Commonwealth Games may be called off : NZ official

[King Tendulkar]

India just proved that how the words ‘democracy’ and ‘third world’ don’t go well with each other.. To get things done, either you have to be a democracy and first world, or a third world with a dictatorship.

Yep and then we can have success like our great neighbours pakistan! Point well made MM!

[EnterTheVoid]

British Athletes confirm the Media Exaggerated the Games Village situation

Could it be that after watching the filthy toilets, water clogged basement etc, expectations were so low that after presented with what they currently have, they decided to accept it for what it is and not make any additional fuss ? That to me seems the most plausible explanation.

[King Tendulkar]

Could it be that after watching the filthy toilets, water clogged basement etc, expectations were so low that after presented with what they currently have, they decided to accept it for what it is and not make any additional fuss ? That to me seems the most plausible explanation.

Or they could have been messy when Brit Officials came round. But all the complaints meant that in last few days they have cleaned up most of it and that when athletes have arrived in last day or two that actually they had clean and good accomodation. It seems to me as if 99.9% of the probs have been sorted out and we are left with just minor issues which any place of such a size would have. By all accounts the event venues are ready and amazing!

[EnterTheVoid]

Or they could have been messy when Brit Officials came round. But all the complaints meant that in last few days they have cleaned up most of it and that when athletes have arrived in last day or two that actually they had clean and good accomodation. It seems to me as if 99.9% of the probs have been sorted out and we are left with just minor issues which any place of such a size would have. By all accounts the event venues are ready and amazing!

I am not convinced. The newer, cleaner pictures are highly misleading --- They show the dining arena, gym etc in a very positive light but they were not the issues of contention in the first place. The committee acknowledged they were first class. As far as hygiene, sanitation goes, some of the rooms were so dirty, they didn't bother cleaning them, they've simply locked them with no further use. As far as construction goes, there is a LOT of evidence (swept under the carpet for now) which indicates sub standard materials were used -- inferior cement was used. All in all, the athletes may be 'comfortable' for the duration of the games but they have no real freedom to move about, explore Delhi etc. Heck, the foreign department of Aus/NZ have asked their supporters not to draw attention to themselves (out of fear of threats of kidnapping, extortion) by wearing the characteristic green and gold colors.

[King Tendulkar]

All in all' date=' the athletes may be 'comfortable' for the duration of the games but they have no real freedom to move about, explore Delhi etc. Heck, the foreign department of Aus/NZ have asked their supporters not to draw attention to themselves (out of fear of threats of kidnapping, extortion) by wearing the characteristic green and gold colors.[/quote'] Well if they are comfortable thats totally FINE! if things come out of the carpet after the games then so what, thats something for the people who buy the flats to worry out. As for they having no real freedom BS. WTF are you on about! They can go were they want, when they want. Its up to them if they are advised if its not safe and DECIDE not to go out. But they have full freedom but advised by their crummy foreign depts not to. Delhi is pefectly safe to travel around in, no idea what garbage you are spouting that its dangerous for them, you have been watching to many foreign news channels and publications. Have you ever been to India from London or do you only experience it from going to Southall? I have been to Delhi zillions of times, dont see any danger.

[EnterTheVoid]

Well if they are comfortable thats totally FINE! if things come out of the carpet after the games then so what, thats something for the people who buy the flats to worry out. As for they having no real freedom BS. WTF are you on about! They can go were they want, when they want. Its up to them if they are advised if its not safe and DECIDE not to go out. But they have full freedom but advised by their crummy foreign depts not to. Delhi is pefectly safe to travel around in, no idea what garbage you are spouting that its dangerous for them, you have been watching to many foreign news channels and publications. I have been to Delhi zillions of times, dont see any danger.

A lot of articles being printed in the Australian press asking athletes not to make a fuss over fear over future collaboration with India. They went as far as saying Australian athletes should not be the first ones to pull out, merely follow the lead if others do so.

[achilles]

British Athletes confirm the Media Exaggerated the Games Village situation http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/28/stories/2010092852461600.htm Impressed with Games Village Special Correspondent NEW DELHI: England women's hockey team has been finishing on the podium consistently this year. Having won bronze medals in the Champions Trophy in July and the World Cup earlier this month, the team has set its sights on a third medal of the season with the Commonwealth Games beginning here next week. Experienced forward Alexendra Danson and goalkeeper Beth Storry have played key roles in the team's resurgence. They may have different roles to perform on the field, but on landing here on Monday afternoon, their opinion about the Games Village was pleasantly contrary to what the media had projected in the recent past. All praise Alexandra, the 25-year-old who has turned out more than 100 times for England after making her debut as a 16-year-old, was all praise for the Village and the hospitality offered. “Yes. I was a bit apprehensive when I heard and read so much negative stuff about the facilities here. But I think, the Village looks great.” Clean and spacious “The residential blocks are clean and spacious. Believe me, it is great to be here. I believe the local media got carried away a bit too much,” said Alexandra while taking a round of the International Zone on Monday. Beth, named the best goalkeeper in the Champions Trophy and the World Cup, agreed with her friend ‘Alex'. “The dining hall is brilliant and the Village looks so spacious. “I have no doubt, we'll have great Games. Just now, I mailed to my family that everything is fine here and nothing like what has been depicted in the media recently.” Perfect balance Alexandra, who did most of the talking, has been able to strike a perfect balance between hockey and her goal of becoming a teacher. “Before I get my degree to become a teacher, I have my final exam on the last day of our stay here. Our manager has the question paper nicely sealed and he'll give it to me only on the day of the exam,” said a smiling Alexandra, who will be writing her final exam on Hinduism, Sikhism and Islam on October 14. “I always wanted to come to India. It is because of interest in India that I chose this subject to specialise before taking up teaching,” said Alexandra and continued, “I am not sure how much time I'll be able to take off to visit places of worships here. I saw one (Akshardham Temple) which is right adjacent to the Village. It appeared great,” shared Alexandra who also showed interest in visiting Jama Masjid and Sisganj Gurudwara. Both players agreed that there would be lots of positives to take from the Capital. “I hope I get a first-hand experience of India's culture. It's so fascinating,” said Alexandra. Beth was quick to add, “I am looking forward to our first experience with India's culture during the ‘Welcome Ceremony' tonight.” Positive vibes The positive vibes from these players are sure to multiply as more and more athletes rely more on what they see rather than holding on to the impression based entirely on the media reports on the Capital's preparedness for the Games. __________________

This is for Sree and GM. The British athletes are exactly saying what I did 2 pages back. I feel vindicated.

[King Tendulkar]

A lot of articles being printed in the Australian press asking athletes not to make a fuss over fear over future collaboration with India. They went as far as saying Australian athletes should not be the first ones to pull out, merely follow the lead if others do so.

Answer my post were you claim athletes have no freedom and its dangerous for them to go out. Aussie team aint pulling out of nothing! A few athletes will drop out but no team will drop out from any country. Where do you hear such rubbish? Atletes are all saying they are happy with village now. Problems yes, games being called of and big disaster, HELL NO!

[King Tendulkar]

This is for Sree and GM.

They wont get it. They live in a foreign news bubble. Although even now foreign news channels saying things ok and all teams are saying things ok. Yet Sree and GM are carrying on the its a mess mantra and Sree is now going further by saying athletes are in some kind of military camp and if they go out they will be kidnapped:hysterical:

[EnterTheVoid]

Answer my post were you claim athletes have no freedom and its dangerous for them to go out. Aussie team aint pulling out of nothing! A few athletes will drop out but no team will drop out from any country. Where do you hear such rubbish? Atletes are all saying they are happy with village now. Problems yes, games being called of and big disaster, HELL NO!

They're in a little security bubble for the duration of the games, you can't deny this. Re second point, a week ago, they're thinking off calling the entire games. See opening post.

[King Tendulkar]

They're in a little security bubble for the duration of the games, you can't deny this. Re second point, a week ago, they're thinking off calling the entire games. See opening post.

Of course their is a bubble around the ACTUAL village. You would get that any were in the world. That does not mean they cant go out and explore and enjoy the great city of DELHI and the greatest country in the world INDIA! You claim they cant go out and if they do they will be kidnapped etc etc. You sir I spouting Garbage! Games being called off!!! Yeah alright that was really gonna happen! Dont care what OP says, it was not even a remote chance of it happening.

[EnterTheVoid]

Of course their is a bubble around the ACTUAL village. You would get that any were in the world. That does not mean they cant go out and explore and enjoy the great city of india and the greatest country in the world INDIA! You claim they cant go out and if they do they will be kidnapped etc etc. You sir I spouting Garbage!

I am assuming you're referring to this. Here it is again in large font so no mistaking it this time;

All in all, the athletes may be 'comfortable' for the duration of the games but they have no real freedom to move about, explore Delhi etc. Heck, the foreign department of Aus/NZ have asked their supporters not to draw attention to themselves (out of fear of threats of kidnapping, extortion) by wearing the characteristic green and gold colors.

[Sachinism]

I am not convinced. As far as hygiene, sanitation goes, some of the rooms were so dirty, they didn't bother cleaning them, they've simply locked them with no further use.

Come on man, after all the bad press don't you think they would made sure things were cleaned up? I was angry with what happened, but don't you think its possible they could have rectified the mistakes and things in good order now?

[Gunner_Mania]

They wont get it. They live in a foreign news bubble. Although even now foreign news channels saying things ok and all teams are saying things ok. Yet Sree and GM are carrying on the its a mess mantra and Sree is now going further by saying athletes are in some kind of military camp and if they go out they will be kidnapped:hysterical:

Oh come off it mate. I've not carried on the it is a mess mantra. It was a mess, exaggerated by the media or not. If it wasn't what the feck was Kalmadi doing taking the blame and why the feck did the PM have to get involved. KT if you remember I said it days ago, that at the end of the day in spite of all this mess, we will do the jugaad and the games will be done successfully, but if you guys wanna live in a cocoon that everything was perfect from the start and that it is just that the media were on a witch hunt to defame India, feel happy to do so.

[King Tendulkar]

^ You say above. You admit athletes are comfortable. You also say "THEY HAVE NO REAL FREEDOM TO MOVE ABOUT, EXPLORE DELHI etc" You are spouting scare mongering nonsense! Total ill informed BS! I repeat have you ever been to India? As only someone who has never been there could spout such utter nonsense!

[EnterTheVoid]

And yes, I stand by my comments that the athletes are in effect, in a gilded cage --- "If someone is in a gilded cage, they are trapped and have restricted or no freedom, but have very comfortable(?) surroundings"

[King Tendulkar]

Oh come off it mate. I've not carried on the it is a mess mantra. It was a mess' date=' exaggerated by the media or not. If it wasn't what the feck was Kalmadi doing taking the blame and why the feck did the PM have to get involved. KT if you remember I said it days ago, that at the end of the day in spite of all this mess, we will do the jugaad and the games will be done successfully, [b']but if you guys wanna live in a cocoon that everything was perfect from the start and that it is just that the media were on a witch hunt to defame India, feel happy to do so.

No one is saying that. Things have moved on and things have greatly improved. Even the media is now saying things are pretty much ok. So why are you guys carrying on with things are currently a mess mantra. Up date yourself. Things can change and clear things have changed and by and large things are now(not before) ok

[King Tendulkar]

And yes' date=' I stand by my comments that the athletes are in effect, in a gilded cage --- "If someone is in a gilded cage, they are trapped and have restricted or no freedom, but have very comfortable(?) surroundings"[/quote'] What gilded cage? Are you saying athletes are not allowed to go out and explore Delhi? Please show evidence of this apart from foreign advices not to wear team colours when going out! Trapped and have resticted or no freedom! WTF are you going about! You have totally lost it here!

[EnterTheVoid]

Come on man, after all the bad press don't you think they would made sure things were cleaned up? I was angry with what happened, but don't you think its possible they could have rectified the mistakes and things in good order now?

No doubt that they've cleaned up, I'll concede on that. I'm still of the opinion they've been told to pipe down and not make any more fuss. Heck, the England touring party said they're were expecting 5*, but given everything that happened, they'll settle for a 3*.

[Guest Gunner]

Even Hitler and the Taliban probably have positive sides as well, your point is redundant. Everyone wants peace with pak etc. But they continue their war in all forms against us. Sorry but your lets love everyone no matter what they do to us is 60s hippy BS. Naive post at the extreme. Next you will come out with that you belong to the race of humanity and preach love and love. If you wont me to point out why Indians are so disilluioned with our neighbours from the land of the pure then be perpared for a lot of info. All mickey taking of pakis is fully warranted. Frankly they deserve our bombs the way they have acted, so a few jokes at them is nothing in comparison. No doubt you are living abroad fully insulated from their actions. But from the trouibles they unleash in Kashmir which affect people of jammu/kashmir and our brave forces. To the hell they give us by constant murders through there jihadi terrorists and many other things(dawoo Ibrahim master mind behind first mumbai attacks living like VIP in pak land) etc etc Could go on and on.

O and by the way please list their positive side? Should be funny!

Me, a tree hugging hippy? This is a first. :hysterical::hysterical::hysterical::hysterical: Let me tell you something, it was the stupidity of the successive Indian governments in 1948, 1971 and 1998 which got us here. First the marvellous decision to approach the UN and leave Kashmir divided, if the division of Kashmir had not happened they would shut the hell up and happily live as a part of India those lazy bastards; Secondly, when you captured half of Pakistan and had 100K soldiers in custody to release all that without getting anything in return (such as the 33% of kashmir in Pakistani possession) and third the nuclear test in 1998 which wiped out your strategic conventional weapons superiority over Pakistan. Hey don't blame me, go and talk to your baize who ran the government. If you feel all so gung ho about this you should have gone to war in 2001, why didn't you? Simply because your balls shrivelled up back into its scrotum at the thought of a war as simple as that. Not even 10% of your country would have supported the war. Finally, if you stop politicizing everything and just look at the basic level, there are plenty of decent Pakistanis who don't actually have any ill will towards India. And THAT actually was the simple point I made which you turned into an unnecessary political discussion. YOU are actually the naive one my friend not me. I have been around the block quite a bit and seen many different nationalities, hell I have even lived with the arabs whom you love to hate so much. I can assure you that there are decent people everywhere and *****s too.