Pune to host 2008 Youth Commonwealth Games

Melbourne, Mar 12 (UNI) Pune was today formally confirmed as the host for the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games after a meting of the General Council of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

''The third edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in Pune from October 12 to 18, 2008,'' announced a beaming Suresh Kalmadi.

''The confirmation of Pune as the city for 2008 Youth Games is a great achievement and today is the red letter day for the City, which is cultural, social and educational hub of not only Maharashtra but whole of India,'' Kalmadi said.

Talking to newspersons after the meeting, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief Suresh Kalmadi said, ''The decision was unanimously taken by the 71 members present including Prince Edward.'' He said the seven day Games will have six desciplines -- athletics, boxing, badminton, weightlifting, tennis and shooting -- and it will be held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilas Rao Deshmukh in a message to the CGF assured his government's full support in hosting the games.

CGF President Mike Fennell along with another senior official Tunku Imran will visit Pune in June to see the infrastructure and facilities.

Kalmadi said the CGF also approved India's presentation of the 2010 Games to be held in Delhi and added that, ''It was hugely appreciated.'' IOA's request to include three more sports -- archery, tennis and snookers/ billiards -- has been referred to the Sports Committee of the CGF and it agures well ''because the proposal will not have to come back to General Council for the final aproval.'' Kalmadi, who gave the presentation, assured the CGF members that Delhi will be a great host in all aspects.

''I assured the members that we will generate more money without cricket,'' Kalmadi said and added that,''There will be no lack of sponsers.'' ''Let the Olympic and Commonwealth sports flourish without cricket,'' he said amidst laughter.

Kalmadi announced the Indian hospitality centre here will open on March 14.

''The unique feature of the centre will be presentation of Indian Visas to the Presidents and Seceretaries of the National Olympic Committees of the 71-member Commonwealth for the 2010 Delhi Games,'' he added.

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