Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi

The Commonwealth Games is a multinational, multi-sport event held every 4 years involving the best athletes of the Commonwealth of Nations. 2010 Commonwealth Games will be held in Delhi, India between 3 October and 14 October 2010. The 19th Commonwealth Games, i.e., 2010 Commonwealth Games is the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever with an estimated total expenditure of USD1.6 billion.

Though India has earlier hosted Asian Games in 1951 and 1982, it is the first time in Indian History that it will be hosting the Commonwealth Games. India is the third developing country to host the mega event of Commonwealth Games after Jamaica and Malaysia. Delhi won the right to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games by defeating Hamilton by 46 votes to 22 at the CGF General Assembly held in Montego Bay in November 2003.

Government of India has taken many steps to beautify the city and improve the infrastructure and services in Delhi and other tourist destinations in India by 2010 to welcome the large number of tourists visiting India during that period. All pains are been taken to make and keep Delhi green and clean.

Games Village is being developed along the east bank of Yamuna River. The site is located off the National Highway 24 adjacent to the Akshardham Temple at the Noida intersection. Games Village spread over an area of 63.5 hectare has 14 blocks, 34 towers and 1,168 air-conditioned flats to accommodate 8,000 athletes and team officials Nestled admist the dense green natural cover, the Games Village will provide a relaxing and soothing environment to the atheletes and officials.

Games Village also consists of Training Areas for Athletics and Swimming, Weightlifting, Wrestling and a Fitness Centre. Games Village is easily accessible from all competition and training venues. It also lies in close proximity to some of Delhi's well-known landmarks such as the Lotus Temple, Humayun's Tomb, Akshardham Temple, India Gate, etc.

Commonwealth Games 2010 is a boom for Delhi's development. Great emphasis is led on the rapid development of city's infrastructure before the 2010 Commonwealth Games. GNCTD has allocated a sum of Rs 11.89 billion to enhance, expand and upgrade city infrastructure.

Lots of money and manpower have been invested in the modernization, upgradation and expansion of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Passenger and baggage handling facilities have been upgraded. Asia longest runway of 4.43meters with all modern techniques has become operational at Delhi airport. The airport's connectivity with the city will be enhanced through a six-lane high. The Metro Rail will also have a dedicated corridor from the airport to the Games Village for easy transfer of athletes and officials.

Special attention is being paid on Ring Road and Metro -the two lifelines of Delhi. No stone has been left upturned to upgrade and develop the roadways and metro lines in Delhi. By the year 2010, Delhi will have a direct Metro line from the airport to the city centre - Connaught Place. Games village will be well connected with the main competition venues-Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Indira Gandhi Stadium through metro and a four-lane, 2.2 km underground stretch from Ring Road to Lodhi. There are plans to enhance the inter-state connectivity and capacity.

Projects have been launched to construct several new flyovers and several bridges and under-bridges to improve road connectivity with the Games Villages, the sports venues, and within the city. Road widening also is in progress. The eight-lane expressway from Gurgaon to Delhi is already functional. To further ease the commuting in Delhi, 1,100 low-floor high-capacity air-conditioned buses will ply on Delhi roads.

Civic Services are not neglected too. Delhi Electricity Board and Delhi Jal Board have undertaken to increase the production of electricity and boost the water supply respectively. Construction of new hospitals and car parks are also in progress.

Hospitality Industry of India is also actively participating to cater the needs of the huge influx of visitors expected into Delhi for the 19th Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. Delhi is city with world class hotels and restaurants. From budget hotels to 5-Star Hotels and luxurious Resorts all are available in Delhi, NCR and other parts of India. An additional 25,000 rooms are being built to meet the requirements of the Games. All the hotels, resorts and restaurants of India welcome the Commonwealth visitors with open arms to come and experience the unique hospitality of India.

Government is also providing tax incentives for hotel rooms to be constructed in India for Commonwealth 2010, with a focus on tourist regions of Agra and Jaipur. Not only this, government has extended a five-year tax rebate to the tourism industry to create jobs and increase development

All shopping areas, monuments, heritage points and other important centre are being rejuvenated. New international standard signages and bus shelters will add to Delhi's modern look as will new public conveniences such as call booths, shopping areas, etc.

Sports in 2010 Commonwealth Games: 17 disciplines have been planned for the 2010 Commonwealth Games-Aquatics, Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby sevens, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Kabaddi will be a demonstration sport at the 2010 Games.

Currently, 72 nations are planning to field teams at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games Federation aims to improve the society and the general well being of the people of member nations. The Federation also encourages and assists education via sport development and physical recreation throughout the Commonwealth. The upcoming 2010 Commonwealth Games has till now been successful in bringing development in India and we wish that it brings more luck to India. We hope to get a positive impact of 2010 Commonwealth Games especially on the Tourism Industry of India. For this already a plan has been made to provide a complementary tour to the athletes to Taj Mahal, the icon of India.