Commonwealth Games organisers allay concerns

By N.Ananthanarayanan

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - New Delhi Commonwealth Games organisers promised on Wednesday to respond to heavy criticism and deliver a world class event next year.

"We are happy with all the wake-up calls we get," organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi told a packed news conference, as he sought to allay concerns the Oct. 3-14, 2010 event was doomed to failure because of poor preparation.

Fresh doubts about India's ability to stage the event has grown since Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell slammed the organising committee this week, seeking an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to salvage the Games.

Rattled by heavy media criticism following his remarks, the organising committee gave a video presentation and said all games venues, the athletes village as well as transport, security and hotel accommodation would be ready before time.

All the CGF's concerns would be addressed during its general assembly in New Delhi from Oct. 6-13, Kalmadi said, in the presence of all senior organising committee officials.

"We're all working as a team to deliver a great Games," he said. "We respect Fennell's views but we want to reassure people that we will stage a great Games and it will be held on time." Link...