By Alkesh Sharma
New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Arrangements at the Commonwealth Games Village here have largely evoked a good response from visiting foreign journalists. Though some of them are complaining about lack of facilities, most seem satisfied and expressed surprise at the harsh negative coverage that preceded the Games in the Indian media.
"We have seen that before the start of every big sporting event, we always have negative coverage. It is because journalists probably do not have much to write about sports they start looking for different angles," Mike Colman, associate editor and sports writer of The Sunday Mail, Brisbane, told IANS.
"But what has happened this time was never seen before. Usually, the home country's media is not that harsh but with Indian journalists the case was different. They did a series of negative stories, concentrating only on the glitches and controversies related to the Commonwealth Games. Yes, the foreign media also did this, but it was not that harsh," he added.
Colman expressed satisfaction over the arrangements in the Games Village.
"I have been covering the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games since 1992. Arrangements here are satisfactory. We understand that it requires a lot of hard work while organising such a big event; so no worries about this," stated Colman.
Matthew Kenyon of the BBC told IANS: "I am quite impressed with the arrangements and the ambience of the Games Village. Though I have not traveled to the match venues, my experience here so far is very good."
"Yes, there was so much of negative coverage in the media back home and people were also apprehensive about coming to India. But I believe that we cannot rely on such reports unless we see it ourselves," Kenyon said.
The Commonwealth Games Village accommodates nearly 7,000 sportspersons and officials from 71 countries and territories.
A photographer from New Zealand who identified himself only as Smith however spoke of the arrangements lacking in perfection.
"India is my favourite country and this is my fourth visit. Earlier I had come here as a tourist. But I am very disappointed to see the preparations for the Commonwealth games. Deadlines have already passed and you can still find people busy in giving last-minute touches," he told IANS.
"They have done everything but somehow forgot to do it with perfection. Like there are some immaculate places but at the same time you will find places where there is a total mess," said Smith, who has so far covered two Commonwealth Games and two Olympics.
Smith also complained about the non-availability of Wi-Fi in the media centre.
"For a photographer, an Internet connection is of utmost importance, as we have to continuously send photographs. But we have no Wi-Fi facility in the media centre. They are citing security concerns behind this but this is not the way things are done," he asserted.
But Jospeh Kallis, a journalist from South Africa, told IANS: "I am very impressed with the arrangements at New Delhi for the Commonwealth Games. I have found no difference in the facilities that were provided during the Melbourne Games (2006) and the Beijing Olympics (2008)."