Though CWG OC chief Suresh Kalmadi and CGG chief Mike Fennell may insist otherwise, the fact that there is a cold war between the two became evident at yesterday's press briefing
No Taj Mahal visit for Nicol DavidMalaysia's squash World No 1 Nicol David downed India's 34th ranked Joshna Chinappa 11-5, 12-10, 11-7 in a singles match at the Sir Fort Complex on Tuesday. David's on track for a sure-shot gold medal, even as India's No 33 Dipika Pallikal pulled out of the singles event citing fever. However, David says even if she wins gold, she will be leaving India a bit disappointed. "I'm very keen to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra but I can't, due to a packed schedule," David said. "I really wished we had more time, but I'm hoping to come back to India again," added David, who has Indian roots. Her father Desmond originally hails from Chennai.
Shooting fans made to walk two kmsConsideriong the growing popularity of Indian shooting and its superstar shooters, the organisers of the CWG could have done a better job of looking after the ever-growing fan base. Instead they have chosen to ignore this crucial aspect. Security arrangements are stringent. No private vehicle is allowed anywhere close to the venues - the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range included. Only authorised vehicles can park near the gates with private ones having to park around two kilometers away. On Day One of the event on Tuesday, almost all spectators, who drove to the venue, seemed flustered with the two-km walk. Only if the organisers could have arranged for a shuttle service, which is provided here for media/VIPs/officials. For the paying public, it would have served as a great relief.u00a0
Cold war between Kalmadi, FennellThough CWG OC chief Suresh Kalmadi and CGG chief Mike Fennell may insist otherwise, the fact that there is a cold war between the two became evident at yesterday's press briefing. When Fennell was asked if he had confidence in Kalmadi even as new problems kept cropping up every day, he smartly ducked the query. "We try to fix these problems rather than discuss the level of confidence we have in one another," said Fennel. The fact that he could have simply answered the question with a "yes" but chose not to.
250 dishes for 13,000 mouthsThe dining area of the Athletes Village is a food-lover's paradise. It is said that too many cooks spoil the meal, but here over a 100 cooks prepare nearly 250 dishes on a daily basis to feed approximately 13,000 mouths (athletes, officials and workforce included). The food is served three times a day across almost 10 food counters in the main dining area - pizza section, Indian tandoor section, African section, Indian Veg & Non-veg section, Asian Cuisine, Western & Salads section, etc. Of these, six sections operate 24 x 7, which means that an athlete can walk into the eatery at any time for a sumptuous meal.
