There has been lot of slur to India as a Country which is slated to host the prestigious Commonwealth games. From the take off stage, the games, conduct of the games, Chairman of the Indian Olympic Association have all been mired in one controversy or the other. Added to that, the Ministry of Sports looked the other way at every event connected with the organization of the Commonwealth games. Worst still, India’s former Sports Minister, even predicted that the ‘Commonwealth games shall fail.’
The games are scheduled at the worst of the worst times. The East based monsoon is slated during this period. There is already terrible floods and destruction of crops resulting in losses. As it is, Agriculture industry which is the back-bone of Indian economy is in adverse days due to plethora of reasons. The date(s) of the games coincided with the pronouncing of the Ayodhya verdict regarding a civil land dispute caste. The post law and order situation appears to be grim. Some terrorist groups have threatened to disrupt the games.
In the meantime, our overzealous electronic media does not waste a single space in their telecasts by picturizing one or the other defect; showing the shabby bathrooms, washing closet, collapse of the overhead bridge to the Nehru Stadium, breaking up of Plaster of Paris in the hall meant for weightlifting events, comments by veterans including Politicians. This has already presented the image of India being sullied in the international eyes as Poor organizers, an event steeped in corruption, unhygienic surroundings, mosquito menace, incomplete infrastructure, and many faults here and there.
Prime Minister, it is shown in the media, is seen taking rounds of various stadia where events are to take place. He has also warned Chief Minsiter, Delhi, Sports Minister, GoI, and President of Indian Olympic Association to act in tandem and finish the job instead of out-pouring their wrath openly.
India needs to take advantage of such a massive event for which Crores of Rupees of tax payers money is being spent. There must be accountability between the Organizers and the Government. If a private body like BCCI can conduct a IPL most successfully with its own generated funds, why can’t Government in association with these Sports bodies organize an international event.
Individual members of the different Countries have started withdrawing from the event. Different countries have expressed their inhibitions in participation. We do not know whether they will come.
With all these failings, India which Obama saw as a sparkling booming growth oriented economy, Indian image will suffer. And the contributors to the fallen image will be Indians themselves. Very sad, indeed.
No comments:
Post a Comment