Ajith Nivard Cabraal (pictured), the co-chairman of Hambantota 2018 and Governor of Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, appears to be growing increasingly optimistic in the build-up to the vote at the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly in St Kitts and Nevis on November 11.

Unlike its only rival, Hambantota has few facilities in place but Cabraal claims that this should not matter when the 71 countries and territories cast their vote.

"The fact that there is a seven-year lag [between the vote and hosting the Games] tells me that the CGF wants people to get ready for the Games, providing the opportunity for new countries to emerge," said Cabraal.

"I believe strongly that the whole experience hinges not on being event-ready but on getting ready over seven years.

"There are enormous opportunities for young people to train, for businesses to grow, for venues to be constructed and for legacies to be planned.

"The Games should aspire to deliver these.

"'That is what our Hambantota 2018 bid is all about."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
October 2011: Exclusive - Battle between Gold Coast and Hambantota for 2018 Commonwealth Games is most exciting ever says Hooper
October 2011: Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games bid earns Jersey's vote
October 2011: Hambantota welcomes South Asian Beach Games as countdown to 2018 Commonwealth Games decision looms
October 2011: Oceania reveal they will not be voting in a block for the Gold Coast
October 2011: Hambantota has "more than a 50/50 chance" of winning Commonwealth Games bid claims co-chairman