The legacy of the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games has been described as a disaster by university students in India.
Shivangi Dasgupta and Abhishek Anand have spoken out about broken promises made by governors who vowed to invest in sporting facilities as a legacy of the games.
Delhi’s Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, host of the 2010 Commonwealth Games opening and closing ceremonies, now lays unused and surrounded by rubbish. Photo from: Shariq Allaqaband Cover Asia Press.
In an interview discussing the relationship between India and the UK, the Symbiosis International University (SIU) students highlighted the disappointing stagnation that followed the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Dasgupta said: “The legacy of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games was disaster.
“There was a lot of criticism surrounding the financial cost of the games back in 2010.
“We were promised more sporting facilities to be built across the country, certainly around Delhi, but I haven’t seen any development in any of my surrounding towns.”
Whilst living standards in India have improved in recent years, statistics in 2010 showed that one in three people lived in poverty.
“The people of India were upset that this money wasn’t better invested into the people suffering from hunger.
“Nothing was given back to the communities after the games were finished, in contrast to the promises made by the officials.”
The UK and India share many social, political, and cultural similarities.
The connection between countries spans for around 200 years and is formed by elements such as language, similar democracies, and shared interests.
The Indian diaspora is the largest ethnic minority group in the UK and is made up of 1.5 million people. This undoubtedly strengthens the bonds between the countries.
Cricket is the most popular sport in India and is often considered a huge part of the country’s culture.
Cricket, India’s most popular sport, is often played in the streets. Photo from: Shutterstock.
Anand said: “We thank the UK for introducing cricket to us. You can find kids playing cricket in the streets all over the country.
“However, the government in India should do more to build safe places to play sports.
“Facilities are far and few, with people often having to travel a long way just to play sports in an appropriate environment, which is usually too costly financially."
Cricket has not been played at the Commonwealth Games since its first appearance in 1998 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is set to return for the first time this year at Birmingham 2022.
The Games are a celebration of the Commonwealth, demonstrating good relationships between nations who once operated under the British Empire.
India first competed in the Games in 1934 in London when the Commonwealth Games were known as the British Empire Games.
The SIU students expressed their support for The Commonwealth, a union which they believe to be of high value to their country.
Dasgupta said: “The Commonwealth as a whole helps India create relationships between other countries, which is so important for us.
“India and the UK have enjoyed a healthy relationship going back decades now.
“I know many people in India speak negatively about the colonisation of our country, but as years passed, I think it’s safe to say it has only benefitted India in so many ways.
“Now we feel connected with the rest of the world as we continue to develop."
India gained independence from the British Empire back on 15th August 1947 and has since operated as a free nation.
India’s first international cricket team, in 1932. Photo from: The Better India.
“I feel independence from the Empire was a very important part of our history.
“Speaking to my grandparents and other members of that generation, they felt it was the right time for India to be free.
“World War Two was just a costly to India as it was to the rest of the world and we needed to be able to take control in rebuilding the country.
“Nevertheless, it was important to maintain a Commonwealth connection with the UK, to stay connected and work together, as so many values and foundations were made through the British Empire.
“I still feel today that it’s an important link to maintain, as long as India feels respected, valued and included.”
There are growing fears amongst the SIU students of a lack of communication between Commonwealth nations but feel India’s stature could be key in maintaining good relations between countries.
“I do feel over the last couple of decades the communication between commonwealth countries has begun to decline,” said Anand.
“I feel more should be done to organise meetings and ceremonies to celebrate the bond, mirroring the success of the Commonwealth Games.
“In a world riddled with wars and disagreements between countries, I feel more than ever it’s important to cherish these friendships and alliances.”
India will be in action on Friday 29th July at Edgbaston Stadium in the T20 Cricket as the women’s team will take on Australia in Group A.
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