How Poland, China beat India

China has already handed over the Asian Games Town in Guangzhou city to the Asian Games organising committee two months ahead of the November-scheduled event, while Poland has its main stadium in Poznan for the Euro 2012 football championship ready two years in advance. But just 10 days away, preparations for the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi still remain not just an unfinished task, but an ever-worsening scenario.

Participation of some of the top nations is doubtful with Australia, New Zealand and Canada still undecided on sending their teams for the Games.

While Scotland and Wales are also undecided, smaller African countries on Wednesday expressed their resentment to the Games Organising Committee. These countries are worried that they still have not been able to visit the venues, and have warned that “full strength” teams may not make it for the Games.

The dengue outbreak, shooting at the Jama Masjid in New Delhi on Sunday, the “filthy” living conditions at the Games Village, a pedestrian bridge collapsing on Tuesday and the Wednesday’s collapse of part of the false ceiling at the wrestling hall of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the showpiece stadium of the Games, have led to apprehensions among the participating countries.
Scotland said it was delaying sending its contingent over health and safety fears. Scotland’s chef de mission Jon Doig said in a statement: “We will continue to monitor the situation before determining our next response.”

Besides Scotland, other participating countries like New Zealand, Canada, Australia and England are also having second thoughts over sending their frontline teams for the Games.

Some 7,000 participants and officials from 71 countries and territories are expected to attend the CWG in Delhi, which India was hoping to use as a golden chance to shine on the world stage.