By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

July 29 - British Prime Minister David Cameron today praised India's National Stadium, a key venue for this year's Commonwealth Games, as "world-class" after leading a delegation there that included Sebastian Coe and Dame Kelly Holmes.



Cameron met Suresh Kalmadi, the chairman of the Delhi Organising Committee and President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and faced former cricket captain Kapil Dev.

Cameron had gone for a visit to view the facilities for the Commonwealth Games, which are due to open on October 3.

The National Stadium was venue of the World Hockey Cup in February this year and will hold matches during the Commonwealth Games.

Dev, who captained India's World Cup winning team in 1983 at Lord's, was part of a delegation of Indian sportsmen and women who were present to greet Cameron.



The others included cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi, former world 400 metres record holder Milkha Singh and 1986 Asian Games 400m champion P.T. Usha.

Along with Coe, the chairman of London 2012, and Dame Kelly, the President of Commonwealth Games England, were Sir Steve Redgrave, Britain's most successful ever Olympian with five gold medals, and Richard Scudamore, the chief executive of the Premier League.

Cameron and Britain's Foreign Minister William Hague arrived together at the stadium, where he was greeted by Indian Sports Minister M.S. Gill and Kalmadi.

Cameron was given a briefing on the security preparations for the Games by Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal.

Coe asked Indians to get behind the organisers of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and hoped the event, grappling with numerous pullouts and infrastructure issues, would prove a success. 

"I am sure Delhi would be ready [in time]," said Coe (pictured).

"People should be excited and proud because this is a great opportunity to showcase the country.

"Some athletes are not coming but many household names began their career at Commonwealth Games and I am sure Delhi will be watching the stars of tomorrow."

Sir Steve backed Coe's call.

"I have seen the Games Village, which is probably the best," he said. 

"There are lot of works to do but people should be positive about it and shoulder more responsibility, instead of fighting with each other."

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