Ex-Pak Olympic body chief says ’showcase’ CWG proves India ready to host Olympics

Lahore, Oct 19 (ANI): Former Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Secretary General Muhammad Latif Butt has praised India for successfully organising the Commonwealth Games that concluded in New Delhi last week.

“I attended the Commonwealth Games on the invitation of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Commonwealth Games organising committee from October 3-14. I watched the opening ceremony at Jawarharlal Nehru Stadium, which was very colourful, showing Indian culture and traditions in near perfect conditions,” the Daily Times quoted Latif, as saying.

By hosting the Games against all odds, India had shown to the world that it can also host Olympics, he added.

Latif said that he had the opportunity of visiting the Athletes’ Village along with Syed Shahid Ali, IOC member in Pakistan, and noted that the facilities provided to athletes and officials for accommodation were quite impressive.

“The Games were organised and conducted in safe and orderly manner and according to the rules and bye-laws of international federations. The performance of Indian contingent and the results achieved through their dedicated and scientifically planned training were superb,” he said.

“The venues are of high standard and especially the JN Stadium is one of the best I have seen in the last thirty years of my organisational career,” he added.

He said that he met many sports leaders and dignitaries of foreign countries, and “they were also all praise for the excellent arrangements of accommodation, food and transport.”

He also noted that when the Pakistan contingent entered the stadium they were given a standing ovation, not given to any other country’s contingent.

“This showed the love and affection to the Pakistan sportsmen and Pakistan, which touched my heart,” he added.

Latif, who is now an advisor of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), said he would like to place on record his appreciation of the Delhi Games that were held due to the concerted efforts of Dr MS Gill, Shri Suresh Kalmadi (Chairman, Organising Committee) and Shri Randhir Singh (Indian Olympic Association Secretary General and Vice Chairman, Organising Committee). (ANI)