A.R. Rahman asks media to project 'positive image' of CWG

Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, who has composed the theme song of the Commonwealth Games, said Monday that he was pained by the negative publicity for the mega sporting event.

Appealing to the media to present a positive image of the Games, Rahman said: "It is my humble request to you (media) to present a positive image of the Games to the international community."

"Hundreds of people are working day and night for making the Games successful. People across the world are asking if India will be able to hold them successfully... so kindly bring a positive image to the Games," the music maestro told reporters during a function in the capital.

Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi quoted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Independence Day address in which he said the Oct 3-14 Games would be a "national festival".

"With 30 days to go for the opening of the Games village, we are confident of a great Games," Kalmadi said.

With the delay in preparations and corruption allegations in the biggest sporting event being organised in India since the 1982 Asiad Games, Manmohan Singh Saturday issued clear instructions that the facilities for the Games be made ready in time and meet international standards.