Rare praise from Commonwealth Games Federation president

Finally, a word of praise from Mike Fennell, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, who has been scathing in his criticism of preparations for the 2010 Games in Delhi.

“We have seen improvement in the operational side,” Fennell told Hindustan Times in an exclusive interview on Sunday, a day after he said he was worried about the delay in delivery of stadiums and venues.

“No doubt their construction will be over,” he said. “As the Games approaches, this (delay in projects) is the area we should not be worrying about.”

Is he contradicting himself? Perhaps not, because there is general optimism among the authorities now about reaching there in time despite privately held or publicly expressed reservations.

"I am nervous,” said Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, emerging from a meeting of ministers on the open and closing ceremonies of the Games on Sunday. But she quickly added, “It will be done.”

About his earlier criticism of the preparations, Fennell said he meant what he said and it had the desired impact.

"Mr (Suresh) Kalmadi himself said on Saturday, ‘thank you for the wake-up call’,” Fennel said. “At that time he might not have agreed, but now he must have realised it was necessary.”

Fennell is in Delhi for a series of meetings on the preparations for the Games.