By Alkesh Sharma, IANS,
New Delhi : British athletes are now finding the Commonwealth Games facilities “world class” and “simply amazing” — that too with “foolproof security”.
“I was very keen to come here as I have heard so many good things about this country. I have represented England in other countries like South Africa and Italy. If I compare the security and other things, India is at par with them, in fact better in many areas,” Jocelyn Hunt, 15, member of the five-member British women gynmastic team, told IANS.
Hunt, 15, is visiting India for the first time. For 18-year-old Becky Wing, this is her first Commonwealth Games.
“I am really liking the spicy Indian food and warm hospitality. Here people are very friendly and responsive. We are not feeling we are away from home. In fact it seems we are in some part of London,” she said.
Becky said: “This is my first Commonwealth Games and I am very excited. Though I have seen so much on television and read in newspapers about the security concerns and other issues, I am not at all bothered. I have found everything in place and there is foolproof security cover,” she said.
“The environment here is very thrilling. I do not find much difference if I compare the arrangements with Beijing. Moreover, we are not thinking about anything except winning medals. My aim is to figure in top three in the medal tally,” said Wing, who studies Mathematics at a London college.
Imoga Cairns, 20, who won a gold in gymnastics at the Melbourne Games, said: “I am very satisfied, more than satisfied with the arrangements. Here we have world class arrangements of accommodation, food and other facilities.”
She added: “Yes, there were so much of negative stories about India’s failure in meeting the deadlines, collapse of bridge but I do not know the reasons behind this. My experience so far is simply amazing.”
Cairns is a strong medal hope for Britain. She could not take part in the Beijing Olympics because of an ankle injury.
“I am targeting a Commonwealth Gold. I have prepared very hard for this. I had to miss the last Olympics because of an ankle injury. Now I am all set to hit the bull’s eye. We think that Australian gymnasts can give us stiff competition,” she said.