Delhi 2010 Venues Declared Ready for Use

All of the venues to be used at this year's Commonwealth Games in Delhi have been passed as fit for use.

It had been feared that some events at the Games, which run from 3rd to 14th October, would have to be cancelled after organisers missed a 31st August completion deadline.

However, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) received safety certificates for all venues on 6th September, leading CGF Chief Executive Mike Hooper to explain that âwe can now focus with getting the overlay in place for the Games.�?

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi issued a total of 14 certificates for a range of venues, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex; the Indira Gandhi Indoor Sports Complex and the Thyagaraj Stadium.

It follows the earlier approval of three completion certificates issued by the New Delhi Municipal Council, which included the Talkatora Indoor Stadium and the Dr SPM Aquatics Complex.

The Delhi Development Authority also issued certificates for the Games Village, the Siri Fort Complex and Yamuna Sports Complex, all of which have now been passed to the CGF.

India's Development Minister Jaipal Reddy last month played down the significance of the hold-up, blaming monsoon rains in the Indian capital and a delay in the "delivery of containers".

Aside from the construction problems, the 19th Commonwealth Games has also been dogged by controversy over security and allegations of corruption.

Athletes are expected to start arriving in Delhi for the Games this week, which will be the biggest sporting event, with the exception of cricket, India has hosted since the Asian Games in 1982.

Image: Indira Gandhi Indoor Sports Complex, Delhi.

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