| GEO Sports | 100,000 police lock down Delhi as CWG set to begin | Updated at: 0328 PST, Sunday, October 03, 2010
 NEW DELHI: Nearly 100,000 police and paramilitary forces locked down New Delhi on Sunday for the start of the Commonwealth Games after a shambolic run-up that left the event teetering on the brink of collapse.
Many athletes have commented on the heavy security presence and the number of machine guns on display -- a result of months of worry in leading countries about the showpiece being a target for extremists.
A total 17,000 heavily armed paramilitary troopers are reinforcing 80,000 police to counter the danger from militant groups in South Asia.
Games veterans say that security exceeds the tight policing of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Delhi police commissioner Y.S. Dadwal promised "foolproof security" at a news conference on the eve of the Games, adding that every police officer "is on the job 24/7. Most are working and sleeping at the police station".
India's particular form of organisation will finally be put to the test when the event begins with the opening ceremony attended by Britain's Prince Charles later Sunday. |  | |
| | |
|
ShareThis
