There have been times when India has established the fact that it is emerging super power and 'can do and achieve anything at the world level'. Still there were many occasions when it was reaffirmed that there is much more way to cover to reach that destination.
Commonwealth Games scheduled in October this year in New Delhi mirrors the second type of instance. There is so much of chaos now, one just can't help but doubt whether everything will be in order and as per itinerary.
First and foremost, there are reports of high level corruption and irregularities in the funds utilisation. This is serious issue as we are talking of sum of rupees in the range of 30000 and 50000 crores. Initial estimated budget was 345 crores!
Next concern is that the construction work is still on and still lots of good quality finishing are to be done at different places.
And we have two senior Congress leaders bickering in full media glare. One of them almost praying that Games would be a flop show - Mani Shankar Aiyar (he is credited with many such foot-in-mouth incidents embarrassing Congress Party). Other presiding over the administration says Mr. Aiyar is anti-national - Suresh Kalmadi (MP from Pune and Indian Olympics Association Chief for nearly 20 years).
Meanwhile, image of India takes a beating.
Remember there would be almost 50000 players from 72 countries and there are terror threats also. So can India manage such events with finesse? Or would there be show of typical clumsiness? Big questions - we will get answers only after Games are over.
I strongly feel that if managed properly, this event will be foundation of change in our mindset and our sporting culture.
