India gets a three-on-three in Greco-Roman Wrestling

Indian Grapplers Ravinder Singh (60 kg), Sanjay (74 kg) and Anil Kumar (96 kg) earned their first-ever Commonwealth Games Gold medals at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex here today.    

Ravinder defeated England's Christopher Terence Bosson 7-2 in the final to run away with the top honours. Ravinder was a picture of concentration against Bosson.  In spite of finding himself in difficult situations twice in the bout, he stood firm and came out with flying colours. Right from the start, Ravinder was in his element as he defeated Sri Lanka's Assd Kumara 13-0 in his opening bout and then outclassed Nigerian Romeo Joseph 8-0 in the semifinals. While Bosson bagged the silver, the bronze in this category went to Romeo James.

In the 74 kg category, Sanjay earned India the gold medal beating South Africa's Brian Richard Addinall in the final. Sanjay displayed a gritty performance in front of the cheering crowd at the arena and defeated his English opponent 2-0 in the title decider. Against Addinall, Sanjay adopted a wait-and-watch policy and scored points whenever he got an opportunity. The Indian scored a point each in both the rounds to pocket his first Commonwealth Games gold. Sanjay got the better of Samoa's Laupule Ekeroma 3-0 and Perefegha Kiribein of Nigeria 2-0 in his earlier two bouts.

In the 96 kg category, India's Anil won Gold beating Aussie Fkiri Hassene. The third Gold came by outclassing Australia's Hassene Fkiri in the final of the 96 kg. Anil was by far the better wrestler on display and kept his calm to beat his Australian rival 6-0 in the aggressive final bout. Fkiri won the silver  while South Africa's Hugues Kakoma Bella-Lufu pocketed the bronze in this category. Earlier, Anil had a contrasting opening two bouts as he overpowered Mark Montogomery of Northern Ireland 13-0 in his first match of the day but later had to work hard to clich a 3-1 victory over South African Hugues Kakoma in the semifinal.

-  PTI

Bindra, Gagan set record, give India first gold

Indian shooters Abhinav Bindra and Gangan Narang fired in unison and shot a Commonwealth Games record 1193 in
men's 10 metre Air Rifle event to give the country its first gold medal in the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi today.
    
The pair together scored 1193 to break their own record, which they had set four years ago in Melbourne,
by notching up 1189.
    
World record holder Gagan, shot a spectecular sequence of 99, 100, 100, 99, 100, 100 to total a grand 598, while Beijing Olympic gold medalist, Bindra's series read 100, 98 ,99, 100, 99, 99 for a total of 595 in the first Shooting event of the Games.

England's James Huckle and Kenny Parr (1174) won the silver medal while Bangladesh's Abdullah Hel Baki and
Md. Asif Hussain Khan (1173) bagged the bronze.
        
National coach Sunny Thomas said that at this stage instead of basking in glory, it would be wise to focus on the coming events. "This was easy but I am sure the coming events are going to be difficult. I am happy that both Gagan and Abhinav shot well today. It's certainly a good start for India and we hope to maintain the momentum," Thomas said.

Some interesting facts:

* Narang won his fifth gold medal in Commonwealth Games history. He has now won gold medals in Shooting in the last      three editions.
* Bindra won his fourth gold medal after previously bagging Shooting gold in 2002 and 2006.
* This was India’s 39th gold medal in Shooting, equal to Canada’s total. Only Australia have won more Gold, 58 [this does not include Tuesday’s Pairs 25 m Pistol Women].

- With inputs from GNS and PTI

The Math of the D2010 Opening Ceremony

NEW DELHI: About 1,200 moving lights, 25 stacks of speakers and about 2,700 shots of fireworks spread across the roof of the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium combined with a stage weighing 500 tonnes to create a spectacular Opening Ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi here in Delhi yesterday.

The gigantic main stage (inspired by the mandala, a sanskrit word for the geometric designs symbolic of the universe in Hinduism and Buddhism) was one of the largest built for any opening or closing ceremony. The stage was built within seven days by about 500 workers. Weighing an approximately 500 tonnes, the stage is large enough to hold 500 people under it.

The Opening Ceremony would have never been that spectacular had it not been for the lighting arrangements. 1,200 moving lights, 120 space cannons and 16 follow spots weighing approximately 75 tonnes was what it took to enchant the about 60,000 spectators. The 25 stacks of speakers produced 500,000 watts of sound.

If one was impressed by the fireworks, it was because of the 2,700 shots spread over 88 locations on the roof of the stadium. The crowd had erupted in joy as the firecrackers went up in air heralding the beginning of the Games. The entire system was supported by over 50 kilometres of power cables that were used to provide constant power for the opening ceremony.

-PTI

VVIPs congregate at JNS to witness gala Opening Ceremony

NEW DELHI: Heads of state, royalty, and the ‘who’s who’ of the sport world joined thousands of commoners at the dazzling inaugural Ceremony of the biggest-ever Commonwealth Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.

Heading the galaxy of foreign dignitaries was Hon’ble President of Maldives Mohammed Nasheed. Adding a royal touch to the Games was the presence of HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwal and Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco.

Leading the Indian VVIP list was the Hon’ble President Smt. Pratibha Patil, accompanied by her husband Devisingh Shekhawat. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur were also present well in advance of the beginning of the Opening Ceremony. Chairmanof the National Advisory Council Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, her son and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi were also present to take part.

Also seen in the VIP enclosure was former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who received a rousing applause as his face was displayed on the giant screens. Chief Minister of Delhi Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, OC CWG Delhi 2010 Chairman, Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, were also present.

International Olympic Association President Mr. Jacques and the President of the Commonwealth Games Fedration Mr. Mike Fennel were also present. New Zealand Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand too made it to the gala Opening Ceremony. Many VIPs and ministers were also seen enthusiastically cheering as one spectacular event after the other unfolded during the Opening Ceremony.

- PTI

Stunning! Awe-inspiring! Grand!

One could almost run out of words to describe the Opening Ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. Spectators already in a trance following the initial part of the show were left enthralled as the Tree of Knowledge sprang to life. Representing the Bodhi Tree, the brilliantly-lit and colourful display was choreographed by some of India’s most famous exponents of dance. Tabla, Sitar and Mridangam players joined Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam and Kuchipudi dancers in paying homage to India’s famed Guru-Shishya tradition. Images of Gautama Buddha were projected onto the aerostat which, as the centrepiece, changed colours to reflect the passage of seasons.

A sporting event is always about human fitness and health. And what better way to focus on health than a segment on the ancient Indian philosophy of Yoga? Performers displayed some very complicated asanas to depict the famous Yogic way of life – representing the union of mind, body and soul – as the ephemeral shape of a man and chakras representing Kundalini energy rose from the ground! As the lights went dim, Buddhist chants, hymns, azaan and Gurbani sounded to remind the audience of India’s famous diversity, one that permeates to the very soul.

Of course, what would India be without its famous railways? Not just a lifeline that connects all corners of the nation, the Great Indian Journey is an indelible part of our popular culture. The colours of India, the hustle-and-bustle of its markets, the variety of its folk culture and the symbols that touch everyone’s lives, came together to show the vibrancy of its harmonious society that is united in its diversity.

It was then time to pay homage to the Father of the Indian Nation, Mahatma Gandhi in Mahatma and Ahimsa. Skilled artists depicted the Apostle of Peace’s life through spectacular sand drawings.

The audience was then treated to Celebrating India - a graceful exposition of dance from across the nation. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Oscar-winning composer and musician Mr. A.R. Rahman took his place on stage for the Grand Finale! The audience was in raptures as Mr. Rahman, who enjoys the sort of adulation normally reserved for rock stars, performed his Delhi 2010 Anthem, Jiyo, Utho, Badho, Jeeto and his Academy Award-winning Jai Ho!

The Queen’s Message Read Out at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

 The Queens Baton Relay 2010 Delhi concluded at the Opening Ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium when the last batonbearer Vijender Singh handed over the baton to HRH Prince Charles. He then read out the Queen’s Message to the Athletes which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had placed inside the Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi which started its journey to the 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth from Buckingham Palace in October 2009. The baton travelled a stunning 1,90,000 kilometre before reaching the host nation in June 2010. Once in India, it travelled another 20,000 kilometre around the country before reaching its final destination Delhi on 30 September 2010.

Reproduced below is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Message to the Athletes:

“Just under a year ago, at Buckingham Palace, I placed this message in the Baton which then began its long journey to the Opening Ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Games in Delhi. On its way, it was carried by relay runners through all the territories of the Commonwealth as an invitation to participate in these Games.

“It is particularly fitting that the 2010 Commonwealth Games are being held in India. Recently, we have celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the London Declaration, when Indian Independence brought into being the modern Commonwealth of Nations. Since then, it has grown from just eight member countries to its present membership of 53, represented here today by the 71 Commonwealth nations and territories participating in these Games. I firmly believe that when countries can compete in sport together like this, it serves as an inspiration to all nations to work for peace throughout the world.

“These Games, with their festival of sport and culture, involving the youth of the Commonwealth, would not be possible without the efforts of so many people, in India, and beyond, and without the participation of so many teams, the dedication of so many athletes, and the involvement of so many voluntary officials. To them all, and to all spectators, I send my very best wishes for what I hope will be experience of a lifetime. “I have much pleasure in declaring the 19th Commonwealth Games open.” ELIZABETH R

Stunning performances welcome esteemed guests

NEW DELHI: Minutes after the dignitaries arrived at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the 60,000 attendees at the Opening Ceremony stood at attention for the National Anthem of India. A countdown took place to the tunes of Nagada drummers for the ceremonies to begin. It kicked off by the rising of the aerostat by snake charmers and a spectacular display of lights. Several rounds of fireworks lit the skies of Delhi and raised a huge applause from the stadium.

After the aerostat was in place, the Rhythms of India segment brought in drummers from all corners of India; the Pung Cholum from Manipur, the Chenda from Kerala, Gaja Dhol, Wangala, Dholu Kunitha and the Bhangra, including the sensational Keshav on Tabla, a child prodigy from Auroville, Puducherry. The Swagatham song followed the Rhythms of India performed by the famous Hariharan. Words from 18 different languages of India appeared on the aerostat, all translating to ‘Welcome’.

Schoolchildren from all around Delhi swayed to the tunes of Hariharan and later pulled a fabric over their heads and painted two mehndi-stained palms which resemble the ‘swagatham’ or ‘namaste’ gesture. After the cultural display, the athletes parade started with the marching in of athletes and officials from all 71 nations and territories ending with India to a huge applause from the audience.

An Indian extravaganza at the D2010 Opening Ceremony

DELHI: All roads lead to Delhi as the clock counts down to the Opening Ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi tonight. With the presence of 6,800 athletes and officials making Delhi 2010 the biggest-ever 'Friendly Games', the world's attention is firmly fixed on the Indian capital. October in Delhi is always pleasant and the cool autumn weather will be perfect for what promises to be a spectacular evening. Spectators, athletes and officials will find themselves treated to a cultural feast at the newly-refurbished Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Taking inspiration from India’s ancient and rich heritage, the Opening Ceremony will feature cultural performances from across the nation. Apart from traditional forms of art, the extravaganza will also include rousing performances inspired by Indian popular culture.

For those in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the aerostat, with its awe-inspiring projection abilities, will surely make the Opening Ceremony an unforgettable experience, and for those watching the event from home, a first-of-its-kind HDTV broadcast will provide enough thrills!

Schoolchildren will also be amongst the performers welcoming the world to Delhi, and India’s unique and harmonious diversity will find its place under the sun. And for the first time at any major sporting event, the real stars – the athletes – will after their parade, be seated amongst other dignitaries! As for the finale? Get ready to rock! So, get ready for the biggest show in town! Come Out and Play!

WADA’s top official lauds India’s anti-doping agency

 

NEW DELHI: World Anti-Doping Agency’s Director-General, David Howman said today that India’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has made a sincere effort to curb the menace of doping by athletes.

“India’s National Anti-Doping Agency has done a lot in a short period of time and it has benefitted from the assistance of WADA’s staff,” Howman said ahead of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi that start here tomorrow.
“You have to realise that India is a big country NADA has a small staff, but they are trying to make a sincere effort,” Howman said.

The Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi provided an opportunity for the country to get WADA accreditation for the National Dope Testing Laboratory in 2008.

Howman said WADA’s role in Delhi 2010 would be in monitoring the testing programme, and to ensure it adhered to during the specified procedures.

He said 1,500 tests will be conducted on competitors during the Games and the number would go up to 2,000 after including the pre-Games tests that could be carried out at the Athletes Village.

“These tests will be conducted by the Commonwealth Games Federation,” Howman said.

“WADA has not done any testing here, the responsibility of these tests during the Games as well as any pre-Games tests is with the Commonwealth Games Federation (the CGF). The CGF’s told us it will be doing the testing,” said Howman.

He said WADA would be overlooking at the way the anti-doping testing programme is conducted, and also monitor the procedures if there was a positive test, to ensure the method and procedures have been adhered to. “The doping samples can be saved for eight years. The decision on how long to save the samples is with the respective testing authorities. We are all for storing the samples for eight years.”

“If correct procedures are not followed, we have the right to appeal from the perspective of the doping agency and also the athlete, ensuring that the rules are applied consistently,” he said.

Elaborating the exercise of educating the athletes and team doctors about the menace of doping and the list of prohibited substances, Howman said, “We have set up a booth in the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village, where information is being given to athletes.”

This job is being done by WADA’s Outreach Team, which is located in the Games Village. The group of experts from the Outreach Team are deputed to interact with the athletes and participants to provide information and answer questions about the fight against doping.

The CGF has constituted a nine-member Medical Commission chaired by Dr. M. Jegathesan of Malaysia. The remaining eight members come from different Commonwealth nations to supervise doping control activities in the Games.

The Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi has trained more than 450 Doping Control Officials (DCOs) for these Games. DCOs have been trained at par with international standards for testing enacted by the WADA. They have been selected from many streams including doctors, sports medicine experts, physiotherapists and physical education professors.

Wales delighted with the Games Village

 

NEW DELHI: Wales chef de mission Mr. Chris Jenkins today said he is impressed with the transition that has happened at the Commonwealth Games Village.  "I am really quite impressed with the transition," Jenkins said.
"I had come here two weeks ago and thing were really quite chaotic. But the athletes who came here three days ago are absolutely delighted with the residential wings and also the training facilities. The food is also quite good. The venues are outstanding and we are really looking forward to competing there," he added.
The team is hoping to double their gold count at the Games and according to team manager Mr. Brian Davies, Wales would look to at least double their haul of three gold medals won at the previous Games at Melbourne.
Wales has come in with about 150 athletes who will participate in Archery, Badminton, Lawn Bowls, Wrestling, Women's Hockey, Shooting and Table Tennis.
Wales first took part in the Commonwealth Games (then the British Empire Games) in the inaugural 1930 edition and has since taken part in all the editions.
Their best showing came in the Auckland Games in 1990 where they finished with a haul of 25 medals including 10 gold. In Melbourne, Wales bagged 19 medals but only three of them were gold.
One of those hoping to add to this tally is Melbourne gold medallist shooter David Phelps.
According to him, representing Wales in the Commonwealth Games was always preferable to representing Britain since the Commonwealth Games is the only competition where Wales represents itself as a country. - PTI

Shooting is India's No. 1 sport: Gagan

After winning India's first gold medal at Delhi 2010, Gagan Narang today said shooting has achieved so much success in the recent past that it has become the number one sport in the country.

Gagan, along with Beijing Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, today clinched the 10m air rifle gold and hours  after the triumph at the Dr. Karni Singh Range, the unassuming shooter asserted that "Shooting is the number 1 sport in the country at the moment".
    
"If you go by medals shooters win in international competitions and their performance, then shooting is the number one," Gagan told PTI. "Unlike other sports, we cannot express our feelings in front of the media or fans, because shooting is like that," Gagan said.

When on song, the Hyderabadi makes shooting look like child's play, but when asked if it comes easy to him, he
instantly nooded in disagreement. "It's never a cakewalk, it's all about hard work. It takes a lot of energy, and above all, we are all shooting at home, so the expectations are tremendous," Gagan said.
    
Asked if he is looking to emulate Samresh Jung's feat of winning five gold medals the last edition of the Games in Melbourne in 2006, Gagan said, "I am not thinking about that right now and just taking things one event at a time, one day at a time."
    
Earlier, the world record holder, after coming off a none-too-impressive season, shot a spectacular sequence of 99,
100, 100, 99, 100, 100 for a total of 598, while Bindra shot 100, 98 ,99, 100, 99, 99 to total 595 to give India the first gold medal in the quadrennial sporting extravaganza. Meanwhile, Bindra said majority of Indians would be glued to the television sets to watch the Games and not the Test match between India and Australia in Mohali, where the hosts prevailed in a nail-biter to eke out a narrow one-wicket win.

"I am very sure that they are watching the Commonwealth games," Bindra said. "I would want to live under the illusion that our gold medal win make headlines tomorrow," he said tongue-in-cheek, referring to the cricket match.

"It's always a great feeling to win gold. This one is special as this is first big medal at home," said Bindra, who
has not won a single major event since bagging gold in 10m air rifle event in Beijing two years ago.

"There are huge expectations and a lot of pressure was there on us, it was not easy for me, for sure." Asked if the 2012 London Olympics is on his mind, Bindra replied in negative.

"I am not looking at the London Games right now. I am taking one event at a time, London is still two years to go,"
he said.
    
National coach Sunny Thomas credited Bindra and Gagan for the rise in popularity of shooting in India. "Thanks to these two guys," Thomas said pointing to the two shooters, before adding, "the profile of shooting has gone
up. The media has started following shooting because of Abhinav and Gagan." Fairly satisfied with the results on the first day of the shooting event, Thomas said, "We have done a good job. But more than medals, we are concerned about performance. If we perform well, medals will follow." On India's talent pool, Thomas said, "I am glad that we
have the youngest team in the world. In shooting 40-45 is not very old and we have got a very young team."
    
Asked if he was disappointed after Omkar Singh and Deepak Sharma failed to win the gold medal," the coach said, "We have to understand that they are not machines." Anisa Sayeed, who bagged the top prize in pairs 25m pistol for women with Rahi Sarnobat, said that they were confident of winning the gold. "After the half precision, we
knew we would win," she said. -PTI