New Delhi:
Commonwealth Games have never been a "side-show" and the people of the capital would get a chance to watch the stars of tomorrow in action during the October 3-14 mega event here, feels legendary British athlete Sebastian Coe.
"Commonwealth Games is certainly not a side-show but the world's third largest event. It's a high-quality sporting competition with so much honour associated with it. I am sure that the Games will leave a long-lasting legacy that people would remember throughout their life," Coe said.
"In a number of ways, winning a medal in CWG is quite tougher than winning medal in many events. To win a medal in sprint, 800m, 1500m or 5000m is not a child's play.
"Many of the household names in sporting world today had make their first image in this tournament only. I am sure that the people of Delhi would be watching the stars of tomorrow," said Coe, who had won 1500m gold at the Olympic Games in 1980 (Moscow) and 1984 (Los Angeles).
The Englishman said Indians should now get ready to watch some spectacular performance by the athletes like Asafa Powell during the Delhi event.
"Many stars are coming to the Delhi Games such as Asafa Powell who had made his debut in this event only. So this event has its own importance and no one can deny this," Coe said.
Coe, who is part of the delegation of the visiting British Prime Minister David Cameron, said that it was nice to find the organisers in a relaxed mood with the event round the corner.
"It's good to see them so calm and relaxing with just 63 days left. I can say the Organising Committee is ready," he said.
The 53-year-old middle distance runner also feels that it is the time the media as well as the people of the country back the OC so that the Games becomes a success.
"It's time for India, it's media and people to get really excited and feel proud about the Games. World's third largest event is coming to your shores and you all should be happy.
"This is a great opportunity not only for sports but also the culture and tradition. An extraordinary story would going to be written about the Indian economy also," Coe said.
Coe, whose mother was born in India, added that hosting a mega-event like the CWG or Olympic Games was always a big challenge.
"We have a very good team working hard day and night to make the London Olympic Games a success. We still have a lot of works to do in these two years. Venues are structurally complete but interior works have to be done to turn them into the Olympic venues," said Coe, chief of the 2012 Olympic Games Organising Committee.
"I want to see greater participation by young people in Olympics and para-Olympic sports. I want to showcase cultural and traditional legacy that we have nurtured," said Coe.
Coe, who visited a city school today as part of London 2012 International Inspirational Programme, said the initiative has involved six million young people worldwide and is a huge success in India also.
"This programme is hugely successful for us. Our aim is to get 12 million young people involved into sports and the physical education activities in the run-up to London 2012.
"This is our first visit to India and response is good. Practice of sport in the communities can break social barriers and provide greater cohesion," he added.
"Commonwealth Games is certainly not a side-show but the world's third largest event. It's a high-quality sporting competition with so much honour associated with it. I am sure that the Games will leave a long-lasting legacy that people would remember throughout their life," Coe said.
"In a number of ways, winning a medal in CWG is quite tougher than winning medal in many events. To win a medal in sprint, 800m, 1500m or 5000m is not a child's play.
"Many of the household names in sporting world today had make their first image in this tournament only. I am sure that the people of Delhi would be watching the stars of tomorrow," said Coe, who had won 1500m gold at the Olympic Games in 1980 (Moscow) and 1984 (Los Angeles).
The Englishman said Indians should now get ready to watch some spectacular performance by the athletes like Asafa Powell during the Delhi event.
"Many stars are coming to the Delhi Games such as Asafa Powell who had made his debut in this event only. So this event has its own importance and no one can deny this," Coe said.
Coe, who is part of the delegation of the visiting British Prime Minister David Cameron, said that it was nice to find the organisers in a relaxed mood with the event round the corner.
"It's good to see them so calm and relaxing with just 63 days left. I can say the Organising Committee is ready," he said.
The 53-year-old middle distance runner also feels that it is the time the media as well as the people of the country back the OC so that the Games becomes a success.
"It's time for India, it's media and people to get really excited and feel proud about the Games. World's third largest event is coming to your shores and you all should be happy.
"This is a great opportunity not only for sports but also the culture and tradition. An extraordinary story would going to be written about the Indian economy also," Coe said.
Coe, whose mother was born in India, added that hosting a mega-event like the CWG or Olympic Games was always a big challenge.
"We have a very good team working hard day and night to make the London Olympic Games a success. We still have a lot of works to do in these two years. Venues are structurally complete but interior works have to be done to turn them into the Olympic venues," said Coe, chief of the 2012 Olympic Games Organising Committee.
"I want to see greater participation by young people in Olympics and para-Olympic sports. I want to showcase cultural and traditional legacy that we have nurtured," said Coe.
Coe, who visited a city school today as part of London 2012 International Inspirational Programme, said the initiative has involved six million young people worldwide and is a huge success in India also.
"This programme is hugely successful for us. Our aim is to get 12 million young people involved into sports and the physical education activities in the run-up to London 2012.
"This is our first visit to India and response is good. Practice of sport in the communities can break social barriers and provide greater cohesion," he added.
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