Good news finally for Commonwealth Games officials

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President, Michael Fennell, not only had positive things to say about the progress in preparation for next year's games, he also announced a move that pleased Indian officials.

hough Fennell was concerned over the slow progress of certain venues, his announcement to do away with the proposed Technical Review Committee (TRC) complimented his generally positive tone.

The CGF, to ensure speedy work, was to institute the TRC in January. However, an alternative approach was worked out with Organising Committee (OC) Chairman Suresh Kalmadi after studying a report of the Co-Ordination Committee (CoCom) that was in the city over the past few days. "In view of the current improved status, we have agreed it is now more appropriate for the CGF to provide additional on-going support to the OC," Fennell said. "While I note improvement in operational areas, the OC and its partners must maintain the momentum that they have now gained across all functional areas," Fennell said, but added that the delay of a few venues, particularly Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JNS) and the SP Mukherjee swimming complex had been disappointing.

"We have continuously received assurances on the delivery timelines for these projects, and to now hear that there are further delays is distressing. These delays will have an impact upon the OC's operational planning, particularly in relation to the conduct of test events and overlay installation," said Fennell.

Fennell said the TRC would be replaced by a twin system of working whereby the CoCom would make two further visits to oversee progress, while the CWG CEO, Mike Hooper, would work in tandem with the OC. "We will provide the OC with access to appropriate expertise to assist them with these three key areas," Fennell said about 'venue operations', 'volunteer programme' & 'games readiness.

Kalmadi termed the meetings with the visiting delegates 'the best so far' and promised that there would be no slackening in the pace of work.