Venue delays stressful for 2010 Games Federation

CONSTRUCTION delays at the two main stadiums for the Delhi Commonwealth Games next year are causing ''distressing'' concern for international sports officials.

The Commonwealth Games Federation president, Michael Fennell, said while there had been significant progress with operational planning there were big problems with the venues.

Fennell said the delays in construction were so extreme that test events and the time required to prepare the venues with Games-specific ''overlay'' would have an impact on the organising committee's tight timetables. This means that the venues will have little time to test key components such as broadcast and timing equipment before the Commonwealth Games opening on October 3 next year.

Yesterday, Fennell expressed great disappointment at the latest report on the delayed delivery of the venues, and, in particular, how the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and the SP Mukherjee swimming complex were so far behind schedule after holding a series of meetings with Games organisers and Indian politicians.

''We have continuously received assurances on the delivery timelines for these projects and to now hear that there are further delays is distressing,'' Fennell said.

''These delays will have an impact upon the organising committee's operational planning, particularly in relation to the conduct of test events and overlay installation.

''There can be no further delays and I was pleased to receive directly from the Sports Minister, Dr Gill, his assurance today that the venues will not encounter any further delays.''

The Commonwealth Games Federation has been forced to provide the Indians with immediate direct support in the areas of venue operations and making the venues functional for the Games, as well as helping to source and train 30,000 volunteers and getting the Games ready.

However, Indian media are reporting that there are also delays at a third venue, the Indira Gandhi Stadium, which will host gymnastics, wrestling and cycling. The Indian Express reports delays on the designs of the landscape and drainage system have held up the start of a complete renovation of the stadium.