Fennell impressed with CYG preparations

Pune, May 23 (UNI) Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Michael Fenell has expressed happiness with the ongoing preparations for the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) to be hosted here.

''Although only 20 per cent work has so far been completed, I am impressed with the commitment and dedication shown in completing the infrastructural facilities according to world standards,'' Mr Fennell said while addressing a press conference here today.

Mr Fennell and CGF Chief Executive Officer Mike Hooper reviewed the progress of work at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports City at Mahalunge-Balewadi near here which is the venue for the third Commonwealth Youth Games slated for October 2008.

Mr Fennell pointed out that the success of the 2008 CYG was important as it was a trial run to the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi.

To a query, the CGF boss said India could fulfill its cherished dream of hosting the Olympic Games. He cited the example of Manchester which had hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2002 despite much criticism and will now be hosting the 2012 Games.

Mr Fennell expressed confidence that work here would be completed well before time. Asked about having a doping laboratory at the Games venue, Mr Fennell said, ''We want to have the Games free of doping. Creation of a doping test laboratory is very expensive and cannot be established without sanction from the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA).'' MORE UNI