Saina apologises for terming 2010 CWG preparations 'not upto the mark'

Ace Indian shuttler and brand ambassador of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Saina Nehwal on Saturday evening regretted for describing preparations for the Commonwealth Games 2010 "not being up to the mark in comparison to the games held in Melobourne and Beijing on previous occasions."

Talking to mediapersons in Hyderbad in the evening, Saina said: "I am one of the good sports persons of the country and I want to do well in front of my home crowd and I am very proud that the Commonwealth Games are being held in India."

The shuttler added that she had participated in the stadiums in Delhi during the Asian badminton Championship and had a good time playing there.

"I denied the reports because I was a little disappointed after making the comments. It is not good on my part to say it as lots of people follow me," she said.

Earlier in the day, talking to reporters in Hyderabad on the sidelines of a function, Nehwal said: "Looking at the stadiums and looking at the progress, I don't really think we are capable of holding such big tournaments because you know, I have seen many Games like the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne (in 2006) and Olympic Games in Beijing (in 2008). Compared to that it is not up to the mark. But I am sure that before 3rd of October it will be ready, and you know, people will like it. But with the comparisons of those games, things are not up to the mark."

On the controversies plaguing the Games, she said that it was common in India when such tournaments are held.

"It happens when such big tournaments are held in India, such controversies are there with the sports, but then, we can't do anything. We just have to prepare and be ready for the tournament," she added.

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, which will be held from October 3 to 14.

For this mega event, the Sports Ministry has spent an additional sum of 300 million rupees to upgrade and renovate the hostels of the Delhi University, as a measure of accommodation for the Games tourist.

The 12-day sporting extravaganza will be India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi.