Sunday, October 3

Commonwealth challenge Scots set

Venue: Delhi, India Dates: 3-14 October 2010 Coverage: The opening ceremony is due to begin at 1430 BST on Sunday, 3 October. Comprehensive live coverage across BBC TV, radio, online, BBC Red Button, mobile and BBC iPlayer services. Full coverage details here. Full schedule of events here.

Cyclist Ross Edgar carried the Scottish flag at the opening ceremony
Cyclist Ross Edgar carried the Scottish flag at the opening ceremony
Delhi is feeling frisky as the 19th Commonwealth Games get under way.
As well as excitement building at the biggest multi-sport event ever held in this vast county, no matter where you go, you can expect at least five pairs of hands to check you and your belongings every day.
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In the Indian capital, this 'mag and bag' process eventually becomes as tedious as the persistent auto-rickshaw drivers touting for business.
If nothing else has been entirely satisfactory in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games in India, the same cannot be said for the security.

It's been seven years, £1.5bn and more than a few grey hairs in the making, but Delhi is now ready. Nearly.
The build-up to 'India's Games' may have been plagued by tales of corruption, shoddy workmanship and security threats.
It's now just a case of dotting 'i's or crossing 't's... ok, and the odd 'j' and 'x' too.
The much-maligned athletes' village has been finally been signed off by Delhi's top politician, but stories of deserting volunteers and stadium readiness continue to surface.
Thankfully, Team Scotland are in a better state.
They started arriving a week before Sunday's opening ceremony and once the games begin they have a lot to live up to.
Last time around in Melbourne they claimed 11 gold medals, smashing the previous best, on their way to a total haul of 29 podium finishes..
This could prove a leaner year, although they're still aiming for between 18 and 25 medals.
Four years ago, it all kicked off with a six-gold blitz in the pool and in Delhi that's also where the first chances come on Day One.
David Carry is a good bet to add to his two golds from Australia, and although fellow gold-winner Cailitn McClatchey has had a difficult year through fitness, and Gregor Tait has hung up his cap, but rising star Hannah Miley always looks good in the 400m individual medley.
Scotland's own Knightrider, Sir Chris Hoy - a virtual stick-on to win cycling gold - may be just one of several high-profile absentees from India.

Hannah Miley is a good bet for a medal in the pool
However, flag-bearer Ross Edgar could take more honours in the velodrome, while David Millar takes his CWG bow fresh from coming second in the world road time trial in Australia.
At the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, Lee McConnell is the best track and field hope in the 400m individual and relay races, and at the most remote venue an hour outside the city the shooters Neil Stirton will try to improve on bronze from 2006.
Medals are undoubtedly the main focus, but there is so much more we should keep an eye out for.
If in India cricket is king, hockey is the crown prince.
Every day on local television matches are being screened from around the globe of Commonwealth teams playing warm-up games.
Both Scotland's men and women - who, with some luck, could sneak a medal - play the host nation in what should be a very special atmosphere at the impressive Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
And Scotland has not one, but two sets of twins competing.
The Robertsons - Donna and Fiona - have already won Commonwealth bronzes in Judo. They'll take to the mat again for Scotland... but this time as wrestlers.
And Carol and Helen McGlashan were in the gymnastics squad in Melbourne, but say their near-telepathic understanding is now helping them excel at synchronised diving.
How long do you think you could go from novice to boxing champion? Five, six, seven years?
How about two? Ross Henderson first pulled on a pair of gloves in 2008. Now the 23-year-old is going for Commonwealth gold in the super-heavyweight division.
Last but not least there's Willie Wood, the septuagenarian making his eighth Games.
For all the horror stories that have prefaced this event, he's made only one one complaint.
Not about the athletes' village or the 35-degree heat or even the seemingly-endless security checks.
No, it's over his bowls.
You see, Willie's football team is Hearts and his bowls for the games are in the green of their Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.
I imagine he won't care what colour they are as long as they bring him gold, silver or bronze.



(source:bbc.co.uk)

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