Despite Germany being a non-participating nation in the Commonwealth Games, its media is showing interest in the sporting extravaganza marred by allegations of corruption, prompting Indian Embassy here to be pro-active in promoting the next month's event in Delhi.
"Usually media here in Germany does not carry news related to the Commonwealth Games as our country is not a member of it. But, as there were some reports of allegations of corruption in the projects related to mega games event, some kind of curiosity among people has been developed about the big event," German Journalists Association spokesperson Eva Wesnej said.
Officials at the Indian Embassy here also said the German media is showing some interest in the Games and they have initiated some steps to generate awareness about the event, which will be held in Delhi between October 3-14.
“Though Germany is not participating being a non Commonwealth nation, the Embassy has taken steps to generate awareness about the Games in through a lot of organizational activities,” Ashutosh Agrawal, First Secretary at the Embassy of India here said.
Building on that interest, press releases and selective mailers on developments related to the games will be issued by the embassy officials during the Commonwealth Games.
{{/usCountry}}Building on that interest, press releases and selective mailers on developments related to the games will be issued by the embassy officials during the Commonwealth Games.
{{/usCountry}}“There have been short news items/news agency snippets in the local print media... We will issue regular press releases on important events during the Games period,” Agarwal said.
“We have put up posters and brochures on Commonwealth Games at the offices of main travel agents and sports association etc in various cities in Germany,” he said, adding these preparations are going on in spite of the low local response to the event.
The officials are also in talks with television channels in India for important feeds during the Games.
“We plan to show important sporting events and opening/closing ceremonies live to select invitees in Embassy's auditorium subject to availability of TV-feed from India. We are working out possibilities for the same,” he added.
The Commonwealth Games has been rocked by controversies, including alleged corruption charges against top Organising Committee officials and shoddy construction work of the venues.