Outstanding Commonwealth Games will be presented: Govt

New Delhi, Mar 13 (UNI) The Government today assured that an ''outstanding'' 2010 Commonwealth Games will be presented to the country, saying all preparations for the controversy-marred event will be completed within the deadline.

''I guarantee that an outstanding Commonwealth Games will be presented to the country and the world... we are well on way in giving an excellent games,'' Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar told the Rajya Sabha in reply to a question.

He said a few outstanding problems are being addressed and all preparations will be completed within the deadline.

''It is our duty to host the games properly and we are committed to that... The Government is conscious of the need to ensure proper planning and timely preparation,'' he assured the House.

On being pointed out by JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav that only the national capital will benefit from the multi-crore event, the Minister replied that it was a policy decision to host it in the capital.

''I agree that the entire country should benefit from games but that is a policy decision. The cost of the project is Rs 64,000 crore with the additional cost of Rs 20,000 for inclusion of the metro in it,'' he said.

About the damage caused to river Yamuna by the games village, the Minister said the matter was pending in Delhi Court and the Government will abide by its direction on the issue.

In view of India's failure to qualify for the August Beijing Olympics for the first time in the past 80 years, BJD member B J Panda sought an answer form the Minister on development of the sport in Orissa's Sundergarh district, from where the majority of hockey team members hail.

To which, Mr Aiyar assured the House that, ''utmost attention'' will be accorded in developing the sport there''.

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