Games chiefs concerned at preparations

A Commonwealth Games Federation official has warned that progress in infrastructure for the 2010 games should not disguise ongoing concerns about slow preparations and lapsed deadlines.

The CGG coordination commission, chaired by Austin Sealy, is currently visiting New Delhi and received presentations from Indian officials on building progress and implementing games operations.

Sealy also visited all competition venues before issuing a statement Wednesday.

"There has been noticeable progress over the last two months, however, with effectively only nine months remaining, the intensity must continue, and in fact, works must be further accelerated," Sealy said.

"We urge the construction agencies to ensure that no further delays are encountered as this will place the OC (Organizing Committee) in a difficult position and compromise final preparations and games readiness."

India will host the event from Oct. 3-14 next year, featuring 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth. It hoped that the games would enhance its credentials to host even bigger events, maybe even the Olympics.

"There was a sense of energy and urgency from Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of the OC, and the entire New Delhi team about getting on with the job, which is a positive, and it is clear that everyone is committed to making these Games a success," Sealy said.

He said the commission was concerned that the timetable for venue completion had, in most cases, been extended by at least three months since the September deadline, and, in some cases, it seemed venues would not be handed over to the OC until June.

He urged the construction agencies to ensure that there were no further delays.

The four-member commission was expanded by three members for the visit, adding representatives from Australia, Wales and South Africa. It will now report to the CGF and the Organizing Committee.

The CGF president Michael Fennell will visit New Delhi on Friday for meetings with Organizing Committee members to discuss concerns raised by the commission.