The Commonwealth Games Federation may have raised concerns over Delhi’s preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but organisers of London Olympic Games on Sunday expressed confidence that Delhi would be able to successfully stage the mega event.

“Staging of events on the scale of the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games always poses challenges ...the resources, planning, and expectations are significant for any city ...so too are the benefits...,” Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the 2012 London Olympic Games Organising Committee, said.

“I am sure all the challenges can be met, and I am confident that the Games in Delhi and London will be spectacular,” he said.

Coe, part of a delegation including London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Chelsea Football Club chief executive Peter Kenyon, said the two capitals had a lot in common and Britain was keen on co-operating with India in the successful staging of the Games.

“London 2012 offers Delhi its full support, and our door is always open. Whenever we can usefully share best practice, we will. I am keen that we should co-operate fully,” he said.

Coe, the 1500M gold medallist at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, also said the Indian community will be at the heart of the change that the London Olympics will bring to the boroughs around the Olympic Park.

‘A catalyst’
The 2010 Games will act as a ‘catalyst’ to encourage India’s youth to take up sport, Coe added.

Coe said India had played a significant role in the development of sports culture by hosting the first ever Asian Games and the country was destined for bigger events in times to come.

“When the Games come to India, they will inspire more young people than have ever been inspired by sport before in a host city or country ...and leave a legacy for youth sport like no other.”