INDIA TELLS DIPLOMATS C'WEALTH GAMES WORK ON TRACK

By P. Vijian

NEW DELHI, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- India exalted confidence in hosting the
Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG) as workers and organisers put the final
touches to the preparations, despite the threat of deadly mosquitoes and the
incessant monsoon rains.

With less than 16 days to go, India's Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told
heads of mission of Commonwealth nations that arrangements were right on track
in Delhi, the city selected to host the 19th edition of the multi-sport gala
games in October.

"We are confident that the games will be held successfully and that all our
preparations will be completed well in time. Reports of dengue were especially
exaggerated," she told top diplomats.

Malaysia's High Commissioner to India Tan Seng Sung, among the 40 over
envoys who attended Rao's briefing on Wednesday, said India had expressed
"confidence" to host the games with preparations progressing "smoothly".

"The Indian government is confident of carrying out the games. Logistics,
security and health precautions at all levels are being taken care of to ensure
that the games go on smoothly.

"Fogging is being carried out in all areas and they say the dengue here is
not serious, it is a mild form, and security arrangements are also being
addressed," Tan told Bernama.

In Delhi, Indian officials are racing against time to host one of the
world's biggest and prestigious games, where nearly 10,000 athletes from 71
games associations are expected to take part.

The games are being held in the wake of a milieu of disturbing elements -- a
rising number of dengue cases in the city, which has crossed 1,900 cases,
terrorist risks, a prolonged monsoon, allegations of corruption that have marred
the image of the games, and delays in completing the infrastructure works.

The Commonwealth Games, slated for Oct 3 to 14, are the second largest
sporting fiesta India will host after the Asian Games in 1982.
-- BERNAMA