‘We are confident and anxious as CWG getting closer’

NEW DELHI - Union minister S. Jaipal Reddy, who heads the Group of Ministers overseeing the preparations of the Commonwealth Games, Monday said they are “confident” and at the same time “anxious” as the Oct 3-14 mega event is getting closer.

The Union Urban Development minister, who was speaking at the handing over ceremony of the R.K. Khanna tennis complex to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, said they are on their toes.

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, who was also present on the occasion, asked the media not to “discourage” them as work is going on as scheduled and they are constantly monitoring things.

Reddy said the Delhi Games will be one of the greatest in Commonwealth Games history.

“I am absolutely certain that the Delhi CWG will go down as the greatest in the annals of Commonwealth Games history. We have also taken note of the criticism that has come our way.

“At the moment we are on our toes. We are confident of hosting a successful Games, but inwardly we are worried and anxious which keeps us alert and vigilant,” said Reddy, flanked by Dikshit and Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi.

“Generally we have this great Indian culture of doing everything at the last minute. Whether it is marriage or anything else, but we do end up doing it well,” Reddy said in a lighter vein.

“I am confident that Delhi will be a great host,” he said.

He said there is a lot of excitement within the country about the Games.

“We will attract a lot of foreign as well as domestic tourists. We will provide good accommodation facility to all kind of tourists. There are guest houses, the bread and breakfast scheme. All these provisions were included in the Delhi master plan in 2007.”

Reddy said that they have to find a way to maintain the sporting legacy that the Games will leave behind.

Dikshit said that she is confident that it will be a memorable Commonwealth Games.

“Please do not discourage us. Work is going on as per schedule. I, my cabinet colleagues, DDCA, NDMC, MCD and other departments, everyone is constantly monitoring things.”

Dikshit also praised Reddy for playing an important role.

“He has been a source of great inspiration for us. He has gone about his job in a quiet, sure and steady manner, which is remarkable.”