New Zealand supports India's right to host Commonwealth Games

Wellington, May 29 (ANI): New Zealand officials have returned home giving a thumbs up for India's right to host this year's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

According to a stuff.co.nz report, previous fears about India's readiness to host the Commonwealth Games in October have eased.

The New Zealand delegation has reported significant progress in the Indian capital.

New Zealand team chef de Mission Dave Currie said progress had been made across all venues.

The delegation, led by Currie, included representatives from New Zealand cycling, netball, athletics, swimming, funding agency Sparc and the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

"The main stadium will have the track laid in the next couple of weeks, the roof is in place and spectator seating is underway," Currie said.

"The velodrome track has been completed, the pools in the swimming complex are close to being finished and the Silver Ferns' delegation was impressed with progress at the netball venue.

"The number of workers on the job is impressive and we've seen the Indian organisers make good progress in a short space of time."

BikeNZ's Andy Reid, who will lead the 27-strong cycling team in New Delhi, said the velodrome track had been completed to the highest international standard and backroom development was well underway.

"Having seen the venues for myself, I'm confident that there will be some fast times from the New Zealand cyclists at the New Delhi Games. It is an exciting city and the venues will be complete in time. We're looking forward to a strong performance this October." (ANI)