Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma on Sunday said that good grounds have now been demonstrated to have confidence in the Indian Government and the Commonwealth Games Federation holding the games.
"They have gripped the challenges, and we wish them well as they enter the final stages of preparations. The Commonwealth is an association of goodwill, and so we wish India and the Games Federation all possible success and our support," Sharma said in New York while addressing the Commonwealth leaders on the sidelines of the UNGA.
"I was delighted to learn yesterday that all 71 nations will be present. So, my own sense of optimism, commitment and enthusiasm for this great Commonwealth event is clearly shared!" he said.
Sharma said that for for thousands of athletes, the Commonwealth Games are an inspiration and an aspiration.
"They have set a standard over the years for cooperation and friendship that has earned them the label of the 'Friendly Games'. They will go ahead.
"They will honor the athletes who have invested so much energy into their participation. And they will be a celebration of the diversity and opportunity on which the Commonwealth is founded," he said.
