India reaffirms commitment to host best ever Games

Port of Spain: India on Saturday said it is committed to deliver the best ever Commonwealth Games as New Delhi gets ready to host the sporting extravaganza next year.

Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi and the sports ministry officials today represented India at the Sports Breakfast during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting here. India outlined Delhi’s preparations for the Games and the expected benefits for itself and the Commonwealth countries. “Environment is a critical component today. Recognising this we will strive towards reducing the carbon footprint to establish the first ever green Commonwealth Games and thus become the benchmark for all multi-disciplinary games in the future,” Kalmadi said.Kalmadi also listed some benefits of the Games like 2.5 million jobs that would be created, investment in green infrastructure, pro-active waste management, greening and offset and green ceremonies. Sindushree Khullar, Secretary Sports Ministry, gave a detailed presentation outlining the progress made on various aspects of 2010 Delhi Games. She elaborated on the roles and responsibilities, financial support, venue updates, Games Village, tourist arrivals and accommodation, volunteer programme, preparedness, legacy and the Queens’ Baton Relay. Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning and Commonwealth Games Federation hosted the breakfast. Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Australia Prime Minister Kevin Michael Rudd and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, sports ministers from Commonwealth nations, Commonwealth Secretary Kamlesh Sharma and Commonwealth Games Federation officials, including President Michael Fennell, were present at the breakfast. PTI