2008 Commonwealth Youth Games office inaugurated in Pune

Pune, May 22 (UNI) Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Michael Fennell today formally inaugurated the plush office of 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG), slated to be held at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports City Mahalunge-Balewadi near here.

Addressing prominent dignitaries this evening, Mr Fennell said that the third 2008 CYG would be a resounding success due to the wonderful facilities created at the most ultra-modern office akin to the best in the world.

Athletes from 71 countries will converge at Pune to participate in nine disciplines of sports.

The recognition thus gained will certainly focus the eyes of the world on the 2010 Commonwealth Games slated to be held in New Delhi.

CGF chief said.

Mr Fennell, who is on his second visit to Pune along with CGF Chief Executive Officer Michael Hooper nearly after a year since alloting the game to India, will personally visit to assess the progress at the sprawling venue of the games after attending the first 2008 CYG Executive Board meeting at Delhi.

Earlier 2008 and 2010 Organising Committee chairman and city MP Suresh Kalmadi assured Mr Fennell and Mr Hooper that with 511 days to go for the curtain to go up for the games at Pune, the work will be completed well before the scheduled time.

Mr Kalmadi pointed out that a five star hotel equivalent to the best in the world will be the Games Village -- housing 12,000 sportspersons and 500 technical officials. The Games Village will be completed with other infrastructure facilites featuring nine disciplines of sports - athletics, tannis, badminton, table tennis, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, swimming and shooting well ahead of the time limit.

Mr.Fennell was indeed wonder struck to witness the zeal and commitment of the young people of the vibrant city.

On his arrival, Mr Fennell inaugurated a digital watch placed at the entrance before formaly inaugurating the new office premises of the 2008 CYG. Later, he set on the CYG website.

The Union Government has assured a grant of Rs 268 crores to improve the road network under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) thanks to the 2008 CYG which will change the whole infrastructure scenereo of the city within a year's time Mr Kalmadi added.

UNI