Panel to review Delhi 2010 preparations

A technical review panel has been created by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) in a bid to help overcome an "enormous challenge" facing preparations for the 2010 Games in Delhi, India.
CGF president Michael Fennell told the federation's General Assembly in Delhi that organisers are now running out of time to ensure that facilities are completed in time for the October Games.
The new panel has been established to report monthly to all stakeholders involved in delivering the Games, including the Indian Prime Minister's office, the government of Delhi, the organising committee and the CGF.
Comprising specialists with experience of hosting Commonwealth Games, the panel will liaise with organisers to ensure that necessarily policies are put in place, as well as setting out timetables for progress which will then be monitored.
Fennell explained, âthe CGF remains aware that, while initial changes have occurred with the appointment of some functional experts, progress will need to be constantly monitored, and at times, fast-tracked.
"With two years to go to the Delhi Games I said to the organising committee that time was not their friend, ⦠I now say that time is your enemy, but together we can defeat it."
Suresh Kalmadi, Chair of the Delhi organising committee, said that the size of the city had presented challenges to the delivery of the new facilities, but also promised the CGF that Delhi would stage a successful Games.
Kalmadi said, âthis is not Melbourne, this is not Glasgow. Delhi is a city of 15 million people, one of the greatest cities of India. It has all the problems that great cities have - from Tokyo to Lagos to Delhi.
"While you may like the progress you have seen over the past few months, we can see that there is plenty to be done. For a good Indian wedding, there is work till the last minute.
âWe are confident that we will do a good job."