The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Coordination Commission concluded its latest visit to the Indian capital by praising the progress made but sounding a warning about whether everything will be ready by October 3, 2010, when the Games are due to open.

Austin Sealy, the chairman of the Coordination Commission, said: "There has been noticeable progress over the last two months, however, with effectively only nine months remaining, the intensity must continue, and in fact, works must be further accelerated.

"We urge the construction agencies to ensure that no further delays are encountered as this will place the organising committee in a difficult position and compromise final preparations and Games readiness."

India will host the Games featuring 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth, the biggest event to be held there since Delhi staged the 1982 Asian Games.

The CGF General Assembly had in October warned India it faced "an enormous challenge" to be ready for the Games, which involve 6,000 international athletes competing in 17 sports.

The officials highlighted problems ranging from ticketing, accommodation and transport to accreditation and logistics, besides the construction of venues.

Sealy said: "We received detailed reports from the organising committee across key areas where we had previously identified delivery risks.

"These reports show an increased awareness of the work that must be undertaken.

"There was a sense of energy and urgency from the entire Delhi team about getting on with the job.

"That is a positive, and it is clear that everyone is committed to making these Games a success."

He said the Commission was concerned that the timetable for venue completion had, in most cases, been extended by at least three months since the September deadline, and, in some cases, it seemed venues would not be handed over to the organising committee until June.

The Commission will now present its report to Mike Fennell, the President of the CGF, who is due in Delhi on Friday to discuss the situation.

Sealy said: "We urge the construction agencies to ensure that no further delays are encountered as this will place the organising committee in a difficult position and compromise final preparations and Games readiness.

"As for the other outcomes of our meetings, a series of action items have been identified by the CoCom and will be summarised in the Commission’s final report on this meeting."

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