. Besides, history also gives them an edge - India have invariably done well in the CWG. The tally so far is 23 gold, 24 silver and 11 bronze, their best being in 1970 (5-3-1) and 1974 (4-5-1). Then, the opposition at the CWG won't be world class, in most categories.
Thus, the feeling in the fraternity is that 2010 Games may even turn out to be India's best ever.
Freestyle wrestling has always been India's strong point and Yogeshwar Dutt (60kg), Sushil Kumar (66kg) and Sumit (74 kg) are expected to shine. 2002 CWG silver medallist Anuj Kumar (84kg) is hoping to better his record this time. Chief coach (freestyle), Jagminder Singh said, "For the last two years, we have consciously worked on the grapplers' technique. They have power but fall short of technique. Special emphasis has been given to ground wrestling because top grapplers score most of the points here. Also, we have strengthened our counterattacking skills." Meanwhile, freestyle coach Vladimer Mestvitishvili is working on the technique of tackling the opponent's feet.
However, it's Greco-Roman wrestling that has found its feet in India recently and Rajinder Kumar (55kg), Ravinder Singh (60kg), Sunil Kumar (66kg) and Dharmendar Dalal (120 kg) hold a lot of promise.
The wrestlers themselves say that frequent foreign trips in the last two years have changed their approach to the sport. They have been to Spain, US, Canada, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Cuba and France for training and competitions and that is showing in their performance. However, the Senior World Championship, Moscow (Sept 6-12) will be an acid test for them, much bigger than the CWG. "If we can do well there, CWG preparations will take care of itself," said Dutt.
Hargobind Singh, chief coach, Greco-Roman, added: " With three big events - Senior Worlds, CWG and Asian Games - lined up in the coming months, the boys are primed and determined to prove India's might."
Coming to women's wrestling, it will be making its debut in the Delhi Games. It's good tiding for the hosts as the Indian contingent is certain of grabbing a few gold medals. Babita Kumari (51 kg), Geeta (55), Alka Tomar (59) are India's best bets. Babita and Geeta's gold in Commonwealth Senior Championships in Jalandhar (December 19-21, 2009) is a testimony to India's growing muscle power. Alka Tomar's bronze in the Asian championship 2010 is in keeping with her consistent graph.
Chidambaram reviews security arrangements for Commonwealth Games
Chidambaram reviews security arrangements for Commonwealth Games
Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, who reviewed the security measures for the 2010 Commonwealth Games on Wednesday said security overlays for the Games will be completed by September 15.
Union Home Secretary G K Pillai, Delhi Police Commissioner Yudhbir Singh Dadwal and senior officials from Intelligence agencies and National Security Guards briefed him about the measures for the upcoming event.
According to the security plan, athletes, officials and guests can visit the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium only by bus and no VIPs, except the heads of state, will be allowed to take their cars in. Parking arrangement has been made for 150 buses at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.
Earlier on Monday, Dadwal said the Delhi police is fully prepared and positioned for the Commonwealth Games.
It was earlier reported that over a thousand armed forces personnel from specialised units are likely to be deployed for the upcoming mega-event.
There are reports that chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) teams of the Army will also be deployed for the mega-event.
The 2010 Commonwealth Games is India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games.
India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states. (ANI)
Four Commonwealth Games wrestlers caught for doping
NEW DELHI: Four Indian wrestlers, including Arjuna Awardee Rajiv Tomar, were found to have flunked NADA dope tests just a month before the Commonwealth Games and a red-faced national federation on Thursday announced their replacement for the October 3-14 mega-event.
In an embarrassment to the Wrestling Federation of India, Sumit (74kg), Mausam Khatri (96kg) and Rajiv Tomar (120kg), who were earlier named in the Games squad in men's freestyle, and Gursharanpreet Kaur (women's 72kg) tested positive for Methyl Hexa Neamine, a non specified substance.
Rajiv Tomar was recently conferred the Arjuna Award while Alka Tomar was bronze medal winner in the Asian Championship held here in May.
"The wrestlers from Commonwealth Games team have tested positive for Methyl Hexa Neamine (non specified substance) as per the report received from NADA," a statement from Wrestling Federation of India President GS Mander said.
"In an emergency meeting of the selection committee of Wrestling Federation of India held today in KD Jadhav Wrestling Stadium, New Delhi, the selection committee has selected the replacements of three Freestyle and one female wrestler who were earlier selected for wrestling competition of Commonwealth Games-2010," the statement added.
Mander said the national federation has provisionally suspended all these wrestlers.
"Narsingh Pancham Yadav (74kg), Anil Mann (96kg), Praveen (120kg) - all men's freestyle - and woman wrestler Anshu Tomar (72kg) have been named as replacement," Mander said.
India had named 21 wrestlers, including seven women, for the Commonwealth Games. The squad had included Olympic bronze medallist Sushil Kumar in men's 66kg freestyle.
Read more: Four Commonwealth Games wrestlers caught for doping - Top Stories - Commonwealth Games - Events & Tournaments - Sports - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/commonwealth-games/top-stories/Four-Commonwealth-Games-wrestlers-caught-for-doping/articleshow/6480568.cms#ixzz0yNITjPdM
Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, who reviewed the security measures for the 2010 Commonwealth Games on Wednesday said security overlays for the Games will be completed by September 15.
Union Home Secretary G K Pillai, Delhi Police Commissioner Yudhbir Singh Dadwal and senior officials from Intelligence agencies and National Security Guards briefed him about the measures for the upcoming event.
According to the security plan, athletes, officials and guests can visit the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium only by bus and no VIPs, except the heads of state, will be allowed to take their cars in. Parking arrangement has been made for 150 buses at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.
Earlier on Monday, Dadwal said the Delhi police is fully prepared and positioned for the Commonwealth Games.
It was earlier reported that over a thousand armed forces personnel from specialised units are likely to be deployed for the upcoming mega-event.
There are reports that chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) teams of the Army will also be deployed for the mega-event.
The 2010 Commonwealth Games is India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games.
India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states. (ANI)
Four Commonwealth Games wrestlers caught for doping
NEW DELHI: Four Indian wrestlers, including Arjuna Awardee Rajiv Tomar, were found to have flunked NADA dope tests just a month before the Commonwealth Games and a red-faced national federation on Thursday announced their replacement for the October 3-14 mega-event.
In an embarrassment to the Wrestling Federation of India, Sumit (74kg), Mausam Khatri (96kg) and Rajiv Tomar (120kg), who were earlier named in the Games squad in men's freestyle, and Gursharanpreet Kaur (women's 72kg) tested positive for Methyl Hexa Neamine, a non specified substance.
Rajiv Tomar was recently conferred the Arjuna Award while Alka Tomar was bronze medal winner in the Asian Championship held here in May.
"The wrestlers from Commonwealth Games team have tested positive for Methyl Hexa Neamine (non specified substance) as per the report received from NADA," a statement from Wrestling Federation of India President GS Mander said.
"In an emergency meeting of the selection committee of Wrestling Federation of India held today in KD Jadhav Wrestling Stadium, New Delhi, the selection committee has selected the replacements of three Freestyle and one female wrestler who were earlier selected for wrestling competition of Commonwealth Games-2010," the statement added.
Mander said the national federation has provisionally suspended all these wrestlers.
"Narsingh Pancham Yadav (74kg), Anil Mann (96kg), Praveen (120kg) - all men's freestyle - and woman wrestler Anshu Tomar (72kg) have been named as replacement," Mander said.
India had named 21 wrestlers, including seven women, for the Commonwealth Games. The squad had included Olympic bronze medallist Sushil Kumar in men's 66kg freestyle.
Read more: Four Commonwealth Games wrestlers caught for doping - Top Stories - Commonwealth Games - Events & Tournaments - Sports - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/commonwealth-games/top-stories/Four-Commonwealth-Games-wrestlers-caught-for-doping/articleshow/6480568.cms#ixzz0yNITjPdM
US Issues Travel Alert for Its Citizens During 2010 Commonwealth Games
New Delhi (ABC Live): The U.S. Mission in India has issued alert to U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in India for during the 2010 Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in New Delhi, w.e.f. October 3 to October 14, 2010.
New Delhi (ABC Live): The U.S. Mission in India has issued alert to U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in India for during the 2010 Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in New Delhi, w.e.f. October 3 to October 14, 2010.
The alert to this effect was published in US States department website http://travel.state.gov on September 2, 2010.
It is to mention that US issued safety and security issues related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in reference to Worldwide Caution issued by the Department of State on August 12, 2010, regarding the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. This Travel Alert expires November 15, 2010.
Further US States department clarified that it has no information on any specific threat of attack that any individual or group is planning to coincide with the Games.
Time a concern for Games opening
AAP
Limited rehearsal time may hamper India's plans for its Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, Australian events expert David Atkins says.
In just one month from Friday teams from 71 Commonwealth countries are due to take part in the Games opening in New Delhi.
But delayed construction meant Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the Games' main stadium, was inaugurated just two months out from the opening ceremony.
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That gives ceremony organisers precious little time on site to fine tune such a large event, which Indian Games officials have rashly claimed can surpass the universally-acclaimed Beijing Olympics opening extravaganza.
"That's late by normal standards," Atkins told AAP. "That in-stadium rehearsal time is pretty critical.
"It depends on the nature of the performance and how much the show reliant upon the infrastructure in the venue itself."
Atkins was artistic director for the Sydney 2000 Olympics opening and closing ceremonies and produced the opening, closing and victory ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
His team had access to the main stadiums at Sydney and Vancouver around four months before the opening ceremonies and he estimated the lead time for Beijing was much longer.
The Sydney 2000 ceremonies included 20,000 performers.
"The logistics around coordinating that many people - costuming them, transporting them, feeding them - that exercise is daunting," he said.
Atkins said some productions can be rehearsed at other locations and then transferred to the main stadium just prior to the ceremony.
But the Delhi opening ceremony will include a floating aerostat (helium balloon), measuring 80m by 40m, and touted as the star attraction in India media reports.
Constructed in Italy, the blimp is designed to float within the stadium among much smaller devices of similar design.
It will house cameras, laser projectors and provide a 360-degree viewing experience.
Atkins said wind grounded 25 per cent of the flying devices during the Shanghai event and two devices during Sydney's opening ceremony.
"Some things you simply can't do and never get seen because on the night prevailing conditions prevent you from doing it," he said.
"I'm sure they're going to do something spectacular but I'm sure it's a very apprehensive and tenuous process."
He was sceptical about the bold claims by Indian officials about bettering Beijing's opening ceremony.
"Everyone tries to outdo the previous one," Atkins.
"To be honest, in terms of scale and budget, I don't think anyone is going to eclipse what happened in Beijing."
Atkins said Sydney's opening ceremony had a budget of $68 million and estimated the Beijing event would have cost up to $300 million.
Indian firm Wizcraft International Entertainment is tasked with producing the Delhi Games' ceremonies, with Australian major events guru Ric Birch as an international adviser to the event.
Birch occupied the same role for the Beijing Games and directed the overall production of the Sydney Olympics opening ceremony.
A spokeswoman for Birch said he was unable to comment on the opening ceremonies due to a non-disclosure agreement with India.
New Delhi (ABC Live): The U.S. Mission in India has issued alert to U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in India for during the 2010 Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in New Delhi, w.e.f. October 3 to October 14, 2010.
The alert to this effect was published in US States department website http://travel.state.gov on September 2, 2010.
It is to mention that US issued safety and security issues related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in reference to Worldwide Caution issued by the Department of State on August 12, 2010, regarding the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. This Travel Alert expires November 15, 2010.
Further US States department clarified that it has no information on any specific threat of attack that any individual or group is planning to coincide with the Games.
Time a concern for Games opening
AAP
Limited rehearsal time may hamper India's plans for its Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, Australian events expert David Atkins says.
In just one month from Friday teams from 71 Commonwealth countries are due to take part in the Games opening in New Delhi.
But delayed construction meant Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the Games' main stadium, was inaugurated just two months out from the opening ceremony.
Advertisement: Story continues below
That gives ceremony organisers precious little time on site to fine tune such a large event, which Indian Games officials have rashly claimed can surpass the universally-acclaimed Beijing Olympics opening extravaganza.
"That's late by normal standards," Atkins told AAP. "That in-stadium rehearsal time is pretty critical.
"It depends on the nature of the performance and how much the show reliant upon the infrastructure in the venue itself."
Atkins was artistic director for the Sydney 2000 Olympics opening and closing ceremonies and produced the opening, closing and victory ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
His team had access to the main stadiums at Sydney and Vancouver around four months before the opening ceremonies and he estimated the lead time for Beijing was much longer.
The Sydney 2000 ceremonies included 20,000 performers.
"The logistics around coordinating that many people - costuming them, transporting them, feeding them - that exercise is daunting," he said.
Atkins said some productions can be rehearsed at other locations and then transferred to the main stadium just prior to the ceremony.
But the Delhi opening ceremony will include a floating aerostat (helium balloon), measuring 80m by 40m, and touted as the star attraction in India media reports.
Constructed in Italy, the blimp is designed to float within the stadium among much smaller devices of similar design.
It will house cameras, laser projectors and provide a 360-degree viewing experience.
Atkins said wind grounded 25 per cent of the flying devices during the Shanghai event and two devices during Sydney's opening ceremony.
"Some things you simply can't do and never get seen because on the night prevailing conditions prevent you from doing it," he said.
"I'm sure they're going to do something spectacular but I'm sure it's a very apprehensive and tenuous process."
He was sceptical about the bold claims by Indian officials about bettering Beijing's opening ceremony.
"Everyone tries to outdo the previous one," Atkins.
"To be honest, in terms of scale and budget, I don't think anyone is going to eclipse what happened in Beijing."
Atkins said Sydney's opening ceremony had a budget of $68 million and estimated the Beijing event would have cost up to $300 million.
Indian firm Wizcraft International Entertainment is tasked with producing the Delhi Games' ceremonies, with Australian major events guru Ric Birch as an international adviser to the event.
Birch occupied the same role for the Beijing Games and directed the overall production of the Sydney Olympics opening ceremony.
A spokeswoman for Birch said he was unable to comment on the opening ceremonies due to a non-disclosure agreement with India.
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