Addressing a Sports Breakfast on the sidelines of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) here, Kalmadi said Bolt will be the star attraction in the October 3-14 multi-sport event being hosted by India for the first time.
Bolt, the world record holder in 100 and 200 metres, had earlier refused to confirm whether he would compete in the Games. He has always maintained that the decision would be taken by his coach after taking the season’s other events into consideration.
The fact that the Commonwealth Games is scheduled late in the season could act against Bolt’s participation, with the Jamaican having given his commitment to the newly launched Diamond League series of meetings.
Kalmadi said the preparations for the Games are on track and the the process to hand over stadia will start in January and everything will be in place by May, five months ahead of the multi-sport event.
He also reaffirmed the commitment to hold the best ever Commonwealth Games that will have focus on environment.
“These will be the first ever green Games ... become the benchmark for all multi-disciplinary games in future. These will be the best ever Games,” said Kalmadi who outlined the preparations along with Sports Secretary Sindushree Khullar.
The first stadium to be handed over to the Organising Committee will be Dhyan Chand Stadium, which will host hockey competitions.
