Wed, Sep 01 10 09:27 PM
Kancheepuram (TN), Sep 1 (PTI) Union Minister of State for Youth affairs and Sports Pratik Prakashbapu Patil today said there were no breach of deadlines in the completion of stadia facilities for conduct of the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Disputing allegations that construction work of the stadiums have not been completed within the deadline, he said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was satisfied that "everything was ready". "The delays are only in some overlays and some roads leading to the stadiums. But there is no problem with equipment and infrastructure," Patil said. "Why not have the spirits up?" he shot back when asked about reports that participation of top foreign athletes in the Games would be very dismal. He said it was foreseen that some countries would hesitate to take part in the Games because of security reasons. "But efforts are on to rev up enthusiasm. There would be a meeting of External Affairs ministers of Commonwealth countries in October where this would be brought up as an agenda. Greater participation would be ensured through their help," Patil said. He also asked the media not to play up mistakes but try and build up the spirit of the Games so that the nation participate in the mega-event with pride. He also said serious efforts are being made to bring sports into rural areas through government sponsored ''PYKA'' schemes.
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