Month and a half before C'Wealth Games, skeletons are tumbling out of the cupboard

The countdown for the Commonwealth Games, scheduled to kick off on October 3, has begun. However, the developments of the last few weeks that has seen a barrage of skeletons tumbling out of the cupboards, stories of corruption and lack of preparedness about hosting the event in New Delhi, has set the clock back.

And the premier science magazine Lancet's report of the Superbug's origin being New Delhi could not have been worse timed. The least damage this report will do is cause apprehension among the thousands of international sports people and sporting fraternity that are expected to fly into Delhi during this month.

I can't help being reminded of the huge contrast of how just a few weeks ago the world cheered South Africa for hosting the FIFA World Cup. Besides glorifying the game and the players, there were innumerable sources that reported saying that South Africa came out a clear winner in the 30 days of football frenzy that gripped the world.

Can we attribute all this to just a branding exercise? If the Organizing Committee of the Commonwealth Games had done proactive positive branding, could the damage caused during these two weeks have been avoided? One can't ignore the branding efforts that Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the host of the Olympics 2016 has already started to do, for an event slated six years hence!

There is an email drive already circulating describing the solar observation tower -- the symbol of the Olympics 2016 -- that is being constructed on the island and which will be visible both from land and sea. In sharp contrast, 45 days before the Commonwealth event begins, the Delhi roads are dug up, construction deadlines have gone awry and widespread allegations are being flashed all over.

When Beijing hosted the Olympics, the infrastructure standards of China underwent a sea change. The Bird's Nest, a massive work of steel, was touted to be an architectural marvel. While there was some buzz about whether China could substantially change its world image and improve the world opinion on human rights issues, the focus was largely about the grandeur and splendour of the sports architecture and the magnificence of the closing ceremony. There were missed deadlines too, but China recovered very well.

While the Commonwealth Games may neither be as glorious as the FIFA World Cup or the Olympics, it is still the third largest multi-sport event in the world, after the Summer Olympics and the Asian Games and hosting them is a matter of great pride and reason for the entire nation to celebrate and rejoice.

If we were to recall the Asian Games of 1982 that were held in Delhi, some of the best infrastructure of that city got built at that time. As a matter of fact, Delhi underwent a complete facelift. The Asiad Village for housing and auditorium facilities; the Appu Ghar for tourist attractions (named after the mascot "Appu"); criss-cross flyovers, stadia like Talkatora Swimming Complex, Indraprastha and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadiums; the sprawling Pragati Maidan complex which is the hub of international conferences and exhibitions today. And how can one forget the biggest socio-economic benefit of the Asian Games -- the introduction of colour TV in India?

Like before, the after effects of the Games will undoubtedly be a greater and renewed spirit of sportsmanship not to mention the improved and updated sports infrastructure of five new stadia and the Games Village on the banks of the Yamuna river. The city is also gearing up with many new hotels and eating joints to cater to the 10,000-odd people expected to participate in the Games.

Let's also hope that AR Rahman, who is composing the anthem for the Games, can re-create the same sensation that Shakira did with her Waka Waka, which consistently topped the music charts around the world.

Like it is said, the spirit of sportsmanship is in the participation itself. India has participated by winning the bid to host the Games. The Organizing Committee and other related bodies are fully aware of the fact that the world's eyes will be on India. The city of Delhi made us proud in 1982.

Let's hope it can do it again by pulling through the last minute challenges and coming out with flying colours. Here's hoping that the interest of India will prevail above all else. Here's hoping that every Indian can feel a sense of ownership and pride for the Games. Here's a toast to the sprit of the Commonwealth Games!