No beef during Commonwealth Games: CWG Org Committee

NEW DELHI: The organising committee of Commonwealth Games has made it clear that no beef would be served during the mega-event that begins October 3.

The committee said "no" while replying to an RTI query which sought to know if beef is a compulsory item to be served in some dishes during the sporting event.

"Commonwealth Games Federation's requirement from the organising committee is to provide to a quality 24 hour catering service offering nutritious meals and snacks to the athletes and their team officials during Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010, taking into consideration cultural dietary requirements and the need for variety and rotation of menus," the reply said.

"The organising committee is duty bound to carry this out," it said.

The application was filed by S C Agrawal. The Delhi government has already clarified that there would be no beef served during the games.

PWD and Revenue Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan had made a statement to this effect in the Delhi Assembly, days after the issue of serving beef during Commonwealth Games rocked the House, with BJP MLAs disrupting its functioning.

"The Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 1994, prohibits the sale and storage of beef and will not allow serving of beef during the Commonwealth Games," Chauhan had informed the Assembly.

The issue was raised during discussion under special mention by Leader of Opposition V K Malhotra who said Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta had made a statement that beef will be imported during the event to serve athletes and officials.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had said that serving of beef was an issue between the Organising Committee of the event, caterers and MCD, adding, her government had nothing to do with it.

Largest indoor stadium to be inaugurated tomorrow

STAFF WRITER 16:3 HRS IST

New Delhi, Apr 9 (PTI) A renovated Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, gymnastics venue of the Commonwealth Games to be held here from October 3-14, will be inaugurated by Sports Minister M S Gill tomorrow.

The 14,500-seater state-of-the-art venue, which has been reconstructed at a cost of Rs 240 crore and has a built-up area of 72,425 square metre, will be the largest indoor stadium in India, a Ministry release said today.

The stadium is equipped with green-building features like thermal insulation of entire roof, gypsum board partitions and wall panellings, external glazing with low energy tinted glasses and energy efficient lighting fixtures.

It is also equipped with water conservation features like water harvesting by recharging of existing lakes in the complex with rain water. It will have a 2200 lux lighting system.

Kerala responds well to Commonwealth Games roadshow

Kerala responds well to Commonwealth Games roadshow

KOCHI: The first in the series of nationwide Commonwealth Games road shows concluded on Monday.

Jiji Thomson, special director general, 2010 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Delhi, said the response to the first road show has been excellent.

"It is the biggest sporting extravaganza for India and is being held nearly three decades after the Asian Games. It is important to sensitise the youth of the nation towards sports," said Thomson.

The road show was kicked off with a painting competition, which saw participation from children of various age group.

Paintings depicting Shera, the Games' mascot, sports and harmony were on display. State Sports Minister M. Vijayakumar also gave awards to children for their efforts.

Commonwealth Games Village gets dedicated power grid

Commonwealth Games Village gets dedicated power grid

NEW DELHI: The Commonwealth Games Village on Saturday got a dedicated power sub-station, the first green grid in north India. Officials said the grid would help meet power demand at the Village during the Games and provide relief to nearly two lakh people residing in nearby areas.

The Rs 40-crore Commonwealth Grid sub-station with an a capacity of 66/11KV was inaugurated by chief minister Sheila Dikshit. She said the facility will distribute around 50MW electricity to the Village as well as adjoining localities. "Not only the Games Village, but the adjoining areas will get the benefit of this grid. There is no chance for failure with this grid as it operates on a dual system. If it cannot draw power from Delhi, it will get electricity from national Grid,'' Dikshit said.

Hooper now says no worries over Commonwealth Games

Hooper now says no worries over Commonwealth Games

NEW DELHI: Commonwealth Games chief executive officer Mike Hooper on Friday dispelled worries over the completion of venues for the Oct 3-14 Games, saying India will be ready in time to host a successful event.

A confident Hooper said India is left with no choice but to complete the task it has taken up and it will.

"Look, there is no denying that we voiced our concerns repeatedly over preparations for the Games. If you remember, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Michael Fennell in December termed the delays in the completion of stadiums 'distressing'. By early this year he said there are 'some concerns' and last week he was satisfied with the progress. So things are improving for sure," Hooper said.