India ready to host `successful` Games: Kalmadi, Fennell

New Delhi, Oct 3 (PTI) Despite the controversies, delays
and challenges in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games, India
had risen to the occassion and is set to deliver a successful
Games, both CGF chief Mike Fennell and Games Organising
Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said Sunday.
Kalmadi, who is also Indian Olympic Association
president, also thanked then Prime Minister Atal Behari
Vajpayee during whose term India won the bid to host the
Commonwealth Games.
Hailing the effort of the Organising Committee in pulling
off the spectacular show, CGF supremo Fennell said, "The
preparation has been filled with many challenges but the focus
was on the competition of athletes. But the OC worked
tirelessly to prepare these Games. I commend their efforts in
putting together the Games."
"A big congratulation to the organising committee, may
the Games be a tremendous succcess ... Over the next 11 days,
we will witness the finest athletes from 71 competing to glory
not only in pursuit of medals but friendship," Fennell said in
his address.
Thanking the volunteers for the tireless work, he said,
"They worked together in one common view for a successful
Games. Also to the people of Delhi ... You have welcomed us
with traditional hospitality.
"Athletes have been touched by your kindness and your
enthusiasm in being good hosts. friendship can be achieved
through true sport in the midst of adversity," Fennell said.
Kalmadi thanked the 71 Commonwealth countries for keeping
faith to India despite the problems the Organising Committee
in the run-up to the Games.
"Despite the bad publicity, all Commonwealth association
stood by India as Delhi 2010 becomes the largest ever in the
history of Commowealth Games," said Kalmadi.
"The IOA had a dream to make India sport-conscious,
embrace all sports with passion. Former Prime Ministers Indira
Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had successfully hosted the Asian
Games ... The Games will also contribute significantly to the
Indian economy. More than 6,800 athletes from all 71 nations
have put their faith on India. A new champion will be born in
Delhi."
Thanking the support of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and
Sonia Gandhi, Kalmadi said, "There have been delays and many
challenges but we have been able to rise above that. The Prime
Minister's encouragament made us feel 'yes we can'.
"I also thank Sonia Gandhi for her support to get the
Games to India and then Prime Minister Vajpayee for backing
the Games.