Published>Mon, Aug 02 10 04:07 PM
Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of the Organising Committee of Commonwealth Games, 2010, dreams of hosting the 2024 Olympics. He also wants to take a shot at the Asian Games 2018. Whether or not he can realise these goals, at the moment, he is found defending the lacklustre preparations for the Games, just 70 days away.
On Big Stars not Showing up for the Games: It is no big deal. New stars will emerge from the Games. Even if Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is not coming, the ones who are next best to him will be there. Countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand and England are sending their biggest teams. There will be a lot to look forward to.
On the Overrunning Cost of the Ceremonies: The budget has gone up from Rs 100 crore to about Rs 375 crore now. Several things like the expenditure on special effects, props, make-up and costumes had not been factored in. Music composer A.R. Rahman is not charging anything but we have to pay Rs 5 crore to others who will perform with him.
On the Catering Controversy: The problem would be sorted out in the next three weeks. There is enough time to find a caterer for the stadiums and venues. They are all quoting high prices which we can't afford. The Village was our main concern, which has been taken care of.
On the Performance of Indian Sportspersons: The prime minister has given us Rs 650 crore for training our athletes and sportspersons. We have used the money to provide them with scientific training and also to send them abroad. We hope it translates into more medals.
Reproduced From India Today. ? 2010. LMIL. All rights reserved.
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