Abhinav Bindra wants Commonwealth Games authorities shift focus to athletes

In an attempt to ignite public enthusiasm vis-à-vis 2010 Commonwealth Games, India's ace shooter, Abhinav Bindra, appealed to citizens and authorities to rally behind the mega event to make it a grand success.

Speaking at a press interaction here on Tuesday, Bindra said that the time had come for the authorities to shift their focus from infrastructural preparations to the needs and promotion of the athletes.

"The Games are about the athletes. They are the most important stakeholders and are central to everything that happens with the Games. From now on, they should be the focus of all your attention. Everything that has been done, it is for them to participate and for them to come up with truly breathtaking performances," said Bindra.

"We are at the cusp of an historical moment in Indian sport and we have just 40 days to go. It is time for all of us to come together and ensure that we deliver great Games. I would like to appeal to the people of India and citizens of Delhi to rally behind the games," he added.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games, which kicks off on October 3 is India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games.

India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states.