By Tom Degun in New Delhi

Mike_Fennell_latestOctober 14 - Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Mike Fennell has hailed the Delhi Games a success, stating in his final press conference that everything had "gone well".


"The feedback we have received has been very positive and we are pleased the athletes have expressed how happy they are in Delhi," said Fennell.

"Despite the worries, the security and the police force have done a fantastic job in policing the city and the volunteers have been most helpful and friendly."

The Closing Ceremony will take place this evening with Prince Edward, Vice Patron of the CGF, set to formally draw the 11-day competition to a close.

The event here was plagued with problems during its build-up with major health and security fears, a lack of cleanliness in the Athletes' Village and high-profile competitor boycotts casting a shadow over it.

There have also been worries regarding a lack of spectators at venues and swimmers falling ill and blaming the water quality of the training pool.

But Fennell said at this stage, with an in-depth post mortem of the Games still to come, the CGF is happy.

He also made a big point of thanking the media for their coverage, although he admitted he felt there had been great exaggeration regarding some of the problems.

"I felt some of the trivial things received more attention than they should have done but it was important to expose some of the fundamental issues and it helped," he said.

"When these were exposed in the media, this helped us to get action going in certain areas and I say that very sincerely.

"But I would be less than frank if I said some of the minor reports did not help because the public does not understand the dynamics of organisation."

Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi (pictured) added: "These Games have been built around the athletes, and thank you CGF for all of your help with hosting this event.

"I have had my run-ins with [CGF chief executive] Mike Hooper in the past but that is the nature of hosting a major sports event and we are very happy with how it has turned out.

"India winning a lot of medals has been one of the best parts for me.

"I am happy with the end result."

Kalmadi, who was booed by some segments of the crowd during his Opening Ceremony speech, is set to make another during the Closing Ceremony.

Fennell will also speak and will present the David Dixon Award for the outstanding athlete of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The award - named after the former honorary secretary of the CGF - was first presented at the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games, where it was won by South African Paralympic swimmer Natalie du Toit.

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