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Bolt to be part of Commonwealth Games: Kalmadi

Port of Spain: Triple Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt has confirmed his participation in the next year's Commonwealth Games, said the Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi.

Kalmadi said the ace sprinter will the star attraction in the multi-sport event which is to be hosted by India in New Delhi from October 3 to 14.The OC chairman reaffirmed the commitment of holding the best Commonwealth Games ever and listed some benefits of the Games, including the economic impact of approximately 4,500 million dollars for India over a period from 2008 to 2012 and investment in green infrastructure.

''We will strive towards reducing the carbon footprint to establish the first ever green Commonwealth Games and thus become the benchmark for all multi-disciplinary games in the future,'' Kalmadi said at the Sports Breakfast during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2009 here yesterday.

Ministry of Sports, Secretary, Sindushree Khullar was also at the occasion to represent India and outlined Delhi's preparations for the Games and the expected benefits for India and Commonwealth countries. Dhyan Chand Stadium, which will host hockey competitions, will be the first stadium to be handed over to the Organising Committee.

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games on October 3 and October 14 respectively, besides the track and field events will be handed over by May. Khullar said elaborate and meticulous plans are being worked out by the Delhi Traffic Police.

It was also informed that the Delhi government will declare a holiday on October 14, for the closing ceremony, to reduce traffic on roads.Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning and Commonwealth Games Federation hosted the breakfast. Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Australia Prime Minister Kevin Michael Rudd and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, sports ministers from Commonwealth nations, Commonwealth Secretary Kamlesh Sharma and Commonwealth Games Federation officials, including President Michael Fennell were present at the event.