(contd.)….After the pre-GAMES negativity,allegations of corruption charges the nation was indeed shamed but the successful holding of the games did salvage national prestige to some extent. However, it cannot be said that ‘all is well that ends well’? Leave aside the pre-games disastrous build up which needs to be dealt separately , even in conducting of the games the OC has not covered itself with glory, especially those relating to ,ticketing, spectators etc. Somehow the games in general did not appear to be spectator friendly at all and the impression one got about the OC was that it just didn’t care.The spectators returned Home disappointed failing to get tickets only to find to their shock on TV the same venue playing to an empty stands !Similarly, persons manning the ‘help line’ nos. appeared totally ‘dumb’ on many of the games or venue relate queries! What sort of organizing is this ? Not trying to be too harsh it must be said that for any such future events the OC must make the show more spectator friendly and organize things more professionally.
In quite a contrast to the spread of negativity by the media and a disastrous build up to the GAMES, the overall event, right from the opening ceremony, performance of Indian atheletes to the closing ceremony was indeed a grand success. Talking of the achievements of our atheletes, undoubtedly they exceeded all expectations and the overall medals tally is a real tribute to the new found never say die spirit and confidence seen in them. This success will help instill a new sports culture among people at large which must be exploited by the concerned sports bodies to build more sports infrastructure at grass root levels,especially in the field of atheletics, acquatics,hockey,football etc to produce world class atheletes through structured long term perspective plans.Why can’t among our tribals from Orissa, Jarkhand,MP,NE etc.produce the ‘fastest man or woman’ on earth in the 100m sprint or a Kenyan like long distance runner ? Now that we have built world class sporting stadias and sports complexes why not bid for the Olympics,FIFA WC ? Why not ?
