Commonwealth Games, a boon for Delhi: Suresh Kalmadi

The Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC), Suresh Kalmadi, has said the Commonwealth Games will be a boon for New Delhi.

Talking to reporters here on Thursday, Kalmadi said: "The Commonwealth Games to be staged later this year has been possible due to the liberal loan worth 1600 crore rupees advanced by the Government of India. So, this event will be a boon for New Delhi.

"The Organising Committee has the budget of 1600 crores. This money has been given to us as loan which we have to repay through sponsorships, through revenue, merchandising and ticketing. So, we have to return all the money we have got. And we are getting a lot of sponsors on board. There is going to be no expenses on our account to the government.

Whatever is happening, the stadiums, the roads, metro and airport is not just for the 15 days of the Games, but that is a legacy for the city of Delhi to enjoy," added Kalmadi.

Kalmadi further said the CGOC is confident about successfully conducting the games.

He also claimed that the game would leave behind world-class sporting infrastructure and allied civic facilities in the country.