CWG: foreign media happy with arrangements

Parikshit Luthra , CNN-IBN
Posted on Oct 02, 2010 at 08:16 | Updated Oct 02, 2010 at 08:29

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New Delhi: For months, India has been at the receiving end of criticism from all quarters over delays in preparations for the Commonwealth Games. But now the tide seems to have turned in its favour with foreign journalists arriving in the capital saying they're pleasantly surprised.

Road cave-ins, security loopholes, bad quality food and inordinate delays - the Indian media has been relentless in its criticism of the government over preparations for the Games.

And taking a cue from their counterparts in India international news agencies too raised concerns.

But now with the Games all ready to begin, foreign journalists arriving in the capital say they are pleasantly shocked and say that the Indian media may have gone a little overboard with its scathing criticism.

“Absolutely, newspapers have to sell their stories, you have to sell your shows, but I think everything will be fine in the end and no one will bother about dirty toilets or monkeys running on streets,” said Peter Lewis, Executive producer, Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

New Zealand was one country, which had even threatened to pull out of the Games because of security concerns, but now correspondents from there are really impressed.

“We arrived at the airport at 2 in the morning...we were immediately whisked away and it was excellent...the military presence was amazing…there were so many policemen and guns everywhere,” said Aaron Lawton, Sports Reporter, Sunday News, New Zealand.

But there were journalists like Michelle Pickles, a sports journalist from New Zealand who felt that the delays and problems were actually being under reported.

“Like when I went to Beijing everything was ready months back...over here when I went to the NPC the ground had been dug up and construction was still going on” complained Michelle.

While Michelle seemed happy with what she saw on arrival, she says she's going to wait for a while before she gives the Games a thumbs-up.

“I think I’ll reserve my final comments till the end of the games,” said Michelle.

Here's hoping that she will have something nice to say before she heads back.

In addition to the good foreign press, the Games also received much praise from the Australian delegation.

"My experience is that these are outstanding facilities. I was here in March when I went to the National Stadium, where the World Cup (hockey) was held…Two of our major players said it was one of the best stadiums (stadia) for hockey…So far I have been out to the gymnastics arena, the wrestling and the cycling velodrome, and they are quite amazing," said Steve Moneghetti, Chef De Mission, Australia.

"It is obviously a bit different to what we are used to and disconcerting. I mean, on our bus we have got armed guards, and in the front and in the back when we go anywhere…It is certainly different, but they have been great, they are great to talk to…I think it's a part of the Games here, and as an athlete going into training, I have had no problems and I feel very secure," said Sharelle Mcmahon, Australian Flag Bearer.

"It is great to have the 2010 Commonwealth Games here in India. A country that is as mad about sports as our own,” said Mark Arbib, Australian Sports Minister. (ibn live)

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