by Nirmala Carvalho

The athletes’ village is not yet ready. Stadiums and other venues are still unfinished. Security remains a challenge. Many countries are delaying the departure of their delegations; some are even pondering whether to come at all. Catholics should welcome participants with India’s traditional warmth, the bishop of New Delhi says.

New Delhi (AsiaNews) – The Commonwealth Games set for 3-14 October are in trouble. Some venues are either unfinished or badly built. Mosquitoes are everywhere and security remains a major concern. Both organisers and participants are getting apprehensive as the countdown to inauguration day continues.

Parts of the Games Village, which will host the athletes, are not ready yet. Some teams (Canada, Scotland and New Zealand) have delayed their departure for India and will decide at the last moment.

Some delegations are scrambling to find accommodation outside the athletes’ village, which has been built to accommodate 7,000 people but is still unfinished with toilets that do not work, and stray dogs sleeping on beds.

A number of sport facilities and arenas are also behind schedule. Shivaji Stadium, for example, will not be ready in time. Complicating matters, a bridge leading to Nehru Stadium collapsed on top of workers on Tuesday,

Security is another major headache, especially for high-risk nations. Two tourists were injured yesterday in a shooting near the Jama Masjid (Mosque), one of the city’s main attractions. Without proper security, some countries might not send their athletes.

Speaking on behalf of the Indian government, Foreign Minister SM Khrisna said the Games would meet international standards, a statement that drew criticism from some quarters.

Critics have pointed the finger at waste and dubious expenditures, noting that the New Delhi Games will be the most expensive in history, with estimates ranging from US billion to more than US$ 10 billion. Although the Games were awarded in 2003, construction of the various venues began only in 2008, far too late for such an enterprise.

Nevertheless, ordinary people are looking forward to the event. Mgr Vincent Concessao, archbishop of Delhi, took part in an inter-faith prayer with Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim religious leaders for the success of the Games and the security of everyone involved.

He told AsiaNews that information about worship services and church directions would be available to participants and tourists alike.

“The Catholic Diocese of Delhi is offering prayers for the success and security and safety of the Games,” he said. “We are gearing up to provide religious services that will make it convenient [to go to church] for the athletes and others coming for the Games.  The Cathedral, Mother of Perpetual Succour Catholic Church and St Mathew’s Church are all close to the Games Village,” he added. As Christians, “we want to showcase the hospitality that is rooted in our Indian tradition.

The Mother of Perpetual Succour Catholic Church Mayur Vihar is just 3 kilometres from the Games village. Its priest, Fr Wilfred D’Souza, told AsiaNews that young members of the parish are very excited about the Games and that a number of priests will be available for Mass and confession.

Equally, as the archbishop put it, the whole parish is praying for the Games’ success and for their security.

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• delhi
• commonwealth
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