Black and White: XIX Common Wealth Game

Saurabh Kr. Gupta, MBA - IT, IIIT Allahabad

The Commonwealth Games were a resounding success for India, but the allegations of corruption that preceded the event must be thoroughly investigated. That's the message coming out loud and clear from metropolitan India.

The brighter side of CWG is that, Delhi promised to deliver world class Games and Delhi delivered it, there was nothing better to showcase the success of the XIX Commonwealth Games than a grand Closing Ceremony.  A dazzling laser show and a musical extravaganza marked the finale of the Games, the biggest sporting event hosted by India which crowned itself with sporting glory by winning an unprecedented 101 medals.

The opening and closing ceremonies were held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the main stadium of the event. It was the first time that the Commonwealth Games were held in India and the second time it was held in Asia after Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1998. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the guest of honour at the closing ceremony. The official mascot of the Games was Shera and the official song of the Games, "Jiyo Utho Bado Jeeto", was composed by celebrated Indian musician A.R. Rahman.

The Ceremony reminded that some 7000 athletes from 71 countries had sportingly competed for 826 medals of which India won 101, including 38 gold, its highest ever, to be the second in the tally behind Australia with a total of 177. Everything went right during the games.

But the hidden dark part of CWG appeared after the end of game. There was delay in completion of projects, poor construction standards, corruption by Games' Organising Committee officials and possibility of a terrorist attack. The Indian media also alleged that Games' Organising Committee officials were involved in serious corruption and these allegations included acceptance of bribe during the process of awarding construction contracts for the Games' venues.

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), an apex Government of India anti-corruption agency, released a report highlighting financial irregularities in up to sixteen Games projects. Money wasted 3 - 4 times more than the budget. This shows the true image of India that how much we are good in corruption.

A very well known quote, "all's well that ends well" best fit in this situation. It was a fitting tribute the spirit Delhi which organised such a big game and showcased the world that India has arrived.