Rahman enthralls audience, beckons athletes to perform
A R Rahman had the 60,000 strong crowd at the glitzy Commonwealth Games opening ceremony up and dancing here on Sunday with his rendition of the theme song 'Jeeyo Utho Badho Jeeto', which had received brickbats when it was first unveiled in August.The Academy Award winning musician had promised to go beyond Shakira's soccer anthem 'Waka Waka' with the composition and he delivered a powerful performance, backed by a spectacle of dancers.
Amidst a colourful play of fire works and 500,000 watts of music, the crowd cheered as the aerostat came alive with vivid imagery.
Dressed casually in a white jacket-and-denims combination, the hitmaker was welcomed by loud cheering as he stepped on to the stage to perform the theme song.
Flanked by dancers in red and white, Rahman also performed his international hit 'Jai Ho' which won him an Oscar last year.
The theme song which is based on the motto of the Games, "Come out and play", was the grand finale to the cultural extravaganza which was put together by some 7000 artistes.
Adding to the special effects were the hundreds of light beams that crisscrossed each other. During the entire song, fire crackers went up in the air illuminating an otherwise dark sky.
The audience included Prince Charles, his wife Camilla Parker Bowles, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President Pratibha Patil and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and an estimated 2 billion people who watched the ceremony on live television around the world.
The original version of the song had got a lukewarm response and was then tweaked and turned into a peppy sports anthem.
The 44-year-old musician had won two coveted Oscar trophies in 2009 for his compositions in the Mumbai based potboiler 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
CWG Opening ceremony takes spectators to Great Indian journey
Think Gandhi, think India. Think tea stalls and sweetmeat shops, think India. Think Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh and Aamir Khan, think India.A brilliantly choreographed piece, the 'Great Indian Journey', at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games Sunday evening was a sneak peek into what India is all about.
Setting the mood was a train that arrived with popular TV anchor Hussain Kuwajerwala dancing to the beats of Bollywood number 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' on top of it, just like the on-screen number.
Thereafter it was a medley of scenes typical of India. There were milkmen riding around in bicycles, a mobile bangle shop, a cycle shop, Mumbai's dabbawalahs, rural India's folkfore.
There were people dressed as fishermen, politicians in a white ambassador, blacksmiths and the like.
There was also a wedding band, a kite shop, a moving theatre with huge cutouts of Bollywood actors Amitabh Bacchan, Shah Rukh and Aamir Khan.
Artists performing traditional dances like bihu, Rajasthani dance, bhangra and bamboo dance were part of the colourful show.
The piece culminated with Mahatma Gandhi's portrait floating up on the stage, and artists creating famous Dandi march on sand. Prince Charles and his wife were particularly enthralled to see the fine sandwork done to showcase India's journey to Independence.
A special performance of Yoga by group of over 800 people highlighted India's approach to wellness and health.
Prince Charles, President Patil declare Games open
Amidst cheers by the spectators, President Pratibha Patil declared the Games open. After athletes of all participating teams entered the stadium, CWG Baton arrived at stadium carried by India's ace boxer Vijender Kumar. The same was ultimately passed onto Sushil Kumar, who handed it over to Prince Charles.
After message from Suresh Kalmadi, PM Manmohan Singh and Mike Fennell; Prince Charles and Pratibha Patil declared the games open.
The 19th Commonwealth Games were jointly declared open by Prince Charles and President of India Pratibha Patil on Sunday at the Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium, the main venue for the Commonwealth Games.
Here's the complete text of President Patil's speech:
Sport, has always been, a powerful bridge, across cultures and people. At the 19th Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, we shall see this come true, one more time. We will witness, the power of sport, to bring together, athletes from the nations and territories of the Commonwealth, bound together, by a commonality of purpose.
Over the next 11 days, thousands of athletes will take part, in intense competition, across different sports and para-sport disciplines. We will see, a variety of emotions unfold, when the competitions begin. And we will experience much of it, ourselves.
More than anything else, we will see human endeavour, at its best. Each athlete will strive to give his or her best. Such determined effort, will offer those watching the Games, a great opportunity, to imbibe lessons that will enable them enhance the quality of their pursuits.
Sports is a microcosm of life. Those watching sports persons pursue their dreams, will get to see, how to perform under enormous stress, and, to deal with success and failure. Let me wish the athletes, the very best in their dedicated pursuit of excellence.
To our friends from other countries, let me say: India is a diverse and beautiful nation, with a rich heritage and culture. I am sure you will experience it in all its hues and cherish it. To my fellow Indians, I would like to say: let us use this opportunity, to showcase our legendary hospitality, while we enjoy the celebration of sport in our country.
The Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are now open.
After message from Suresh Kalmadi, PM Manmohan Singh and Mike Fennell; Prince Charles and Pratibha Patil declared the games open.
The 19th Commonwealth Games were jointly declared open by Prince Charles and President of India Pratibha Patil on Sunday at the Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium, the main venue for the Commonwealth Games.
Here's the complete text of President Patil's speech:
Sport, has always been, a powerful bridge, across cultures and people. At the 19th Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, we shall see this come true, one more time. We will witness, the power of sport, to bring together, athletes from the nations and territories of the Commonwealth, bound together, by a commonality of purpose.
Over the next 11 days, thousands of athletes will take part, in intense competition, across different sports and para-sport disciplines. We will see, a variety of emotions unfold, when the competitions begin. And we will experience much of it, ourselves.
More than anything else, we will see human endeavour, at its best. Each athlete will strive to give his or her best. Such determined effort, will offer those watching the Games, a great opportunity, to imbibe lessons that will enable them enhance the quality of their pursuits.
Sports is a microcosm of life. Those watching sports persons pursue their dreams, will get to see, how to perform under enormous stress, and, to deal with success and failure. Let me wish the athletes, the very best in their dedicated pursuit of excellence.
To our friends from other countries, let me say: India is a diverse and beautiful nation, with a rich heritage and culture. I am sure you will experience it in all its hues and cherish it. To my fellow Indians, I would like to say: let us use this opportunity, to showcase our legendary hospitality, while we enjoy the celebration of sport in our country.
The Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are now open.
Athletes parade concludes during CWG opening ceremony
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| Indian Contingent at CWG Opening Ceremony |
Australia were the first country to walk into the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games Sunday evening. Netball player Sharelle Mcmahon was the flag bearer for the Australians.
The rest of 70 teams followed the Australian contingent.
(Read: Commonwealth Games opening ceremony starts)
Aminated Australians contingent entered the stadium cheered by loud roar of 60,000 fans.
England gave an Indian touch to their uniforms in their march past for athletes at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony Sunday. The team members walked into the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in red Nehru jackets with a loose-fitting white ensemble, resembling the Indian kurta pyjama.
Interestingly, Pakistani contingent got amongst loudest cheer from the Indian audiences. The players thoroughly enjoyed the welcome and some of them appeared amused.
South African contingent did not need any cheer as they came armed with vuvuzelas threatening to outdo a stadium packed with audience.
The rest of 70 teams followed the Australian contingent.
(Read: Commonwealth Games opening ceremony starts)
Aminated Australians contingent entered the stadium cheered by loud roar of 60,000 fans.
England gave an Indian touch to their uniforms in their march past for athletes at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony Sunday. The team members walked into the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in red Nehru jackets with a loose-fitting white ensemble, resembling the Indian kurta pyjama.
Interestingly, Pakistani contingent got amongst loudest cheer from the Indian audiences. The players thoroughly enjoyed the welcome and some of them appeared amused.
South African contingent did not need any cheer as they came armed with vuvuzelas threatening to outdo a stadium packed with audience.
All the teams were led out by Indian girls wearing the Indian sari in 71 different styles.
At last to come out was Indian contingent of 619 sportspersons led by Abhinav Bindra. They got standing ovation from all present in the stadium including President Patil, PM Manmohan Singh and Prince Charles.
Commonwealth Games opening ceremony starts
India is keen on delivering the best ever Commonwealth Games. Keeping with the promise of Organzing committee, the Games opening ceremony started with a bang with hundreds of drummers from across the country producing the most delicious music.
Watched by millions across the globe, the 19th Commonwealth Games got off to a spectacular start here amid traditional Indian music and a burst of colour at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the heart of the city.
Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh watched as 1,000 drummers stirred up a thumping beat.
Watched by millions across the globe, the 19th Commonwealth Games got off to a spectacular start here amid traditional Indian music and a burst of colour at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the heart of the city.
Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh watched as 1,000 drummers stirred up a thumping beat.
After the national anthem was sung, the opening act, Rhythm of India, set the mood for the much awaited sports event with electrifying energy.
The ’shankh naad’ (auspicious blowing of conch shells) and fireworks then lit the sky like dawn.
A helium aerostat crowned the stadium and suspended puppets danced to life when drummers dressed from across the country gathered in unison claiming that India has arrived.
In the center was child prodigy, Keshav on tabla giving lead to 1000 drummers from across the country.
The drumming session was followed by song "Swagatham" meaning 'Welcome' with interesting concept. At 4 corners of center stage were 100s of children under a white cloth. They painted "Mehndi" (traditional art form of decorating hand with red color) while being under the cloth providing a visual treat to 60000 spectators. To spectators it appeared as if the cloth is getting on the color automatically.
Security tight ahead of opening ceremony
As crowds begin spilling into the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium ahead of tonight's extravaganza, Indian authorities have dispatched thousands of security personnel to Delhi's streets in an unprecedented show of force.
Almost 100,000 police are manning city streets, along with 1,500 commandos, 100 anti-sabotage teams, 300 sniffer dogs and 15 bomb disposal squads.
Outside the stadium, spectators, media and dignitaries are going through security check-points involving bag searches, metal detectors, frisking and even radiation checks.
Overhead, military helicopters are buzzing across the skyline and unmanned aerial drones are said to be keeping an eye on possible air space intrusions.
But in its latest advice, the Government makes specific reference to the lack of security at areas around the city which are showing Games coverage on large public screens.
"There are plans to erect 25 large screens in various areas of New Delhi to allow people to watch the Commonwealth Games," the advice said.
"These sites will have a lower level of security than at the Games venues."
More than 60,000 people will watch the spectacle from within the stadium tonight.
The three-hour long show will celebrate many aspects of India's rich culture, including its traditions in yoga, its famous train journeys and a Bollywood-style finale featuring a theme song created by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman of Slumdog Millionaire-fame.
About 250 members of the 546-strong Australian team will be the first athletes to enter the venue because Australia hosted the last Games in Melbourne.
The Australian team was earlier given a clean bill of health ahead of the opening ceremony.
As hosts of these Games, Indian athletes will come in last.
Almost 100,000 police are manning city streets, along with 1,500 commandos, 100 anti-sabotage teams, 300 sniffer dogs and 15 bomb disposal squads.
Outside the stadium, spectators, media and dignitaries are going through security check-points involving bag searches, metal detectors, frisking and even radiation checks.
Overhead, military helicopters are buzzing across the skyline and unmanned aerial drones are said to be keeping an eye on possible air space intrusions.
But in its latest advice, the Government makes specific reference to the lack of security at areas around the city which are showing Games coverage on large public screens.
"There are plans to erect 25 large screens in various areas of New Delhi to allow people to watch the Commonwealth Games," the advice said.
"These sites will have a lower level of security than at the Games venues."
More than 60,000 people will watch the spectacle from within the stadium tonight.
The three-hour long show will celebrate many aspects of India's rich culture, including its traditions in yoga, its famous train journeys and a Bollywood-style finale featuring a theme song created by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman of Slumdog Millionaire-fame.
About 250 members of the 546-strong Australian team will be the first athletes to enter the venue because Australia hosted the last Games in Melbourne.
The Australian team was earlier given a clean bill of health ahead of the opening ceremony.
As hosts of these Games, Indian athletes will come in last.
Saturday, 2 October 2010
Canada, NZ request for a short stay during opening ceremony
Commonwealth countries, including Canada and New Zealand, have sought assurances about logistics before committing to participation in the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony here tomorrow.
One of the concerns related to the length of time the athletes would have to stay at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the opening ceremony, as some countries said they wanted their athletes to take part in the march past but then return immediately to the Games Village, missing the cultural show and the official opening speeches.
Commonwealth Games Canada President Andrew Pipe said that his country is concerned of their athletes' "well-being being compromised" due to heat factor and logistic issues but stopped short of saying that his country would not take part in the opening ceremony.
"We are concerned of how long our athletes will be out of the Games Village, how long they will stand during the ceremony under this (high) temperature, what are the arrangements for food, drinks and public conveniences to be provided on them. These are very fundamental issues.
"We are also concerned that the shelter for so many athletes taking part in the ceremony before and after the march past ceremony is small as far as we gather. We have raised all these questions during the chefs de mission meeting today. Mr Fennell has assured us that the issues will be sorted out," he said.
Organising committee spokesperson and Secretary General Lalit Bhanot, however, said that all the countries will take part in the opening ceremony and the matter has been sorted out.
"They want to ensure that the athletes' hold-up area before their entry into the stadium for the march past be covered. We have agreed to do that. We will do it. All the countries are taking part in the opening ceremony," Bhanot asserted.
Reports from England also said that Scotland and the Isle of Man have also sought assurances about logistics and some security matters before committing to participating in the opening ceremony.
Earlier, Pipe said Commonwealth Games Canada would not have sent the athletes had the cleanliness issue of the Games Village had not been addressed by the Indian authorities.
"We want to play a prominent role in the success of any Commonwealth Games but we could not compromise on the comfort of the athletes who, after all, are the focus of any Games. Till the athletes do not have a place to sleep which were acceptable to us we would not have sent them," Pipe said.
"I think, in hindsight, we have done the right thing and the CGF had brought the pressure also (on the Indian authorities. I think we would not have done differently," he added.
The concerns notwithstanding, the Canadian contingent were all praise of the world-class facilities, including the competition venues and Games Village.
Commonwealth Games Canada director of Sports Scott Stevenson said the Games Village and competition venues were world class.
"The Games Village has been exceptional and the competition venues are all world-class. We have no complaints," he said.
Asked about Canada's target in the medal tally, he said, "I can't predict how may medals we are winning. We have prepared hard for the last two years. We have come with a strong squad and we would at least want to be third and close the gap with England if possible."
Weightlifting coach Piere Bergeron said the weightlifting competition venue was world-class and, for the first time, the Games Village has a training area.
"For the first time in any Games, there is a training arena which is top class inside the Village and we don't need to go anywhere for training," he said.
Canada contingent flag bearer Ken Pereira, an athlete of Indian origin, said his country has come here after a hard preparation and he was looking ahead for a good performance from the athletes.
"I think we are going to perform very well here and I am eager for the Games to start. I have always enjoyed coming to India as my parents were born here," he said.
"I was here in March during the Hockey World Cup and I had gone out to have some fun then. I have relatives in Mumbai and I have to see how many there are in Delhi if I get some time to go out," he quipped.
One of the concerns related to the length of time the athletes would have to stay at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the opening ceremony, as some countries said they wanted their athletes to take part in the march past but then return immediately to the Games Village, missing the cultural show and the official opening speeches.
Commonwealth Games Canada President Andrew Pipe said that his country is concerned of their athletes' "well-being being compromised" due to heat factor and logistic issues but stopped short of saying that his country would not take part in the opening ceremony.
"We are concerned of how long our athletes will be out of the Games Village, how long they will stand during the ceremony under this (high) temperature, what are the arrangements for food, drinks and public conveniences to be provided on them. These are very fundamental issues.
"We are also concerned that the shelter for so many athletes taking part in the ceremony before and after the march past ceremony is small as far as we gather. We have raised all these questions during the chefs de mission meeting today. Mr Fennell has assured us that the issues will be sorted out," he said.
Organising committee spokesperson and Secretary General Lalit Bhanot, however, said that all the countries will take part in the opening ceremony and the matter has been sorted out.
"They want to ensure that the athletes' hold-up area before their entry into the stadium for the march past be covered. We have agreed to do that. We will do it. All the countries are taking part in the opening ceremony," Bhanot asserted.
Reports from England also said that Scotland and the Isle of Man have also sought assurances about logistics and some security matters before committing to participating in the opening ceremony.
Earlier, Pipe said Commonwealth Games Canada would not have sent the athletes had the cleanliness issue of the Games Village had not been addressed by the Indian authorities.
"We want to play a prominent role in the success of any Commonwealth Games but we could not compromise on the comfort of the athletes who, after all, are the focus of any Games. Till the athletes do not have a place to sleep which were acceptable to us we would not have sent them," Pipe said.
"I think, in hindsight, we have done the right thing and the CGF had brought the pressure also (on the Indian authorities. I think we would not have done differently," he added.
The concerns notwithstanding, the Canadian contingent were all praise of the world-class facilities, including the competition venues and Games Village.
Commonwealth Games Canada director of Sports Scott Stevenson said the Games Village and competition venues were world class.
"The Games Village has been exceptional and the competition venues are all world-class. We have no complaints," he said.
Asked about Canada's target in the medal tally, he said, "I can't predict how may medals we are winning. We have prepared hard for the last two years. We have come with a strong squad and we would at least want to be third and close the gap with England if possible."
Weightlifting coach Piere Bergeron said the weightlifting competition venue was world-class and, for the first time, the Games Village has a training area.
"For the first time in any Games, there is a training arena which is top class inside the Village and we don't need to go anywhere for training," he said.
Canada contingent flag bearer Ken Pereira, an athlete of Indian origin, said his country has come here after a hard preparation and he was looking ahead for a good performance from the athletes.
"I think we are going to perform very well here and I am eager for the Games to start. I have always enjoyed coming to India as my parents were born here," he said.
"I was here in March during the Hockey World Cup and I had gone out to have some fun then. I have relatives in Mumbai and I have to see how many there are in Delhi if I get some time to go out," he quipped.
Friday, 1 October 2010
Prince Charles to read Queen's message, President to open Games
The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, will read out the Queen's message and the President of India, Pratiba Devisingh Patil, will deliver an address to signal the commencement of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 during the opening ceremony to be held here on Sunday.
The opening ceremony will be organized at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The Queen's baton that continued its journey through important places here on Saturday including the Games Village, will reach its final destination, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue of the opening ceremony tomorrow.
Prince of Wales, Prince Charles will receive the Baton and will read the Queen's message on this occasion.
President Pratiba Devisingh Patil will deliver an address to signal the commencement of the Games.
The opening ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. with hosts of the previous edition of the Games in 2006 Australia, leading the march past followed by other countries in alphabetical order while hosts India will be last with the country's only gold medalist in the Olympics, Abhinav Bhindra being its flag bearer.
The two-hour cultural extravaganza will highlight the rhythms and ragas of India and would be performed by over 7,000 artistes including the top names from the Indian music industry including A.R. Rahman and Shankar Mahadevan.
The highlight of the opening of the games will be an Aerostate that prop-up images of leaders, important monuments and themes representing various periods in Indian history.
This time the Commonwealth Games or, the CWG, to be held between October 3 -14, will witness the largest participation of sports persons in the history of the Commonwealth Games, as over 6,700 athletes and delegates from 71 nations will compete for the honors in 17 sporting events.
The opening ceremony will be organized at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The Queen's baton that continued its journey through important places here on Saturday including the Games Village, will reach its final destination, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue of the opening ceremony tomorrow.
Prince of Wales, Prince Charles will receive the Baton and will read the Queen's message on this occasion.
President Pratiba Devisingh Patil will deliver an address to signal the commencement of the Games.
The opening ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. with hosts of the previous edition of the Games in 2006 Australia, leading the march past followed by other countries in alphabetical order while hosts India will be last with the country's only gold medalist in the Olympics, Abhinav Bhindra being its flag bearer.
The two-hour cultural extravaganza will highlight the rhythms and ragas of India and would be performed by over 7,000 artistes including the top names from the Indian music industry including A.R. Rahman and Shankar Mahadevan.
The highlight of the opening of the games will be an Aerostate that prop-up images of leaders, important monuments and themes representing various periods in Indian history.
This time the Commonwealth Games or, the CWG, to be held between October 3 -14, will witness the largest participation of sports persons in the history of the Commonwealth Games, as over 6,700 athletes and delegates from 71 nations will compete for the honors in 17 sporting events.
Friday, 24 September 2010
Who will preside at Commonwealth Games opening..!!!
Officials have not yet decided whether Prince Charles or Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will preside over the opening ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
As head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth usually opens the games, but she will not be attending this year’s event. Many people feel that, as her representative, Prince Charles should preside over the opening but others –including Indian government officials - feel the Indian president should take over the duties.
The Guardian reported that a heated discussion was said to have taken place and a spokesman with the organising committee said: "It is a protocol issue and hasn't been decided yet.”
Buckingham Palace announced earlier this year that the Queen would not attend the games because of a heavy travel schedule. The decision was criticised by some people.
This will be the first time in 44 years that the British monarch has not attended the games. It is expected that Prince Charles will read a letter of encouragement to the athletes on her behalf. Camilla Parker-Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince Edward will also attend the opening ceremony.
The games are scheduled to start on 3 October.
As head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth usually opens the games, but she will not be attending this year’s event. Many people feel that, as her representative, Prince Charles should preside over the opening but others –including Indian government officials - feel the Indian president should take over the duties.
The Guardian reported that a heated discussion was said to have taken place and a spokesman with the organising committee said: "It is a protocol issue and hasn't been decided yet.”
Buckingham Palace announced earlier this year that the Queen would not attend the games because of a heavy travel schedule. The decision was criticised by some people.
This will be the first time in 44 years that the British monarch has not attended the games. It is expected that Prince Charles will read a letter of encouragement to the athletes on her behalf. Camilla Parker-Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince Edward will also attend the opening ceremony.
The games are scheduled to start on 3 October.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Entry to stadium will open 5 hours before start of opening ceremony
Spectators at the inaugural ceremony of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) Oct 3 will be allowed entry into the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium five hours before the function begins, officials said Tuesday.
"The three gates for the spectators will open at 2 p.m. ahead of the opening ceremony which will begin 7 p.m.," Maj. Gen. G.G. Dwivedi, head of the Spectator Services (SS), told reporters here. The stadium has 21 gates but only these three will be used for entry.
Dwivedi said of the 65,000 seats in the stadium, 43,000 will be made available to the general public. The remaining 22,000 seats will be "for the VIPs, athletes, officials and media".
"We expect the stadium to be fully packed. The tickets for the general public have been almost fully sold out,"
He said the decision to open the entry well in advance was taken to "reduce traffic bottlenecks in the city and crowding at the stadium". The spectator services had made some calculations on the time to be taken for the 62,000 spectators to reach the stadium from various parts of the capital, he added.
Food, electronic gadgets, alcohol and matches are among those items not permitted inside the stadium. Mobile phones will be allowed.
Dwivedi said a similar schedule is planned for the closing ceremony Oct 14 evening.
A total of 700 volunteers will be deputed to regulate the spectators at the stadium. There will be wheel-chairs and convenient seating for the disabled and senior citizens.
The spectator services will have three main tasks - gate management, access control and handling the spectator plaza and seating bowl. "Smooth entry will be ensured at the gate through the turn-stiles and security check-points," he said, adding the seats will be numbered for the opening and closing ceremonies while there will be open seating for the other events.
After the entry to the stadium, the spectators will be regulated through the spectator plaza, where there will be various facilities like information booths, medical help, stalls for food and water and sales points for merchandise, Dwivedi said.
A dry run was held at the stadium during the athletic meet July 29, where 15,000 visitors were ushered in, he said.
In all, 1.7 million spectators are expected at the 18 venues during the 12-day CWG, the biggest-ever sports event to be hosted by India since the 1982 Asiad. About 2,650 volunteers and 195 paid staff will be manning the spectator services.
Most of the volunteers are students, while the core staff will be a mix of experienced professionals and youth, Dwivedi said.
Asked the response to ticket sales, in the backdrop of the delays in organisation and spread of dengue fever, he said: "Despite all these odds, the reports are of an overwhelming response".
Ticket counters will be open till the competitions begin, he added.
"The three gates for the spectators will open at 2 p.m. ahead of the opening ceremony which will begin 7 p.m.," Maj. Gen. G.G. Dwivedi, head of the Spectator Services (SS), told reporters here. The stadium has 21 gates but only these three will be used for entry.
Dwivedi said of the 65,000 seats in the stadium, 43,000 will be made available to the general public. The remaining 22,000 seats will be "for the VIPs, athletes, officials and media".
"We expect the stadium to be fully packed. The tickets for the general public have been almost fully sold out,"
He said the decision to open the entry well in advance was taken to "reduce traffic bottlenecks in the city and crowding at the stadium". The spectator services had made some calculations on the time to be taken for the 62,000 spectators to reach the stadium from various parts of the capital, he added.
Food, electronic gadgets, alcohol and matches are among those items not permitted inside the stadium. Mobile phones will be allowed.
Dwivedi said a similar schedule is planned for the closing ceremony Oct 14 evening.
A total of 700 volunteers will be deputed to regulate the spectators at the stadium. There will be wheel-chairs and convenient seating for the disabled and senior citizens.
The spectator services will have three main tasks - gate management, access control and handling the spectator plaza and seating bowl. "Smooth entry will be ensured at the gate through the turn-stiles and security check-points," he said, adding the seats will be numbered for the opening and closing ceremonies while there will be open seating for the other events.
After the entry to the stadium, the spectators will be regulated through the spectator plaza, where there will be various facilities like information booths, medical help, stalls for food and water and sales points for merchandise, Dwivedi said.
A dry run was held at the stadium during the athletic meet July 29, where 15,000 visitors were ushered in, he said.
In all, 1.7 million spectators are expected at the 18 venues during the 12-day CWG, the biggest-ever sports event to be hosted by India since the 1982 Asiad. About 2,650 volunteers and 195 paid staff will be manning the spectator services.
Most of the volunteers are students, while the core staff will be a mix of experienced professionals and youth, Dwivedi said.
Asked the response to ticket sales, in the backdrop of the delays in organisation and spread of dengue fever, he said: "Despite all these odds, the reports are of an overwhelming response".
Ticket counters will be open till the competitions begin, he added.
Monday, 16 August 2010
Rahman's Commonwealth Games theme song approved by GoM
Music maestro A R Rahman on Monday launched the theme song for Commonwealth Games 2010 here after the Group of Minister (GoM) on the Games approved the tune on Sunday.
(Watch video of Commonwealth Games theme song)
Dedicating the song to Mahatma Gandhi, Rahman said it is not similar to Shakira's Waka Waka, the official song of FIFA World Cup 2010, but it is full of energy and asked the crowd at the function to join in with him.
The Oscar winner's song will be sung in the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in October. The song composed by Oscar winning musician A.R. Rehman would be made public in the coming ten days. After the two-hour meeting, union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy said that the song will be the last song of the opening ceremony.
(Watch video of Commonwealth Games theme song)
Games' Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi said he has heard the song and " it is beautiful."
The approval for the tune came hours after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's appeal on his Independence Day to treat the Games as a national festival.
(Watch video of Commonwealth Games theme song)
Dedicating the song to Mahatma Gandhi, Rahman said it is not similar to Shakira's Waka Waka, the official song of FIFA World Cup 2010, but it is full of energy and asked the crowd at the function to join in with him.
The Oscar winner's song will be sung in the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in October. The song composed by Oscar winning musician A.R. Rehman would be made public in the coming ten days. After the two-hour meeting, union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy said that the song will be the last song of the opening ceremony.
(Watch video of Commonwealth Games theme song)
Games' Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi said he has heard the song and " it is beautiful."
The approval for the tune came hours after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's appeal on his Independence Day to treat the Games as a national festival.
Friday, 30 July 2010
CWG stage to have ethnic Indian touch
The stage for the Opening and Closing ceremonies for the upcoming Commonwealth Games (CWG) here in October will be elaborate, extremely technologically advanced, and will have an ethnic Indian touch to it, says famous set designer Omung Kumar.
'I am working on the stage for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games. It's going to be beautiful with a lot of Indian arts and crafts on display,' Omung Kumar
'The world will be watching is and everyone is wondering what we are going to do. So as a country, how can we just show something that is not at all India. The stage is going to be beautiful, very ethnic and will completely reflect our Indian culture. A lot of technology is being used yes, but the Indianness will definitely stand out,' he added, without divulging any more details.
The opening and closing ceremonies of CWG will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Omung Kumar, who has designed sets for films like 'Black', 'Saawariya' and 'Love Story 2050', can be trusted enough to bring an Indian flavour to the stage especially after the way he has created a mini-India for a new entertainment destination Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon.
The mini-India is in the form of Culture Gully - an elaborate culture, arts, crafts and food boulevard at the Kingdom of Dreams - a Rs.2 billion project.
From Punjab to Kerala, he has created small attractions from 14 states in India in all its splendour. Each pavilion houses either restaurants or artisans offering authentic food items and selling regional specialities respectively.
A lot of care has been taken to bring out the flavour of each state in the form of the furniture used, the colours, the ambience, the music and the way the food is served.
The Culture Gully will be open to public starting Saturday.
'I am working on the stage for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games. It's going to be beautiful with a lot of Indian arts and crafts on display,' Omung Kumar
'The world will be watching is and everyone is wondering what we are going to do. So as a country, how can we just show something that is not at all India. The stage is going to be beautiful, very ethnic and will completely reflect our Indian culture. A lot of technology is being used yes, but the Indianness will definitely stand out,' he added, without divulging any more details.
The opening and closing ceremonies of CWG will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Omung Kumar, who has designed sets for films like 'Black', 'Saawariya' and 'Love Story 2050', can be trusted enough to bring an Indian flavour to the stage especially after the way he has created a mini-India for a new entertainment destination Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon.
The mini-India is in the form of Culture Gully - an elaborate culture, arts, crafts and food boulevard at the Kingdom of Dreams - a Rs.2 billion project.
From Punjab to Kerala, he has created small attractions from 14 states in India in all its splendour. Each pavilion houses either restaurants or artisans offering authentic food items and selling regional specialities respectively.
A lot of care has been taken to bring out the flavour of each state in the form of the furniture used, the colours, the ambience, the music and the way the food is served.
The Culture Gully will be open to public starting Saturday.
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Camilla to accompany Prince Charles to Delhi
Though Queen Elizabeth will skip Delhi Commonwealth Games, there is an addition from the royal family at the opening ceremony. Camilla, wife of Charles, the Prince of Wales will be present during opening ceremony.
According to an external affairs ministry official, the British government has confirmed that that 62-year-old wife of the heir to the British throne, will also be in Delhi to attend the inauguration of the Commonwealth Games Oct 3.
Her mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, by not attending the Games inauguration will break a 40-year-old tradition. Last month, the Buckingham Palace spokesperson said that due to a very packed schedule, the Queen will not be able to attend the event. It was then stated that only Prince Charles would be attending the event.
Now with his wife joining him, the royal wattage has certainly doubled at the Commonwealth Games.
The couple had earlier visited India in 2006, a year after they got married in 2005.
The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee is expecting to receive over 100,000 spectators and delegates during the Games. A budget of Rs.11,494 crore (Rs.114.9 billion) has been earmarked for the successful conduct of the Games scheduled Oct 3-14 in the Indian capital.
A total of 71 Commonwealth countries are participating in the mega-event.
According to an external affairs ministry official, the British government has confirmed that that 62-year-old wife of the heir to the British throne, will also be in Delhi to attend the inauguration of the Commonwealth Games Oct 3.
Her mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, by not attending the Games inauguration will break a 40-year-old tradition. Last month, the Buckingham Palace spokesperson said that due to a very packed schedule, the Queen will not be able to attend the event. It was then stated that only Prince Charles would be attending the event.
Now with his wife joining him, the royal wattage has certainly doubled at the Commonwealth Games.
The couple had earlier visited India in 2006, a year after they got married in 2005.
The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee is expecting to receive over 100,000 spectators and delegates during the Games. A budget of Rs.11,494 crore (Rs.114.9 billion) has been earmarked for the successful conduct of the Games scheduled Oct 3-14 in the Indian capital.
A total of 71 Commonwealth countries are participating in the mega-event.
Friday, 4 June 2010
Commonwealth Games tickets sale launched
Tickets for the Commonwealth Games went on sale today. The prices range for tickets is from very affordable Rs 50 (US $1.1 approx) going up to Rs 50,000 (US $ 1100).
While ticket prices for the sporting event, to be held here in October, will range from Rs 50 to Rs 1,000, those for the opening ceremony have been pegged from Rs 1,000 to Rs 50,000.
The ticket prices for the closing ceremony will be between Rs 750 and Rs 50,000.
The Lt. Governor later told reporters that about 1.7 million tickets are expected to be sold for the event.
Tickets for the mega sporting event will be sold online at http://www.tickets.cwgdelhi2010.org
Tickets are available at retail outlets of Central Bank of India and Hero Honda. We will soon publish list of Central Bank and Hero Honda outlets.
Commonwealth Games organizing committee has also launched ticketing call centre 1800-200-1294.
General ticket sales agents have been established in 28 countries across the globe (list and addresses to be published soon)
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has been appointed as the official ticketing agency for the Games.
The ticket sales will be in three phases. During Phase I, spectators buying tickets will be provided with a confirmation voucher which will be exchanged for actual tickets beginning Aug 1, when the second phase for the sales start. In the second phase, the spectators will get actual tickets against every purchase.
The third phase beginning Oct 2 will witness venue sales outlet also added to the sales channel.
'Spectators can choose the option of getting their tickets delivered through courier or opt for pick-up option if booking online or through the call centre,' an official said, adding that over 50 outlets have been planned for Delhi and the National Capital Region in a phased manner.
The official said each ticket holder can travel free of charge by Delhi metro and government-run Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses on the day of the event.
There is no entertainment tax levied on Commonwealth Games tickets sale.
Ticket sales in international markets began in November last year, while the sales to sponsors began in May this year.
While ticket prices for the sporting event, to be held here in October, will range from Rs 50 to Rs 1,000, those for the opening ceremony have been pegged from Rs 1,000 to Rs 50,000.
The ticket prices for the closing ceremony will be between Rs 750 and Rs 50,000.
The Lt. Governor later told reporters that about 1.7 million tickets are expected to be sold for the event.
Tickets for the mega sporting event will be sold online at http://www.tickets.cwgdelhi2010.org
Tickets are available at retail outlets of Central Bank of India and Hero Honda. We will soon publish list of Central Bank and Hero Honda outlets.
Commonwealth Games organizing committee has also launched ticketing call centre 1800-200-1294.
General ticket sales agents have been established in 28 countries across the globe (list and addresses to be published soon)
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has been appointed as the official ticketing agency for the Games.
The ticket sales will be in three phases. During Phase I, spectators buying tickets will be provided with a confirmation voucher which will be exchanged for actual tickets beginning Aug 1, when the second phase for the sales start. In the second phase, the spectators will get actual tickets against every purchase.
The third phase beginning Oct 2 will witness venue sales outlet also added to the sales channel.
'Spectators can choose the option of getting their tickets delivered through courier or opt for pick-up option if booking online or through the call centre,' an official said, adding that over 50 outlets have been planned for Delhi and the National Capital Region in a phased manner.
The official said each ticket holder can travel free of charge by Delhi metro and government-run Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses on the day of the event.
There is no entertainment tax levied on Commonwealth Games tickets sale.
Ticket sales in international markets began in November last year, while the sales to sponsors began in May this year.
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Prince dance group to perform during CWG
Orissa based Prince Dance Group, which came in prominence after winning a reality TV show last year, will perform at the opening ceremony of the upcoming Commonwealth Games (CWG) Oct 3-14 in the capital.Earlier this year, Commonwealth Games organizing committee had got petition to include Prince Dance group in the Commonwealth Games ceremony. The group is famous for its depictions of Indian epics.
"We are very happy to announce that the Prince Dance Group that won the season one of 'India's Got Talent' has been selected to perform at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi," Ashwini Yardi, programming head of Colors channel, told reporters.
Hailing from a small town Berhampur in Orissa, the group comprises of 26 artistes, all them are below 22 years of age, lead by Krishna Mohan Reddy. With no professional dance training, majority of the members are contract workers.
Sunday, 30 May 2010
Queen Elizabeth II not to attend Commonwealth Games
Buckingham Palace has informed that Queen Elizabeth II will not attend the Commonwealth Games in India in October.
It will be the first time in 44 years that she will not be at the sporting event. Previously she has attended at some point during the games, either for the opening or closing ceremony.
Queen Elizabeth II will miss the Commonwealth Games owing to "heavy workload", leaving it to Prince Charles to represent the British Royal family in Delhi this October. He will be in India and will read out a message of support from the Monarch to the athletes.
Buckingham Palace said the Queen would not be able to attend because of the volume of her engagements this autumn.
A spokesman said he could not yet give details of the events that would prevent the Queen from attending the games.
Some 71 nations are expected to take part in the Commonwealth Games, which open on 3 October.
It will be the biggest multi-sport event in India since the Asian Games in 1982.
It will be the first time in 44 years that she will not be at the sporting event. Previously she has attended at some point during the games, either for the opening or closing ceremony.
Queen Elizabeth II will miss the Commonwealth Games owing to "heavy workload", leaving it to Prince Charles to represent the British Royal family in Delhi this October. He will be in India and will read out a message of support from the Monarch to the athletes.
Buckingham Palace said the Queen would not be able to attend because of the volume of her engagements this autumn.
A spokesman said he could not yet give details of the events that would prevent the Queen from attending the games.
Some 71 nations are expected to take part in the Commonwealth Games, which open on 3 October.
It will be the biggest multi-sport event in India since the Asian Games in 1982.
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Rahman to perform live at Commonwealth Games
The “Mozart of Madras,” A. R. Rahman, has been roped in to perform at the grand opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games 2010, scheduled to take place in New Delhi Oct. 3-14.
(Watch video of Commonwealth Games theme song)
Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee, informed on Thursday that Rahman would be performing live at the opening ceremony.
Rahman who has been earlier given task to compose theme song for the Games, confirmed that he will perform live during Opening ceremony.
(Read: 'Swagatham' is Rahman's Commonwealth Games theme song)
The organizing committee will release the theme song before the Games in hopes that those present at the opening ceremony will sing along.
Rahman, who received two Oscars last year for his popular music in Slumdog Millionaire, has been named as the most downloaded Indian artist in the world.
Also, Indian band Eupohoria's work has been chosen as Commonwealth Games anthem.
(Watch video of Commonwealth Games theme song)
Rahman who has been earlier given task to compose theme song for the Games, confirmed that he will perform live during Opening ceremony.
(Read: 'Swagatham' is Rahman's Commonwealth Games theme song)
The organizing committee will release the theme song before the Games in hopes that those present at the opening ceremony will sing along.
Rahman, who received two Oscars last year for his popular music in Slumdog Millionaire, has been named as the most downloaded Indian artist in the world.
Also, Indian band Eupohoria's work has been chosen as Commonwealth Games anthem.
Saturday, 22 May 2010
CWG opening ceremony to start @ 1900 hrs local time
The Group of Ministers led by Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy have decided that the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony will start at 7 pm. The creative group, which conceived the ceremony had initially planned a 1930 hrs start since the laser show and pyrotechnics would require darkness.
The CWG organising committee had, however, objected saying it had signed a deal with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation stating the ceremony would begin at 5.30 pm.
This had not gone down well with the creative group as it was too late to come up with a new theme. The OC had also claimed earlier that the opening ceremony will be best ever in history of sports.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Australia wants to advance CWG opening ceremony
Two Australian TV channels that have purchased the sporting event's telecast rights are forcing the Organising Committee (OC) to advance the opening ceremony timing on October 3.
The OC has already requested the government to start the opening ceremony at 5.30 pm and instead of 7 pm as decided earlier. This is to suit primetime viewership in Australia.
The organizers and participants of 2010 Commonwealth Games are not amused. "The whole point of having laser shows and fireworks will be lost if it is going to be held in daylight. Such shows will only look good only after sunset," sources said. According to weather websites, the official sunset time for October 3 in New Delhi is 6.10 pm.
Another major reason against beginning the opening ceremony at 5.30 pm is a special tunnel that has been constructed at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The 107-metre long tunnel, which leads to the centre of the stadium, is a surprise element. The audience will suddenly see artists in the centre of the stadium without knowing where they came from. This element of surprise would be ruined in broad daylight when the tunnel would be visible, the sources said.
"So much money has been spent on the tunnel. All that will be wasted if the timing is advanced" they added.
With the government having sanctioned close to Rs 150 crore for the opening and closing ceremonies, it's obvious that a lot of attention will be focused on these events.
Many artistes have already alerted the group of ministers ( GoM) in charge of the Games and they are expected to take a final call on the matter. Four months ago, it was the GoM that had approved the opening ceremony timing as 7 pm.
The Prasar Bharti officials are also unhappy about the Australian demands." The Beijing Olympics opening ceremony on August 8, 2008, began at eight minutes past 8 pm. Four years ago, when the last Commonwealth Games was held in Melbourne, Indian artistes had wowed the audience with a wonderful performance at the closing ceremony," said a Prasar Bharti official who has been part of the official team during the last three Olympic and Asian Games.
Ironically, the opening and closing ceremonies at the Melbourne Games had started much after sunset.
"We should not allow the channels to dictate terms. So what if they have paid $300 million for telecast rights. We should stick to the original time," the official said.
At the Games opening ceremony, around 5,000 artistes from across the country are expected to be part of the show for which they will train close to five months.
After a lot of ruckus, permission was granted for the Army parade ground in Delhi Cantt to be used as housing station for these artistes.
The organisers will also spend close to Rs 5.5 crore on A. R. Rahman for the opening ceremony song.
The opening ceremony will also see a helium- filled balloon with special light effects. And it has cost a whopping Rs 40 crore.
"The timing issue is going be top priority for the GoM meeting next week," a top official said.
The OC has already requested the government to start the opening ceremony at 5.30 pm and instead of 7 pm as decided earlier. This is to suit primetime viewership in Australia.
The organizers and participants of 2010 Commonwealth Games are not amused. "The whole point of having laser shows and fireworks will be lost if it is going to be held in daylight. Such shows will only look good only after sunset," sources said. According to weather websites, the official sunset time for October 3 in New Delhi is 6.10 pm.
Another major reason against beginning the opening ceremony at 5.30 pm is a special tunnel that has been constructed at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The 107-metre long tunnel, which leads to the centre of the stadium, is a surprise element. The audience will suddenly see artists in the centre of the stadium without knowing where they came from. This element of surprise would be ruined in broad daylight when the tunnel would be visible, the sources said.
"So much money has been spent on the tunnel. All that will be wasted if the timing is advanced" they added.
With the government having sanctioned close to Rs 150 crore for the opening and closing ceremonies, it's obvious that a lot of attention will be focused on these events.
Many artistes have already alerted the group of ministers ( GoM) in charge of the Games and they are expected to take a final call on the matter. Four months ago, it was the GoM that had approved the opening ceremony timing as 7 pm.
The Prasar Bharti officials are also unhappy about the Australian demands." The Beijing Olympics opening ceremony on August 8, 2008, began at eight minutes past 8 pm. Four years ago, when the last Commonwealth Games was held in Melbourne, Indian artistes had wowed the audience with a wonderful performance at the closing ceremony," said a Prasar Bharti official who has been part of the official team during the last three Olympic and Asian Games.
Ironically, the opening and closing ceremonies at the Melbourne Games had started much after sunset.
"We should not allow the channels to dictate terms. So what if they have paid $300 million for telecast rights. We should stick to the original time," the official said.
At the Games opening ceremony, around 5,000 artistes from across the country are expected to be part of the show for which they will train close to five months.
After a lot of ruckus, permission was granted for the Army parade ground in Delhi Cantt to be used as housing station for these artistes.
The organisers will also spend close to Rs 5.5 crore on A. R. Rahman for the opening ceremony song.
The opening ceremony will also see a helium- filled balloon with special light effects. And it has cost a whopping Rs 40 crore.
"The timing issue is going be top priority for the GoM meeting next week," a top official said.
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Rahman gets mega-deal for Commonwealth theme song
A.R. Rahman, revered for his soul-stirring music and recently bestowed the Padma Vibhushan by the government, will be paid close to Rs 5.5 crore by the Games' Organising Committee (OC) for composing the opening ceremony theme song.
Sources confirmed that Rahman would also be associated with 'promotional events' relating to the October 3-14 sporting extravaganza to be held in the Capital.
Hectic parleys have been going on between Rahman's agents and OC officials for quite some time now. Sources said the initial demand from the music guru was close to Rs 15 crore, but later settled for lesser amount because CWG is a national event. The OC will either request government to exempt income tax payment on this amount, or will foot the bill. All this was recently cleared by the OC's executive committee which met in New Delhi.
The expenditure on Commonwealth Games is being critized recently. Delhi has committed to best ever opening ceremony and has committed a sum of Rs 200 crore for the opening and closing ceremonies. However, many stakeholders find this expenditure outrageous. Despite demands that every rupee spent should be accounted for, insiders say people are spending money on events not directly related to the Games.
Commonwealth Games OC members have divergent views on spending 5.5 crores for theme song. The point is that when athletes in India are struggling to get money and facilities to hire the best coaches in the business, funds being spent on the cultural extravaganza are hard to justify.
Sources confirmed that Rahman would also be associated with 'promotional events' relating to the October 3-14 sporting extravaganza to be held in the Capital.
Hectic parleys have been going on between Rahman's agents and OC officials for quite some time now. Sources said the initial demand from the music guru was close to Rs 15 crore, but later settled for lesser amount because CWG is a national event. The OC will either request government to exempt income tax payment on this amount, or will foot the bill. All this was recently cleared by the OC's executive committee which met in New Delhi.
The expenditure on Commonwealth Games is being critized recently. Delhi has committed to best ever opening ceremony and has committed a sum of Rs 200 crore for the opening and closing ceremonies. However, many stakeholders find this expenditure outrageous. Despite demands that every rupee spent should be accounted for, insiders say people are spending money on events not directly related to the Games.
Commonwealth Games OC members have divergent views on spending 5.5 crores for theme song. The point is that when athletes in India are struggling to get money and facilities to hire the best coaches in the business, funds being spent on the cultural extravaganza are hard to justify.
