Australia praised New Delhi’s Commonwealth Games as “exceptional” after organisers overcame a shambolic build-up and widespread criticism to deliver a largely successful event.
Sports Minister Mark Arbib said authorities “really got their act together” after a dreadful lead-in which included an attack on tourists, a footbridge collapse and accusations the athletes’ village was unfit for human habitation.
“There were some difficulties prior to the Games, some issues around the village, some issues around unfinished facilities,” he told public broadcaster ABC.
“But the Indian authorities really got their act together in the last couple of weeks, got the Games facilities completed and got underway and the Games, when they were on, were very good.”
Australia’s official travel advice warned of a “high risk of terrorism” during the Games, adding to concerns over the event, while three Australian athletes pulled out over health and safety concerns.
Australian Olympic chief John Coates said Delhi should never have been awarded the Games, as Arbib was forced to fend off calls to withdraw the entire team of about 380 athletes.
Chef de mission Steve Moneghetti also complained that athletes were “treated like cattle” during the opening ceremony, leading to threats to boycott Thursday’s spectacular close.
Arbib said Australia’s athletes had faced “challenges and trials” during the Games on their way to dominating the medals tally with 74 golds.
“The Australian athletes have just shown so much resilience,” Arbib said.
“Through all the challenges and trials of the Games and the Games village, the Australian athletes have not lost the smile on their face. They’ve been very committed to competing the whole way through.”
Australian and New Zealand media also congratulated Delhi on the event in a surprisingly upbeat assessment.
“Bravo India” declared an editorial in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph which described the New Delhi Games as a “glorious competition”.
The New Zealand Press Association said organisation gradually improved as the Games progressed, to the point where everything was running like clockwork just before the closing ceremony.