Athletics track ready, says Michael Fennell

NEW DELHI - Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennell said on Wednesday that the repair work of the athletics track has been completed and all systems are ready for the event at the Commonwealth Games 2010 in New Delhi.

“There has been some news reports, speculations about the preparations for athletics, which start this afternoon and I am happy to tell you that the repair work that was necessary has been completed and all systems are go for athletics to start this afternoon,” said Fennell.

“There was some damage to the athletic track and the in field was in a very poor condition and there was some general cleaning up to be done and the workers responded to this overnight and the people responsible and it was all done. It was checked this morning by the technical delegate for IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) and he has informed us that all systems are go for athletics this afternoon. So we are very pleased to report that,” he added.

Earlier, Olympic gold medalist Jonathan Edwards of Britain had raised concerns about the track, with parts of it having to be repaired following damage caused during the opening ceremony.

Fennell also expressed his satisfaction over the special lane designated for the Games traffic.

“We are very satisfied that the special lane that has designated the Games traffic has been working well. But in particular, like to compliment and to thank the general public in Delhi for their understanding because to some people this has been a bit of a nuisance because it has disrupted the traffic, but they understand the importance of the Games and the importance of the Games traffic,” said Fennell.

“And I would like to thank the driving public and the rest of the public in Delhi for their understanding and their cooperation for the success of the Games,” he added.

Fennell added that in the daily meetings, transport issue have also been discussed and it will be resolved very soon as more drivers, who are aware about the routes of Delhi, have been promised for the transport system.

He also congratulated the Indian athletes for their success.

The chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Suresh Kalmadi, said new records and new champions have been created in these games.

“Well I congratulate all the countries who have won medals and I am happy that the host country has also won five of the 15 gold medals yesterday. But I am particularly happy that many Commonwealth Games records were broken, new records have happened; two in swimming, three in cycling and two in shooting,” said Kalmadi. (ANI)