C'Wealth Games: Team Canada all praise for India

The negative vibes are making way for some positive feedback. After facing harsh criticism from all corners, the Organising Committee (OC) of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) is finally receiving some good response.

Chef De Mission of Canada, Martha Deacon, who was welcomed in the Games Village on Friday, said the arrangements for the Games are world class. “Delhi has done a good job and we all must appreciate the efforts and hard work of the Indians,” she said.

Canada had lost the bid to host the Games to India in 2003. When asked if Canada had won the bid, would they have done a better job, Martha said, “I will not say that we would have done it better, because we cannot compare things.

“I know how difficult it is to organise Games like this and that is why, Canada is working with the Indians since the last two years for the successful commencement of the Games.”

Many foreign delegates had complained about the Games Village, but the Canadian said the place is in a good shape.
“We never complained about anything. In fact, we were the first one to offer support to the OC. I have been here since Monday and my athletes arrived today and you can see all of us smiling,” she said.

She said that people should understand that it is tough to manage events of this level. “It is difficult to manage things of this level and I feel the OC has controlled things very well.

“There were a few hiccups initially, but they happen. What is important now is to conduct the Games successfully, as I feel, Delhi deserves this,” said Martha.

But at the same time, she did not deny that the work was delayed.  “I don’t think anybody deserves to be criticised. However, at the same time, the criticism was justified, as people were expecting the things to get ready before August, when it didn’t happen, they started criticising,” the Chef De Mission added.