Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennel said he is "leaving with great sense of satisfaction" following his visit to Delhi, during which he approved the newly set-up Executive Board of the Organising Committee to host the 2010 Games.
"At this time of the journey we have managed to put the pieces together and are moving forward," Fennel told reporters after wrapping up his visit to the national capital.
"I travelled to India in an atmosphere where there were concerns but I leave with a feeling that we are moving ahead in the right direction," said Fennel, who came to assess the preparations for the Delhi event.
Fennel, who also met Human Resources minister and chairman
of group of ministers for the Games Arjun Singh, Sports Minister Sunil Dutt, Delhi Lieutenant Governor B L Joshi and Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit during his trip, said a major concern was sorted out with the formation of the Games' organising committee.
"I'm happy that 15 people have signed on as members of the Executive Committee. Now a number of other things have to be done to ensure that the work flows," he said.
Chairman of the Games Organising Committee Suresh Kalmadi announced that vice-president (Asia) of the CGF Randhir Singh will be the vice-chairman of the executive committee.
The 15-member committee has Athletics Federation of India secretary Lalit Bhanot as secretary-general and A K Matoo as treasurer. He also announced Rajiva Srivastava as the Director
General of the Games secretariat and K P Singh Deo as head of the Games Technical and Conduct Committee.
On the setting up of the Games village, Fennel said it is a major area of concern as the world's top athltes have to be provided high quality of living.
"I was presented with the initial plans for the village but the final designs need to be ready before the General Assembly of Commonwealth Games Federation in April 2005," Fennel said.
On the construction of new venues and sprucing up of the existing ones, the CWG supremo said the knowledge transfer from experts need to be realised soon.
"It is very important that a detailed technical evaluation is done (before April) to guarantee the quality of venues. After the evaluation and appraisal it has to be approved by the respective international sports bodies," he said.
Fennel also said he got satisfying presentations regarding plans to improve the city and reminded about the legacy the Games will leave, citing the example of Athens.
He also said that he discussed with top bureaucrats about supporting services like transport, health services and security. Fennel said in future visits he would look into the technology needed to provide results and facilities for the broadcasting of signals.
