Delhi CWG 2010 kick starts today
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi, October 02 2010: With the last few hours ticking away for the Commonwealth Games 2010, Delhi is ready to welcome participants from common wealth nations as well as tourists from across the globe.

One of the main attraction of the mega event "Incredible India' in the heart of the City where all Indian State emporium are situated, was formally announced yesterday with Tourism Minister Kumari Selja and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit walking through the display and welcome performance by traditional dancers from Manipur, Assam and Kerala.

The event will be held from October 1 till 15.Troupes of Guru Angou and Ibotombi Memorial Meitei Pung Artist Association performed Dhol Dhulok Cholom for the Incredible India inauguration event.

(Top) Visitors throng Manipur Emporium food stall and (below) Pung/Dholok cholom performance

"North East Haat" at Manipur food stall that provide "singzu and iromba" had already attracted food lovers.

Rosy Neithem, coordinator of the food stall told The Sangai Express that craft and products will be brought from the State and displayed at the emporium from Oct 4, emphasizing that the items will be handmade and local products.

Designer for the Incredible India, Ved Pohoja, told media persons that the State emporium corridor was selected to showcase India's diversity in Food, Arts, and Crafts.

On the bamboo architecture design for the Incredible India the Designer said "all the bamboos were brought from north east India" saying that this is one way of promoting the region.

He further informed that sales proceed of Rs 10-12 lakhs is expected per day.

While emporium items are on fixed price, there will be discount during CWG.

Kumari Selja, Tourism Minister said the main objective of choosing the emporium corridor is to promote Tourism.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said she is happy with the ambience of Incredible India.

Parallel to this an International festival will be held in Dilli Haat, another area that showcase India's diversity in food and crafts.

Officials of the Manipur Olympic Association including president Bijoy Koijam and secretary L Manglem have arrived at Delhi.

A total of 16 players from the State comprising of two archers, six in cycling, one boxer, four weight lifters, two divers and one in hockey have also arrived.

"There is high chance of winning Gold medal in weightlifting, boxing and archery" said MOA secretary over phone to this correspondent.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued advisory on Security Measures for CWG 2010 to provide security to sportspersons, officials, spectators, volunteers and workforce as well as to the entire city of Delhi.

The advisory was issued along with the tickets by the Organizing Committee with Do's and Don'ts and an 18 point Guideline.

Beside last minute preparation and side events, the Queen's Baton will be on display for 45 minutes at the Games Village on Oct 2, then will move on to several historical places and will finally halt at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where the opening ceremony will take place on Sunday.

During the ceremony parade, India's national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" will be played.

India's ace shooter, Abhinav Bindra will be the first carrier of the baton relay.

Since Queen Elizabeth II, the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth will miss the event for the first time in 44 years, Prince Charles will represent her and will read out her message.

Prince Charles along with President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil will jointly declare the Games open.