Kalmadi confident about Commonwealth Games 2010 being held

NEW DELHI - Indian Olympic Association (IOC) President Suresh Kalmadi on Wednesday expressed confidence about the Commonwealth Games being held successfully in 2010.

Addressing a press conference here, Kalmadi, who is the Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Commitee, said: “Sports Minister M S Gill, Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit are working as a team to deliver a great Game.”

“We have hired many international experts to ensure there are no slip-ups,” he added.

He also brushed aside Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennell’s criticism on New Delhi’s ability to successfully hold the 2010 Commonwealth Games, adding that Fennell’s doubts would be cleared next month.

Fennell had written to Kalmadi criticising New Delhi’s preparation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games and said that a meeting with the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, may be required to sort out all preparatory-related issues.

Union Sports Minister M S Gill on Tuesday summoned Kalmadi to take stock of the situation. IOA Secretary General Randhir Singh was also present at the meeting.

Gill has met Dikshit to discuss the Games and the progress being made. (ANI)