By Duncan Mackay

September 14 -  A day after Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Mike Fennell aired scepticism over India's ability to host the 2010 Games, the chairman of the New Delhi organising committee, Suresh Kalmadi (pictured) said he is confident that they will put on a successful show to match Manchester in 2002 and Melbourne in 2006.



Fennell, concerned about the slow progress of the projects for the 2010 Games scheduled to be held in the Indian capital between October 3-14 next year, has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh next month.

He plans to warn him that the slow progress is affecting preparations and that, unless things are picked up dramatically, the Games will fall a long way below the standards of the last two.

A poor Commonwealth Games, the biggest event to be staged in India since the 1982 Asian Games, could seriously jeopardise a planned bid from New Delhi for the 2020 Olympics.

But Kalmadi continued to promise that they will not stage a sub-standard Games, the build-up to which have been overshadowed by worries over whether the venues will be ready in time and serious fears over security.
 

Kalmadi said: "India will deliver a highly successful Commonwealth Games.

"I will be happy to arrange a meeting of Mr. Fennell with the PM next month and discuss all the issues whatever he has.
 

"The organising committee has a number of competent Indian professionals who have vast experience in conducting world class events like the Afro-Asian Games and World Championships.

"We also believe that we have the right mix of overseas and Indian professional to run the Games.

"The venues will be complete on time.

"As far as security is concerned, the Home Secretary has already apprised Commonwealth Games  Heads of Missions and there will be another meeting of the security commanders of the participating nations September 23-24.
 

"I have no doubt that under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Delhi will deliver a successful Commonwealth Games."


Related stories
September 2009: Commonwealth Games Federation demand meeting with Indian Prime Minister
August 2009: Delhi hotels set to miss Commonwealth Games target
August 2009: India put under pressure by too many events says Minister
August 2009: Delhi will be ready for Games promises Sports Minister
August 2009: Delhi will be best Commonwealth Games ever says Kalmadi