Melbourne now history, Sheila Dikshit seeks concerted effort in 2010

New Delhi, Mar 29 (UNI) Now that the 18th Commonwealth Games in Melbourne is history, all eyes will be on Delhi for the next edition of the event and it would need a concerted effort to make the 2010 sporting extravaganza a success, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said.

On her arrival from Melbourne last night, Ms Dikshit told the waiting media, ''Melbourne is past and Delhi is the host of the immediate next Commonwealth Games. We are through with the planning part and this is the time to prepare accordingly. Government of India and the Government of Delhi -- both will work in tandem so that we have a great Commonwealth Games here in 2010.'' Interestingly, in recent past, there were differences of opinion among the three parties -- state government, centre and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Delhi government was unhappy with the alleged IOA effort to steal the show.

Meanwhile, IOA President Suresh Kalmadi, who also arrived from Melbourne yesterday, lauded the efforts of the Indian contingent which finished fourth in the medals tally.

''The shooters did well, as did the paddlers and shuttlers. Women weightlifters also delivered the goods and then we had medals from the boxers as well. I think we were decently successful in the Commonwealth Games,'' he added.

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