Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Vice-Patron and Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward visited the Games venues and Games Village in the Capital on Sunday and expressed satisfaction at the infrastructure being developed in preparation for the upcoming international sporting event.
The Prince visited the Thyagaraj Stadium, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium and the Games Village as well as the headquarter of the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games-2010.
At Thyagaraj Stadium, Prince Edward specifically asked about an entrance that has been created for vehicles to access the field of play area. He expressed his pleasure on being told that the entrance has been designed such that it can facilitate the transport of injured athletes by an ambulance. He spent a long time at National Stadium where hockey competition would be held.
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At the Games Village, the Prince was shown a miniature model of the 34-tower facility. He also had a look at the model of apartments before proceeding to tower no. 9 of the Games Village in a golf cart.
The Prince had a first-hand look at two fully-furnished apartments, where he spent 10 minutes looking at the facilities for the athletes.
Dressed in blue T-shirt with the CGF logo, the Prince showed keen interest in gauging the level of the preparedness of the Organising Committee and understanding the infrastructure development in Delhi during his visit to various venues. He was particularly keen to know details about the Queen’s Baton Relay that will be launched by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace on October 29.
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Organising Committee Commonwealth Games-2010, Delhi, chairman Suresh Kalmadi accompanied the Prince during the visit.
The Prince, who is here to attend the CGF General Assembly on Monday arrived in the Capital on Saturday. He attended a dinner at Mr. Kalmadi’s residence on his arrival. The Prince met Union Sports Minister M. S. Gill, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and a host of officials and delegates at the dinner.