'The issues I raised have already been discussed in the OC.

'We have to present our sporting excellence to the outside world well if we are looking to host the Asian and Olympic Games. Only a successful Games can take us forward,' he added.

Kalmadi said the CGOC has increased the pace of the work.

'All of us are working at a great pace. We also have experienced technical people who have expertise of hosting Afro-Asian Games, Badminton World Championships and seven National Games.

'We have also hired foreign consultants on the advice of the CGF so that we do not slip up. I think we have 30-40 of them. We have people here with technical knowhow to deliver. So all of us are working together to stage one of the most successful Games,' Kalmadi said.

Kalmadi, a Congress member of Parliament, also said a musical show by Oscar-winning music director A.R. Rahman scheduled Oct 3 and a cultural programme at London's Trafalgar Square after the Queens Baton Relay handing over ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London Oct 29 have been cancelled as part of austerity measures.

'The Queen's Baton Relay will start from the Buckingham Palace in the presence of India's President Pratibha Patil. We have decided to cut down costs on all frills,' Kalmadi said.

Bhanot, the secretary general of CGOC, said the venues will be ready on time.

'Let me tell you that 80 per cent of the work at all the venues will be completed before December 31st, except cycling and rugby venues where work started a bit late. But those two will also also be completed in time for the competition.'