The 63-year-old Malaysian took over as CGF President from the Jamaican Mike Fennell in November last year having served as vice-president for 11 years.

During his visit to Glasgow, Prince Imran met senior members of the 2014 Organising Committee, including the chairman Lord Smith, to hear how preparations for the Games were moving forward.

A number of key areas were discussed such as the opening and closing ceremonies, venue infrastructure and the volunteering programme with the CGF President also updated on the legacy of the Games.

"It was heartening to see the pace of progress towards the Games on my first visit to the city and the Organising Committee," said Prince Imran, who is also the President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member.

"I believe what Glasgow and Scotland have done so far is excellent and I know the city and nation will be great hosts leaving a warm, lasting impression on athletes, officials and spectators alike.

"I am encouraged by what I have seen and heard and, with the Games on track, I am confident that we will see an amazing 11 days of world-class sport in 2014."


Prince Imran (pictured above with Smith right), who is professionally qualified as a barrister, continued that there is still a lot of work for Glasgow to do to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games but said that he felt the Scottish city was currently in good shape.

"While there is still much to be achieved between now and the Games, I believe the Organising Committee has robust plans in place to not only ensure a fantastic multi-sport event, but to deliver a tangible legacy for Glasgow, Scotland and the Commonwealth Games movement in general," he said.

The visit of Prince Imran comes shortly after the first inspection from the CGF Coordination Commission in October 2011, who reported that they were satisfied with the progress made on the event.

"We were delighted to have the opportunity to update Prince Imran on the progress being made towards the Games so soon after his election," said Lord Smith, who personally welcomed the CGF President to the city.

"Since winning the right to host the Games in 2007, we have made tremendous progress towards staging an outstanding, athlete centred sport focused Games.

"We are accelerating the pace of progress all the time.

"We have 916 days until the opening ceremony and are confident in our plans to deliver the Games and a long lasting legacy after they have closed."

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