India is set to host the Commonwealth Games for the first time ever, from 3rd to 14th October, 2010. These Games are a multi sport event, in which countries that were once part of the former British Empire participate. The curtain raiser to the Commonwealth Games is the Queen's Baton Relay, which was launched from Buckingham Palace, London, on the 29th of October, 2009. As the city of New Delhi gears up to present the main event next year, we bring you a closer look at the Queen's Baton Relay and other traditions of the Games.
The Mascot and Logo
Named 'Shera- , the mascot of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games is the National Animal of India - the tiger. Presented to the world at the closing ceremony of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Shera, embodies the values of majesty, courage, power and grace. This orange and black striped tiger personifies the spirit of India, while pushing athletes to come up with their best performances.
The logo of the Delhi Commonwealth Games is inspired by the Chakra, the national symbol of freedom, unity and power. Spiralling upwards, this rainbow Chakra in the shape of human figures, portrays the coming together of the diverse people of India to fuel the growth of a proud and vibrant nation.
The logo tagline is 'Come Out and Play'. It is an invitation to every person across all participating nationalities to let go of their inhibitions and participate in the Games according to their best capacity, in the true spirit of the Games. It is a call to set new records and an exhortation to the people of Delhi to play the perfect hosts for the entire duration of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Delhi, 2010 - Let The Games Begin
About 71 teams are expected to participate in the 19th Commonwealth Games at New Delhi. These include the 53 members of the Commonwealth of Nations as well as separate teams for the constituent countries of the United Kingdom, British Crown dependencies and British overseas territories. India is the third developing country to host the event after Jamaica in 1966 and Malaysia in 1998.
Seventeen sports have been included in the Games schedule. They are Archery, Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby 7s, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Elite Athletes with Disabilities (EAD) will compete in 15 events across 4 sports, namely, Athletics, Swimming, Powerlifting and Table Tennis. The government is currently renovating existing facilities and constructing new infrastructure for these sports. Here is some more information on the 2010 Commonwealth Games -
The Commonwealth Games presents a unique opportunity for young sportspersons from India and other Commonwealth countries to get together, live in the same environment, compete with each other and achieve superior levels of sporting excellence. As our sportspersons leave no stones unturned in their preparations for the Games, citizens need to support and cheer them on as they get ready for the big event. There is no dearth of sporting talent in our vast country and it is hoped that the 2010 Commonwealth Games sees our National Flag soaring high and our torch burning bright.
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