Reddy confident about successful Commonwealth Games

New Delhi, Sep 25 (ANI): Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy on Saturday expressed confidence about the country hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games saying the problem has narrowed down to the upkeep of the Games Village.

"I am absolutely confident we will be able to deliver successful games. The problem has narrowed down to upkeep of the Games Village," said Reddy, who is also head of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on the Commonwealth Games.

Reddy further said there is nothing to worry and that all the venues are now in perfect shape and the focus is on the maintenance of the Games Village.

"Let us focus on the delivery of the Games and house keeping of the Games Village than dissection of the problems. They are 3,000 rooms of star hotel category in the Games Village, which means that there are more rooms in the Games Village than in all the star hotels of Delhi," he added.

On asked about several athletes pulling out of the Delhi Games, Reddy said individual athletes have pulled themselves out of the upcoming mega event due to their own reasons.

"Usain Bolt (from Jamaica) pulled out three months back. Therefore, individual athletes pull out for their own reasons, I have no comment to make," said Reddy.

Earlier today, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Michael Fennell on Saturday said a considerable amount of work has been done on the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but problems still exist.

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, had on Thursday asked S. Jaipal Reddy and members of the Group of Ministers (GoM) to keep strict supervision on pending work related to the 2010 Games.

Security concerns surrounding the Games have also been heightened in the wake of the shooting of two Taiwanese nationals traveling in a tourist bus outside the Jama Masjid in the walled city area here on Sunday.

The record monsoon rains, an outbreak of dengue fever, allegations of corruption and late venue construction have all added to suspicion by athletes, their families and Games officials from participating countries.

The 12-day sporting extravaganza, which kicks off on October 3, is India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. (ANI)