The current Commonwealth Games in India has been dogged by allegations (in most of the British press) of poor management and incompetence. Several key facilities were still unfinished when the event began earlier this week.
Many athletes, some of them World and Olympic champions, had pulled out not only because of these problems but also the ongoing threat of terrorism. Competitions were being held in near empty buildings because the cost of tickets were beyond the reach of most Indians. I bet they were so disinterested they were probably wanted to watch the cricket instead.
But is there a point to these Games on the major sporting calendar? These days, they seem like a hangover from the bygone days when Britain used to run the world and treated people in former colonies with contempt. Years after most of these countries have regained their independence, Britain has lost its purpose on the international stage. While we continually look down at India for the Games’ organisation, that country is forging ahead politically, making new friends and influencing others. Many others are resentful at been forced to maintain ties with a country with an unelected head of state which has long ceased to be relevant in the real world.
The four-yearly farce that is the Commonwealth Games must stop. Let the current event in India be the last ever, and scrap the competition altogether.
That’s a bit harsh isn’t it?? Spare a thought for all those athletes who AREN’T world champions and get to ply their trade at the Commonwealth Games on a world stage. And we Aussies are killing it in Delhi, bring on London 2012!!