Commonwealth Games 2010 and Delhi transport system

THE CONTROVERSIES surrounding the Commonwealth Games have hurt the nation with shame and disappointment. But if latest reports are to be believed then Commonwealth Games are going to give a harrowing time to commuters using both private and public transport as major portions of the road would be reserved for games.

From Saturday, September 4, 2010, trial run for the transport system which will handle commuting by players and officials during Commonwealth Games would be carried out.

As a consequence the people of Delhi will have to face the brunt as some of the roads will be exclusively reserved for Commonwealth Games sportspersons and delegates. This year the condition of the roads is already bad due to rains and this trial run would further add to the woes of common citizens, feel people.

To ensure that the trial run goes without hitch, there is a strong presence of Tata Motors, Delhi  Transport Corporation (DTC) and Delhi Traffic Police on these road stretches. These three organisations are going to set up, organise and manage the transport for athletes, officials, technical staff and media persons.

From September 20, 2010 onwards, when the foreign visitors start landing in Delhi, things are likely to get more difficult. Commuters can expect massive jams, especially near the airport as the visitors are ferried to the games village in East Delhi via these dedicated lanes.
Trespassers will be fined Rs 2000 and their vehicle can also be impounded if the law is violated. The period of restriction and the number of reserved roads will only increase as the dates for the games comes near. The roads will bear blue patches called reserve lanes situated at the extreme right or extreme left depending on a particular road. Out of 450 kilometers of arterial road space in Delhi, 105 kilometers will be dedicated to the games. 
Already the Delhi government has asked schools and colleges to remain closed during the games and requests are being made to citizens of Delhi to use the roads sparingly during the games.

Delhi special commissioner for traffic has appealed to the people to use metro during the games to ease traffic congestions till the end of games.

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US Open: Nadal advances to final 16, Andy Murray exits

WORLD NUMBER one and top seeded player Rafael Nadal made a successful entry into the final 16 of the US Open. To get into the last 16, Nadal defeated Frenchman Gilles Simon by scoring straight-sets wins in the first two sets. The final score was 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. Now, Nadal will be pitched against Spanish compatriot Feliciano Lopez for a place in the quarter-finals.

Nadal, who has been working hard is also eyeing to complete a career Grand Slam in Flushing Meadows in New York. If he is successful in attaining this feat, he will be the seventh and the youngest player to do so.

Gilles Simon, who was hitting his best form after an year full of injuries looked strong inbetween the game until 3-3 in the second set. The helping factor in this game was Nadal's huge forehand shots which helped him in breaking through the third game and adding to his credit a 3-1 lead. He clinched the opening 6-4 in the initial 47 minutes.

Meanwhile, British player Andy Murray made an early exit from Flushing Meadows on Sunday as he was pulverized by Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka by 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-3. Although he struggled to keep pace with the Swiss inspite of being treated for his legs, elbow and neck, all his efforts seemed to go in vain as he could not garner enough strength to stop the Swiss. 

US Open 2010 Latest On >> US Open News , US Open Results

Champions League T20 (CLT20) - A Complete Schedule

Breaking News! The cricket fever will be back soon, as the second edition of the Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) will begin on September 10 in South Africa. Airtel is the official sponsor of this tournament.

Three teams from India will participate in the CLT20, while 10 teams in total will be competing for the title. The matches will be played at four venues - Durban, Port Elizabeth, Centurion and Johannesburg. No teams from Pakistan and England will take part in Airtel CLT20 2010.

Group A : Chennai Super Kings (India), Warriors (South Africa), Victoria Bushrangers (Australia), Wayamba Elevens (Sri Lanka), Central Stags (New Zealand).

Group B: Mumbai Indians (India), Highveld Lions (South Africa), South Australian Redbacks (Australia), Royal Challengers Bangalore (India), Guyana (West Indies).

Champions League Twenty20 Schedule & Fixture:

Sept 10 (9 PM IST) - Mumbai Indians vs Highveld Lions - Johannesburg

Sept 11 (5 PM IST) - Warriors vs Wayamba - Port Elizabeth

Sept 11 (9 PM IST) - Central Stags vs CSK - Durban

Sept 12 (5 PM IST) - Highveld Lions vs Redbacks - Centurion

Sept 12 (9 PM IST) - RCB vs Guyana - Centurion

Sept 13 (9 PM IST) - Victoria Bushrangers vs Warriors - Port Elizabeth

Sept 14 (9 PM IST) - Mumbai Indians vs Redbacks - Durban

Sept 15 (5 PM IST) - Central Stags vs Victoria Bushrangers - Centurion

Sept 15 (9 PM IST) - CSK vs Wayamba

Sept 16 (9 PM IST) - Mumbai Indians vs Guyana - Durban

Sept 17 (9 PM IST) - Redbacks vs RCB - Durban

Sept 18 (5 PM IST) - Warriors vs Central Stags - Port Elizabeth

Sept 18 (9 PM IST) - CSK vs Victoria Bushrangers - Port Elizabeth

Sept 19 (5 PM IST) - Highveld Lions vs Guyana - Johannesburg

Sept 19 (9 PM IST) - Mumbai Indians vs RCB - Durban

Sept 20 (9 PM IST) - Victoria Bushrangers vs Wayamba - Centurion

Sept 21 (5 PM IST) - Redbacks vs Guyana - Johannesburg

Sept 21 (9 PM IST) - Highveld Lions vs RCB - Johannesburg

Sept 22 (5 PM IST) - Wayamba vs Centra Stags - Port Elizabeth

Sept 22 (9 PM IST) - CSK vs Warriors - Port Elizabeth

Sept 24 (9 PM IST) - 1st Semifinal - Durban

Sept 25 (9 PM IST) - 2nd Semifinal - Centurion

Sept 26 (9 PM IST) - FINAL - Johannesburg

Airtel CLT20 Teams

Central Stags (New Zealand):

Jamie How (C), Michael Mason, Mitchell McClenaghan, Brad Patton, George Worker, Matthew Sinclair, Peter Ingram, Adam Milne, Brandon Diamanti, Doug Bracewell, Ben Wheeler, K. N. Barnett, Seth Rance, Bevan Griggs, Tim Weston.

Chennai Super Kings (India):

MS Dhoni (C), Ravichandran Ashwin, Lakshmipathy Balaji, Douglas Bollinger, Shadab Jakati, Muttiah Muralitharan, S. Badrinath, Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey, Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Anirudha Srikanth, Thilan Thushara, Albie Morkel, Joginder Sharma.

Guyana (West Indies):

R Sarwan (C), Devindra Bishoo, Esaun Crandon, Steven Jacobs, S. Chattergoon, Travis Dowlin, Assad Fudadin, Richard Ramdeen, Royston Crandon, Narsingh Deonarine, Jonathan Foo, Christopher Barnwell, Lennox Cush, Paul Wintz, Derwin Christian.

Highveld Lions (South Africa):

Alviro Peterson (C), Craig Alexander, Ethan O'Reilly, Neil McKenzie, Jonathan Vandiar, Vaughn van, Jaarsveld, Shane Burger, Richard Cameron, Werner Coetsee, Cliffie Deacon, Zander de Bruyn, Robert Frylinck, Aaron Phangiso, Jean Symes, Thami Tsolekile.

Mumbai Indians (India):

Sachin Tendulkar (C), Zaheer Khan, Dhawal Kulkarni, Lasith Malinga, Harbhajan Singh, Ali Murtuza, Shikhar Dhawan, Jean Paul Duminy, Saurabh Tiwary, Ambati Rayudu, Dwayne Bravo, Ryan McLaren, Kieron Pollard, Rajagopal Sathish, Aditya Tare.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (India):

Anil Kumble (C), Praveen Kumar, Vinay Kumar, Abhimanyu Mithun, Nayan Doshi, Dale Steyn, Rahul Dravid, Manish Pandey, Virat Kohli, Ross Taylor, Dillon du Preez, Balachandra Akhil, Jacques Kallis, Cameron White, Robin Uthappa.

South Australian Redbacks (Australia):

Michael Klinger (C), Cullen Bailey, Peter George, Jake Haberfield, Gary Putland, Shaun Tait, Cameron Borgas, Callum Ferguson, Daniel Harris, Daniel Christian, Tom Cooper, Chris Duval, Aaron O'Brien, Tim Ludeman, Graham Manou.

Victorian Bushrangers (Australia):

David Hussey (C), Shane Harwood, Bryce McGain, Clinton McKay, Dirk Nannes, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Aaron Finch, Brad Hodge, Rob Quiney, John Hastings, Andrew McDonald, Glenn Maxwell, Ryan Carters, Matthew Wade.

Warriors (South Africa):

David Jacobs (C), Nicky Boje, Juan Theron, Makhaya Ntini, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Garnett Kruger, Lyall Meyer, Ashwell Prince, Colin Ingram, Craig Thyssen, Arno Jacobs, Jon-Jon Smuts, Johan Botha, Justin Kreusch, Mark Boucher.

Wayamba Elevens (Sri Lanka):

Jehan Mubarak (C), Thisara Perera, Chanaka Welagedara, Rangana Herath, Ajantha Mendis, K. Lokuarachchi, Isuru Udana, Mahela Udawatte, Jeewantha Kulatunga, Mahela Jayawardene, D. Hunukumbura, Farveez Maharoof, S. Karunanayake, Sameera de Zoysa, Kusal Janith Perera.

2010 Commonwealth Games Map And Venue

The 2010 Commonwealth Games Map portrays the venues where the sporting events are to be held. The map displays the relative distance between each venue and the Games Village. The Games Village is projected to have a capacity of accommodating 8,500 athletes and accompanying officials. It is the official Commonwealth Delhi accommodation venue.

Choice of Venue

Voting for the finalization of Commonwealth events venue took place on 13th November, 2003 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Delhi defeated the Canadian city of Hamilton in a 46 to 22 vote to win the right of hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth opening ceremony will be held on 3rd October 2010. The Commonwealth closing ceremony is scheduled to be held on 14th October 2010. The final medal tally of the Commonwealth Games results will be compiled on the last day of the premier event. The duration of the premier event will be 11 days. The motto of the games is "Come out and play".

Sports Disciplines

The opening ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games is to take place in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium located at the central part of the city. Athletes from various commonwealth countries will be competing in the following sports:

    * Archery
    * Badminton
    * Cycling
    * Gymnastics
    * Lawn Bowls
    * Rugby 7s
    * Squash
    * Tennis
    * Wrestling
    * Aquatics
    * Athletics
    * Boxing
    * Hockey
    * Netball
    * Shooting
    * Table Tennis
    * Weightlifting

Commonwealth Games Venues

The games are to be held over the following venues:

    * Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
    * IG Sports Complex and India Gate/ Red Fort
    * SPM Swimming Pool Complex
    * Talkatora Indoor Stadium
    * IG Indoor Stadium
    * Tyagaraj Sports Complex
    * Maj. Dhyan Chand National Stadium
    * Dr. Karni Shooting Range
    * Delhi University
    * Siri Fort Sports Complex
    * RK Tennis Complex
    * Yamuna Sports Complex

Delhi's top spots await Commonwealth Games extravaganza

WITH JUST a month for the Commonwealth extravaganza to begin, India is in the spotlight for various reasons. To begin with, Delhi is looking forward to usher players and officials to the Commonwealth Games 2010 where a great experience awaits with some delicious food to gorge on and venues, which not just only hold historical importance but also will set the visitor spell bounded.

New Delhi defeated Canadian city of Ontario to host the 2010 edition of the Commonwealth Games. The bidding which was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica saw Delhi winning the vote and confidence by a margin of 46 votes to 22.

Delhi for long has been applauded for its historical importance right from circa 375. The earliest example that can convey the importance of history and architecture of Delhi is Ashoka Pillar which was built during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya, circa 375-413 AD.

As time passed by, Delhi was home to various other kingdoms which also included the prominent Mughal Empire. One of the most earliest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture in India is the Qutub Minar which is also the tallest brick minaret in the world. With a towering height of 72.5 metres (237.8 ft), the foundation and construction of the minaret started in 1193 under the then Mughal king, Qutb-ud-din Aibak. Surrounded by various other monuments, the collection is referred to as the Qutub Complex.

Other than these two prominent structures, other venues of historical importance that intensifies Delhi's unique selling point are Purana Qila, Lal Qila, Tughlaqabad Qila (Tughlaqabad Fort) and Humayun’s Tomb.

As per the Indian tradition, an auspicious event is not started without seeking the Almighty's blessings. To make the event and the experience exhilarating for the players as well as the visitors, Delhi is also home to many world famous temples and religious places as per the visitors choice. Some famous places of worship wherein visitors throng in lakhs are Jama Masjid, Akshardham Temple, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Sheesh Ganj Sahib Gurudwara et al.

Other places, which attract tourists otherwise too include, India Gate, Raj Ghat, Shakti Sthal, Vir Bhumi, Vijay Ghat and Rashtrapati Bhavan.

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Clijsters, Williams advance to third round, Roddick shown the door

DEFENDING CHAMPION at the 2010 US Open, Kim Clijsters powered her way to a 6-2, 6-1 win against Australian Sally Peers and advanced into the third round of the US Open. 27-year old Clijsters took only 56-minute to win the match against Peers, who is ranked 201.

After winning the match, Clijsters said that she had to find her feet again in the wind as it was never easy. As the game advanced, she went on to read her opponent's game and played better herself.

The second seeded, Clijsters had defeated Caroline Wozniacki for the title in 2009. In the present match, she committed 15 unforced errors in the first set before she went on to win the match against the Sally Peers.

One of America's other sweethearts, Venus Williams too advanced to the third round as she defeated Canadian Rebecca Marino 7-6 (7-3), 6-3. Third seeded Williams took 90 minutes to clinch the game with just one break of serve.

After winning the game, Venus said that it was not easy to get a rhythm today because Rebecca served big and went for the first shot. Matches like this; it’s just good to play as clean as possible, you have to try to hopefully get a break and close it out despite the conditions, she added.

Fourth seeded, Andy Roddick made an untimely exit as he was shown the doors by Serbian Janko Tipsarevic. The battle between Roddick and Tipsarevic, which lasted for over three hours saw the latter defeating Roddick by 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4). Roddick, incidently has never been defeated so early in the US Open in eight previous appearances.

Meanwhile, French Open finalist, Samantha Stosur beat fellow Australian Anastasia Rodionova 6-1, 6-4 and Francesca Schiavone defeated fellow Italian Maria Elena Camerin by 6-2, 6-1. In an all French battle, Virginie Razzano put the lights off for 13^th seeded Marion Bartoli by 7-5, 6-4.

Wimbledon finalist, Tomas Berdych too was given a rude shock by Frenchman Michael Llodra as he defeated the former by 7-6 (7-3), 6-4, 6-4. 14^th seeded Spanish player, Nicolas Almagro beat Italian Potito Starace by 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) and 15^th seeded Ivan Ljubicic must have taken the first flight back home as he was pulverised by American Ryan Harrison by 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-4.

US Open 2010 Latest On >> US Open News , US Open 2010

Rahman's CWG composition receives flak

NOTHING SEEMS to be working well for the Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee. The Organizing Committee lately has been at the centre of the storm for alleged rampaging corruption. Prime minister, Manmohan Singh himself had to take plunge to save the games and the image of the country. Now there is another twist to the sad saga called Commonwealth Games, New Delhi.

The theme song “Oh yaaro, yeh India bula liya” has failed to impress sports lovers and leading personalities across the country.

The theme song for the grand event has been composed by celebrity music maestro, A R Rahman. And according to reliable sources, the maestro took six months to compose the song, government shelled out Rs six crore for it.

Considering Rahman’s stature in the music industry in India and world, he was handpicked by the government without any competition or selection process. Lot was expected from him.

However, the maestro failed to produce a magical composition that aptly sums up Indian culture and heritage. The composition has failed to complement the majestic event, the Commonwealth Games, a once in a four year affair.

People are comparing Rahman’s composition with Shakira’s Waka Waka that was a huge hit during the recently concluded Football World Cup.

BJP’s leading politician, Vijay Kumar Malhotra said "This song has fallen short of expectations. We had expected a better anthem for the Games from a composer of Rahman's status,”. Sports minister, M S Gill too wasn’t seem convinced with the composition, “Many members of the Group of Ministers (GoM) overseeing the Games preparations are not happy with the theme song”, the minister said.      

Eminent photographer, Raghu Rai found the song useless, he said “Rahman is the brightest of the current crop of music directors, but the Commonwealth theme song is just not Indian enough. In India, where there is a different beat for every little nakhra, Rahman’s song is dominated by Western beats and, thus, lacks the Indian spirit it deserved. ” Former sports minister, Shanawaz Hussain termed the song as disappointing.

Leading Adman Piyush Pandey compared the song with waka waka, he said “It, somehow, does not make me want to sit up and take notice. Shakira’s Waka Waka was one of that kind. Maybe it will grow on me later, but for now, it is extremely tepid and lukewarm.”

The composition has failed to attract attention of internet users and general public; people are criticizing the maestro for composing dull song with lukewarm appeal. As has happened with most of Rahman’s hit composition, lets hope it happens with this CWG composition also. Many of Rahman’s numbers pick pace gradually and afterward become huge hit, like Jai Ho.

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