Part - III

Outcomes

The Beijing Olympics were deemed as a great success by most: there were no terror attacks, no pro-Tibet protests at the podium, and even the much dreaded air-quality was much under control, thanks to the prompt planning and action on part of the organizing team. These games provided world class infrastructure, world class facilities, a wonderful display of sporting action, and as an icing on the cake - in the medal tally, China topped with its athletes winning more gold than any other country. This also established China as a sports superpower.

Moreover, the development from 2002 had been one of the best periods since Beijing’s reform and opening-up. The annual urban economic growth rate increased by 12.1% from 2003 to 2008, 1.3% more than that between 1997 and 2001. In 2006, the city’s production value amounted to 772 billion Yuan, ranked the 10th in China, 2.1 times that of 2001. The per capita GDP calculated according to permanent residents reached USD 6,210, 1.9 times that of 2001. Thus, the goal of reaching USD6,000 for the per capita GDP by 2008 had been realized. While economic aggregate was increased and development was enhanced, the mode of economic growth had witnessed important changes on the track of scientific development. The technology development had accelerated, making greater contribution to economic growth. In 2006, Beijing invested 85 billion Yuan in science and technology development of which R&D spending was 45 billion Yuan, 5.8% of GDP, 1.2% more than that of 2001. Beijing approved 11,238 patents, 80% more than those in 2001. Among them, there were 3,864 invention patents, 3.1% more than that of 2001. A large number of innovative results have been created and many original enterprises have emerged, the innovation system of the capital has been fostered and the creative ability has been enhanced.

On the other hand, the Commonwealth Games 2010 were marred from the beginning. The way its state of affairs was being handled, it had brought disgrace to India and raised questions over the capability of the Indian nation to host an event of such magnitude. Couple of months before the extravaganza was due; three senior organizing committee officials were suspended over financial irregularities during the Queen's Baton Relay launch in London in 2009. The government's anti-corruption watchdog identified sixteen projects where financial irregularities are suspected. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ordered an investigation into the corruption charges. Corruption was suspected in award of contracts and in hiring or purchase of equipment such as air conditioners and treadmills and even toilet paper. Each toilet paper roll did cost Indian taxpayer Rs. 200. Sometime later local media alleged stagnant pools at construction sites that had become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, thus expose the participants to dengue in the Games Village. Media also published pictures of dogs sleeping on athlete’s beds and filth all around the Games Village. The response of organizing General Secretary to the appalling conditions of the Games Village was a shame – he said hygiene standards of westerners are different than Indians. It almost became a joke then, and aChannel Seven crew tried to pull out a ting operation saying that they could carry to the Games venue - a large trolley suitcase having explosives capable of triggering up to two hundred explosions if fitted with a detonator. Although it was later claimed to be fake expose in a counter story by another Australian channel –ABC.

Howsoever, the public outlook towards the game was still getting worse every passing day. While a lot of foreign athletes were pulling out and some countries were also threatening to pull out of the event, India’s very own badminton star Saina Nehwal said “"Looking at the stadiums and looking at the progress, I don't really think we are capable of holding such big tournaments.” She however, retracted her statement back later; but it resonated with what many others were thinking, within and outside India. The Commonwealth Games 2010 were fast becoming the butt of jokes on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper denied put all the blame for problems in the lead-up to the Delhi Games with India and denied any responsibility. This resulted in a bitter war of words between him and, Suresh Kalmadi Chairman Organizing Committee Commonwealth Games. However, a little comfort came to the much agitated minds of Indian people when Union Sports Minister M S Gill visited the Commonwealth Games Village and said - "Each group is enjoying food and the spread of facilities. I am personally satisfied to see all facilities provided at the Village".

Finally the Commonwealth Games have been declared open today, October 3, 2010 amidst a hollow boycott threat from Scotland, the Isle of Man and Canada. To the delight and shock of many, the opening ceremony was quite a show. As a Reuter’s report put it “Indians emerge out of gloom with colorful Games opening”. A large crowd turned up for the opening ceremony, and it was not disappointed. The opening ceremony was a grandiose affair, and let us hopes that the great Indian resilience takes over to ensure that rest of the event stays grandiose. If rest of the Games continues in similar fashion, the damage which has already happened to the Incredible India image could be lessened. This or not, the Commonwealth Games 2010 should be seen as a rude learning for India as a nation and Indians as people. A good display of games should not just wash off the irregularities, inefficiency and corruption on part of the people in charge of organizing the games.