Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi, who had been at the centre of controversy in the run-up to the event, today said the Games Village on the banks of the Yamuna was better than the one built for the Beijing Olympics.
Kalmadi’s statement came a day after the inauguration of the 12-day event. During the opening ceremony, which came in for a lot of praise, Kalmadi was booed by the crowd.
At the inaugural session of the Commonwealth business chambers, Kalmadi said while denying media reports which claimed that athletes weren’t happy with the conditions at the Games Village: “Ours is one of the best Games Villages ever. All athletes have chosen to stay there over hotels.” He went on to add that the pictures of unkempt washrooms in the Games Village as shown by a section of the international media were of the area which was not handed over to the OC and were still being prepared for athletes. This is the first time that a developing country is hosting the Games.
CWG Federation President Mike Fennel said the Delhi edition of the Games had seen the highest participation, with over 4,300 athletes. “Athletes are enjoying the environment and the Games here. You can witness many problems but what is important is how we tackle them,” he added.
Talking about several athletes who didn’t turn up for this edition, Kalmadi said it was because they had to go for Olympic Games’ trials.
Games revenue target
Kalmadi is hopeful of the Games meeting its revenue targets. “Tickets sales have already started picking up and will get better by the finals,” Kalmadi said at an event today. The OC had set a target of Rs 1,620 crore from various sources, including sponsorship, ticket sale, merchandise and broadcast rights.
