(ATR) The Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games have a week to improve.
The Games began Sunday with a stunning, four-hour opening ceremony that drew an estimated 87 million TV viewers in India. The closing ceremony of the 19th multisport event for ex-British colonies is Oct. 14.
Ticket sales have exceeded 600,000, according to The Hindustan Times. Most tickets cost 50 to 750 rupees – or $1.13 to $17.
"While it’s a huge TV event, stadium seats remain empty," Games official Priya Singha Paul said. "Delhiites just don’t want to come out of their homes. We request Delhiites to cheer for their country, as well as for athletes from other countries."
Delhiites may be deterred by stories that security screeners at gates have ordered ticketholders to hand over cosmetics, coins and even iPods.
Airport Pride and Delays
Perhaps Delhiites’ biggest source of pride in hosting the 2010 Games is the expanded Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Delhi 2010 signage abounds throughout the complex and volunteers have whisked accredited visitors through special channels. But all have had to deal with slow and sometimes malfunctioning baggage carousels.
With the opening of terminal 3, it’s expected the airport will handle 46 million passengers annually.
Heat Caution
A Swaziland lawn bowler succumbed to heat stroke Tuesday and was hospitalized overnight.
Hannes Nienaber, 57, was supposed to return to action Wednesday.
"The heat is more of an issue for lawn bowls than most other events," said competition manager Bill Fowlie. "What people don't realize is that we've got the longest days and longest hours of any of the outdoor competitions."
An eight-country test event in April was postponed when heat reached 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gold On the Way Up
When it comes to gold, Thursday will be silver. A total 35 gold medals will be awarded, second only to Friday when 43 are up for grabs.
Host India won its 11th gold medal Wednesday with 24 total and is second to Australia, which has 46 medals. England, Malaysia and South Africa complete the top five in the medal tally with 26, nine and nine respectively.
Reported and written in New Delhi by Bob Mackin.
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