'We won't lose home advantage'

All the venues have been inaugurated but work on overlays is yet to be completed. Rain gods have only added to the woes of the organisers with the capital experiencing a prolonged monsoon session, pushing the deadlines further.

However, Kalita is full of optimism as the Games draw closer.“They are training here in India itself, if not at the same stadium where the competition is going to take place. They have been around the venues and they are familiar with the conditions and environment as well as the climate here. So, they would definitely have an edge over their opponents,” Kalita told PTI.

“Players have been training very hard for almost three years now. There have been a numerous trial games where they have done very well. I am sure that we would win a lot of medals this time around at the CWG,” Kalita, also an IOA vice-president, said.

The players from around the world would start pouring into the capital from September 18 but fears are growing that dengue may play spoilsport. Kalita too is worried on this but said necessary arrangements are being put in place to deal with the disease.

“The health ministry has assured of clearing everything in 14 days to minimise the spread of the disease.”