New Delhi: Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna, during his visit to the Games village on Friday, said that security during the Games would not be compromised. 'Basically, the Union Home Minister has correctly taken a view that the security
issues have to be dealt with in a very sensitive fashion. There should not be any relaxation,' said Khanna. Khanna also said that the requirements of security are going
to be properly implemented and there will be no concession for anybody. Security
forces are deployed at all the venues such as luxury hotels and metro stations to
ensure thousands of athletes, from all around the world would remain safe.
Commandos, snipers and police personnel have been assigned the task to protect
8,000 athletes and officials staying at the Games village. Surface-to-air missile
squadrons and anti-aircraft guns have also been deployed in and around the city.
Mobile and static observation posts have also been created to keep tabs on any
suspicious activity. Apart from around 7,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54
Commonwealth member states, New Delhi is expecting a huge inflow of sports
enthusiasts and tourists during the games. The Commonwealth Games 2010 will be
held from October 3 to 14 in Delhi.
Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra will carry the Indian national flag during the
opening ceremony on Sunday. "The 28-year-old ace shooter will lead a
619-member strong contingent -- 379 men and 240 women -- in the grand
ceremony scheduled to be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in New Delhi," said
Indian chef de mission Bhubaneshwar Kalita, while addressing the media at the
Games Village near Akshardham here today. "Bindra will be our flag-bearer. India
will participate in all the 17 disciplines and have the biggest contingent," he added.
Bhubaneshwar Kalita further said ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal and Olympic
bronze medalist boxer Vijender Singh are among the six probables, who will carry
the Queen's Baton during the opening ceremony. "Being the host nation, we have
certain advantages and disadvantages relating to participation in the Games. But we
are participating in all the events. We are getting full support here. The facilities here
are excellent. All our athletes are fit and perform the best during the event," said
Kalita. Indian chef de mission further said India had finished fourth in both 2002 and
2006 editions of the Commonwealth Games, and added the country is aiming for a
second-place finish in the medal standings in the 2010 Games. "The athletes are
confident and aiming to secure more medals. Our target is the second spot in the
Games," he added. A grand welcome and flag hoisting ceremony was also organised
for the Indians at the Games Village in New Delhi. Apart from around 7,000 athletes
from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states, New Delhi is
expecting a huge inflow of sports enthusiasts and tourists during the games. The
Commonwealth Games 2010 will be held from October 3 to 14 in Delhi.
