Having captured the attention of the world by successfully staging the Afro-Asian Games, India is now all the more confident of winning the bid to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi said in Delhi on Saturday.
A day before a 50-member delegation leaves for Jamaica to take part in the Commonwealth Games bid committee meeting, which will decide the host for the 2010 Games on November 13, the IOA chief sounded optimistic about Delhi's chances of beating Hamilton (Canada), the other city bidding for the Games.
"I can say our chances are very high. The CWG delegates who visited Delhi are quite satisfied with the infrastructure and facilities. I am sure they will support India's bid," Kalmadi told reporters.
"Though I can't say how many votes we will get, a fairly sizeable number is with us."
Kamadi said India, which has never hosted the Games, will leave no stone unturned to fulfill the long-cherished dream of hosting the prestigious event.
"We will be taking famous personalities to Jamaica who will be addressing the final presentation on the 13th. Though most of the members must have made up their minds as to whom they are going to support, it would be an attempt to capture the floating votes," Kalmadi said.
Those who will be speaking at final presentation include former India cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar "who is immensely popular in the Carribean countries", Kalmadi said.
Ace shooters Anjali Bhagwat, Morad Ali Khan and cueist Michael Ferreira will also be present to make India's case stronger.
The delegation will also include Sports Minister Vikram Verma, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Vijay Kapoor and Minister of State for External Affairs Digvijay Singh.
Canada will be sending a 70-member delegation, led by their Prime Minister, to the meeting but Kalmadi seemed least perturbed about it.
"We are fully prepared for the final show. Leader of Opposition Sonia Gandhi has already given a message and the Prime Minister will be giving one today. We will be lobbying hard in Jamaica to get the nod."
In Jamaica, India are to host an "India Nite" on November 11. A joint dinner, co-hosted by India and Canada, will be the highlight of the next day which will also see both the countries showcase their cultural heritage.
On the judgment day, both the countries will be given 30 minutes each to present their bids before the Commonwealth Games General Assembly, which will be followed by a question and answer session.
Finally, the 71 members of the CGF will cast their votes and the winner will be requested to sign a host city contract for the 2010 Games.
