Published: Friday October 2, 2009 MYT 12:26:00 PM
Updated: Friday October 2, 2009 MYT 12:28:32 PM

C'wealth Games chief Friday warned India on preparations

NEW DELHI: The Commonwealth Games Federation has warned New Delhi 2010 Games organizers that "enormous" challenges exist which threaten its success, and has demanded immediate changes to the operating structure.

Michael Fennell, president of the federation, released a statement Friday saying he would arrive in the Indian capital next week looking for "fast-track changes" to the games' organizing structure, including the hiring of "game-experienced" personnel to lead management, planning and operational roles.

The latest warning comes as construction on most of the venues has fallen behind schedule with just one year to go before the games open.

"The challenges now facing the Games are enormous," Fennell said in the statement.

"Immediate changes will be required ..."

Fennell, who wrote to the Delhi organizing committee Sept. 13 outlining his concerns about the lack of progress on venues, will preside over meetings next week of the CGF's executive board and all member nations.

He also plans to meet with India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The swimming venue is only half-finished, the track and field stadium - the centerpiece of the games - remains surrounded by cranes and many of the highway overpasses needed to shuttle athletes and fans through New Delhi's traffic-clogged streets are little more than concrete pylons.

India had hoped the event - from Oct. 3-14 next year and featuring 71 nations and territories of the old British empire - would enhance its international image and smooth the way for bids on more prestigious competitions, maybe even the Olympics.

Fennell said the committee must hire experienced groups to assist in almost all facets of the games.

"Games-experienced personnel must be appointed immediately - people with a track record of delivering for major events, to lead key management, planning and operational roles," Fennell said.

"These operational areas include accreditation, transportation, technology, ticketing, spectator services, protocol, press operations, communications, logistics and medical."

Fennell said a successful games could still be accomplished.

"We still have a year to go, and it is possible to deliver a successful games," Fennell said.

"However, to achieve this there will have to be a renewed focus by management across the operations of the organizing committee.

"The Indian government, as a co-signatory of the Host City Contract, is committed to delivering a successful games in 2010, and I know that Prime Minister Singh sees this as a matter of national pride and prestige for India."

Fennell said there had been some positive signs recently.

"We have seen good progress on venues, and while some remain behind schedule, I note the resolve of the governments of India and Delhi to deliver these quality venues in time for the games," he said.

"There is no doubting the sincerity of all involved hosting an outstanding games and the CGF is committed to providing all possible assistance and advice to achieve this objective. It would be wrong for us not to share our concerns about preparations for the games directly with the government." - AP

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