45-minute opening ceremony of C'Wealth Games, 7000 artists to perform

Group of ministers on Commonwealth Games today expressed "high degree" of satisfaction over the preparation for the mega sporting event which will open on Sunday with a 45-minute cultural show performed by 7000 artists.

"We discussed the state of preparedness of the Commonwealth Games village. All reports indicate the degree of satisfaction in the Commonwealth Games is very high," said urban development minister S Jaipal Reddy after the GoM meeting here.

Reddy, who heads the GoM, said "the GoM meeting on Commonwealth Games was held today to have a review of the state of preparedness for the Games to be inaugurated on October 3 and there are no major issues being left now."

The GoM also discussed the issue of security clearance of 7,000 artists who would participate in the opening ceremony.

"We also discused the opening ceremony and the clearance of 7000 artistes who would be participating in the cultural event from the security angle... how to expedite their entry into Jawharlal Nehru Stadium both for the rehearsal and actual ceremony," he said.

There would be a 45-minute cultural show at the inaugural ceremony involving 7000 artistes. 

"We discussed the live telecast issue also and the preparednes for the telecast. Equipment required for the telecast are being tested now. Testing of equipment at all venues are almost over except for two or three venues.

There are a total 17 major venues. 

He said "time recording equipment is also being loaded at the venues and it would be completed by tomorrow. 

Asked about the Delhi CM Shiela Dikshit's statement holding DDA and builders responsible for the delay in the Games Village construction, he said "this is not the time to discuss that. We will discuss that at the appropriate time. At the moment, we have to look at the preparedness for the Games."

He also refused to comment on the Supreme Court's observation about the corruption in the Commonwealth Games. 

Sports minister MS Gill, tourism minister Kumari Selja, cabinet secretary KM Chandrasekhar and OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi among others were present in the meeting.