New Delhi: It's highly unfortunate that with the Indian Grand Prix around the corner, the first thing that springs to mind of a vast majority of the masses is the organisational debacle of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
One has to however keep in mind that the national capital of India has hosted quite a few international events with reasonable success in the recent past: the Hockey World Cup, the Asian Badminton Championships, and of course the 10th ICC cricket world cup.
If India can pull off a successful Grand Prix on Sunday, the winning driver will not be the only person celebrating a major victory.
The country's inaugural Formula One race, being held at a new track outside the capital New Delhi, is seen as a key test of India's ability to organise and deliver international sporting events.
After last year's chaotic Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Formula One bosses are hoping the hosts will live up to their pledge to hold a smoothly-run weekend for the world's top drivers and up to 100,000 spectators.
Confidence is high despite the daunting logistical challenges and fears of massive congestion as fans battle to get into the $400-million Buddh International Circuit track near the New Delhi satellite town of Noida.
Organisers say the race surface and crowd facilities have all been finished in the nick of time, and that Formula One's global experience, financial muscle and professional approach are paying dividends.
If such claims are proven on the day, it would be a long way from the bureaucratic apathy that beset the Commonwealth Games, remembered today for their shabby venues and corruption allegations rather than the sporting action.
(With Agency inputs)
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