Commonwealth Games is a sports meet of athletes of British Commonwealth countries held every four years in the city that bids the highest for hosting the Games. The next Commonwealth Games are to be held in India's capital city Delhi from October 3-14, 2010. They were last held in Melbourne, Australia between 15-26 March in 2006. The Games are the most awaited sports meet among the Commonwealth nations. Its tickets are sold out days before the scheduled event. Next meet i.e. 2014 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
History of Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games were first started in 1930 as British Empire Games and were hosted by Canada. It soon changed its name to British & Commonwealth Games in 1954 and later in 1970 it became British Commonwealth Games.. The Games assumed its name - Commonwealth Games in 1974. The sports meet has been held in various cities of Commonwealth nations since then and even has been boycotted by nations for protests against the Apartheid practice in South Africa by the crown.
Common Practices at Commonwealth Games
Before every Commonwealth Games meet there is a relay of athletes carrying baton from Buckingham Palace to the opening ceremony at the host country. A "Parade of Athletes" is held whereby all nations march in an alphabetical order and the host nation of the previous Games marches first. The host of the current Games marches in the end of the Parade. There are always Only three National Flags- previous Games host, current host and the next Games host, fly from the stadium to poles used for medal ceremonies.
Commonwealth Games Village Delhi 2010
India will be hosting the Commonwealth Games for the first time in 2010. This is the biggest ever sports event to be held in India after Asian Games of 1982. India will be the second nation in Asia after Malaysia to host the Games. The Commonwealth Games 2010 opening and closing ceremony is being planned at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in an extravagant style. A Countdown Run of "1000 Days to Go" which was flagged down by Mr. Tejinder Khanna received astounding response from people of all ages and fields. The Games logo was revealed on 6th January, 2008. It has been inspired by Ashok Chakra symbolizes freedom, unity and power of the Indians. The diverse culture and vibrancy of India is beautifully depicted by the various colors of the logo. It conveys the rise of India as a major Global and economic power. The various games to be organized by the Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 with the motto
"Come out and Play" are:
Archery
Athletics
Aquatics
Badminton
Boxing
Cycling
Gymnastics
Hockey
Rugby
Shooting
Squash
Table Tennis
Tennis
Weightlifting
Wrestling
Third Youth Commonwealth Games
India also hosted the Third Youth Commonwealth Games at Pune, Maharashtra between 12-18 October, 2008, which received a huge response and tremendous appreciation from all. The Indian Government was hugely praised for being outstanding hosts. The various sports events held at the Youth Commonwealth Games were:
Athletics
Badminton
Boxing
Shooting
Swimming
Table Tennis
Tennis
Weightlifting
Wrestling
Games Venues
Venues
Address
Phone No
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Lodi Estate, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
Patiala House, Near Shreya Hospital, New Delhi, 110001
011-23389740
Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium Complex
IP Estate, New Delhi - 110002
Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range
Surajkund Road, Tughlakabad Fort, New Delhi, 110043
011-6986802,09871220884
Tyagraj Sports Complex
Talkatora Indoor Stadium
Near Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital
Siri Fort Complex
August Kranti Marg, Khelgaon, New Delhi, 110049
011-26497482, 26496657
Yamuna Sports Complex
Surajmal Vihar, New Delhi, 110092
011-22166499
Delhi University
University Of Delhi, North Campus, Near Mall Road, Delhi 110007
011-27667190
R.K. Khanna Tennis Complex
Tennis Complex, Africa Avenue, Safdarjung Enclave, Delhi - 110029
(011) 26176279, 26176250, 26176258
SPM Swimming Pool Complex
Training Venues
Event
Training Venue
Address
Phone Number
Aquatics
Major Dhyan Chandra National stadium
Patiala House New Delhi H.O. Delhi-110001 Landmark: Near Shreya Hospital
011-23389740
Aquatics
Siri Fort Sports Complex
Lodi Colony, Near C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi
Aquatics
Yamuna Sports Complex
SURAJMAL VIHAR, NEW Delhi 110092
22166499
Athletics
Thyagaraj Sports Complex
Athletics
Chattrasal Stadium
Athletics
Games Village
Athletics
Delhi University
Benito Jaurez Road, New Delhi- 110021
Fax: 24110174
Athletics
Games Village
Badminton
Siri fort Sports Complex
Lodi Colony, Near C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi
Badminton
Saket Sports complex
Saket, New Delhi - 110017
29561581,29561678 29561581
Boxing
Delhi University
Benito Jaurez Road, New Delhi- 110021
Fax: 24110174
Cycling
Velodrome, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex
I.P. Estate. New Delhi - 110002
Gymnastics
Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium
IP Estate, New Delhi - 110002
Gymnastics
Yamuna Sports Complex(Rhythmic Gymnastics)
SURAJMAL VIHAR, NEW Delhi 110092
22166499
Hockey
Maj. Dhyan Chand National Stadium
near India Gate, 3 km away from the Commonwealth Games Village, New Delhi.
Hockey
Shivaji Stadium
Bhagat Singh Marg, Near Gole Market, New Delhi - 110001
Lawn Bowls
Siri Fort Sports Complex
Delhi public School, R.K.Puram
Netball
Delhi university
University Of Delhi, North Campus, Near Mall Road, Delhi 110007
011 27667190
Netball
Games Village
Rugby
St. Stephan's College
University Enclave, Delhi - 110007
Rugby
Hindu College
North Campus, Delhi University, Kamla Nagar, Delhi 110007
011 27667184
Rugby
Khalsa College
Dev Nagar, New Delhi-110 005.
Rugby
Ramjas College
University Enclave Delhi, Delhi 110007
Rugby
Kirorimal College
University Of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi 110007
Rugby
Sri Ram College of Commerce
Delhi University North Campus, Maurice Nagar, Delhi 110007
Rugby
Daulatram College
4. Patel Marg, Maurice Nagar, Delhi
011 27667863
Rugby
Jamia Milia Islamia University
Okhla New Delhi, New Delhi 110020
011 26983169
Shooting
Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range
Surajkund Road,Tughlakabad Fort, New Delhi, 110043
6986802, 09871220884
Shooting
CRPF Campus, Kadarpur
Squash
Siri Fort Sports Complex
August Kranti Marg, New Delhi - 110 049 (Near Siri Fort Auditorium)
26497482, 26496657
Table Tennis
Yamuna Sports Complex
SURAJMAL VIHAR, NEW Delhi 110092
22166499
Table Tennis
Jamia Milia Islamia
Weightlifting
Games Village,Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Bhism Pitamah Road, Lodhi Road, Delhi-110003 Near-Sai Baba Mandir
011-24369400, 24369409
Wrestling
Sri Ram College of Commerce(women)
Wrestling
Ludlow Castle
Wrestling
Games Village
Tennis
R.K.Khanna Sports Complex
Tennis
Siri Fort Sports Complex
Archery
Yamuna Sports Complex
SURAJMAL VIHAR, NEW Delhi 110092
22166499
Delhi's Preparation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has constructed a 230.7 million US Dollar Games Village of international standards near eastern banks of the Yamuna River, just near NH 24. The village which is spread over 63.5 acres is situated adjacent to the the world's most expensive and famous Akshardham Temple, Noida. It is located near all top tourist spots of Delhi like Lotus Temple, Humayun's Tomb, Iskcon Temple, Red Fort, India Gate. Major shopping areas are also located nearby like Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, South Ex, Lajpat Nagar and the various malls of South Delhi and Noida.
The Delhi Government, over the last few years, has taken drastic steps for the development of the city and has beautifully changed the whole look of the capital. The DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) was one of the first initiative of the Government and it received astounding appreciation from not just the natives but the world over. The BRT corridor connecting South Delhi to Central Delhi, revamp of bus shelters,restoration of the various heritage sites, excellent public transport system, the Yamuna Tunnel Project, Flyovers, clover flyovers, 8 lane toll on NH 8 connecting Delhi and Gurgaon, introduction of economy cabs, small and medium hotels & guest houses, etc are some of the major steps taken by the Delhi Government for Commonwealth Games 2010.
Now all public places and the entire public transport has been specially designed to be disabled friendly like low floor CNG buses, air conditioned low floor buses, Delhi Metro, Delhi Railway Stations. The Indira Gandhi International Airport and Domestic Airport have undergone complete change since it has been overtaken by GMR Infrastructure. A new runway has been added recently which is the biggest till date. All the big brands of the world have opened their outlets in Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).
Other Preparations
Delhi Government is striving to make the city pollution free with its entire public transport CNG based. Lots of entertainment facilities are being upgraded and created. English teaching classes are being provided to all those who are expected to in frequent contact with tourists e.g. Cabbies, guards, waiters, service staff, auto drivers, bus conductors, metro staff, Airport staff, Railway staff, etc. Use of renewable energy, use of solar energy, water harvesting, green buildings, are being promoted like never before by Delhi Govt. for Commonwealth Games 2010.
