Pakistan praises Delhi opening ceremony

AAP October 4, 2010, 7:58 pm

=================================================

Pakistan heaped praise on New Delhi's organisation of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony on Monday despite a television blackout of the spectacular event.

The 2010 Games, which had been plagued by allegations of corruption, shoddy construction and poor health standards, enjoyed a breathtaking showpiece start, but the Pakistan government's ban on Indian television channels deprived fans of watching the ceremony live.

Despite the lack of coverage, Aqil Shah, vice-president of the Pakistan Olympic Association, said India had managed to overcome its pre-Games blues.

"It was an impressive ceremony and will help India build up the Games after so many problems marred the lead-up," Shah said.

"When IOC (International Olympic Committee) president Jacques Rogge is saying that India has emerged as a contender to host the Olympics then it's a big thing for the sub-continent and this ceremony will go a long way to achieving that.

"When you host Games like these, problems do come, but the opening was good and must be appreciated."

Former Pakistan hockey star Shahnaz Shaikh said India impressed the world with a grand ceremony.

"It's sad that the build-up to the Games was full of problems, but I hope that India will overcome all such problems and the opening ceremony was one big hint that the Games will be good and successful," said Shaikh.  (au.sports.yahoo.com)

=================================================