Indian goodwill triumphed over Kalmadi, says Aussie paper

MELBOURNE - “The people of India, their goodwill and their kindness triumphed over the (Commonwealth Games) Organising Committee’s chaos and corruption in the end,” an Australian newspaper said Friday.

In a tribute after the conclusion of the New Delhi games, the Herald Sun admitted that the Indians proved to be “gracious hosts”.

But it described the Games’ Indian organisers headed by Suresh Kalmadi as a “bungling, bumbling and self-serving committee”.

“The glitches were forgotten in the joyous celebration of the closing party,” it said. “The million dollar aerostat that was the centrepiece of opening ceremony was resurrected again.

“The golden moments of the Games were projected upon it. India’s and the world’s triumphs were cheered on with huge roars.”

But the Herald Sun had other points to make too.

“Perhaps what also should have beamed onto the aerostat were the images of Delhi’s creatures and critters.

“The stray dogs, monkeys, cobras, eagles, beetles and mozzies gained more media attention than the athletes’ achievements at times.”

It spoke about poor transporation during the Games with buses getting lost en route.

“Delhiites are pleased that their streets have been ‘beautified’, roads fixed, but there’s still concern about the $4.6 billion poured into to create these Games.

“But as the beggars are brought back out of hiding, there are many locals who think this money could have been better spent on health, education and other public works rather than stadiums.”