A statement in Parliament last week by India's Junior Sports Minister Pratik Prakashbapu Patil admitted that 12 of the 17 projects linked to the Commonwealth Games, which open on October 3 2010, are behind schedule.

 

But Gill claimed he has no worries.

 

He said: "Preparations for the Games are an area of focus but they are not worrying.

 

"We have to complete the work in good time, so that we are ready for the 10,000 people [competitors and officials] who will be here for the Games.

 

"They should take back good memories.

 

"Two venues - the cycling velodrome and the one for shooting events - were stuck on technical grounds, but the problems have been solved.

 

"And these will be ready early next year."

 

Criticism of preparations for the Commonwealth Games, the first time India have hosted the event and which are seen as a forerunner to a bid for the 2010 Olympics, have been growing in India and around the world but 73-year-old Gill, an honorary fellow of Cambridge University, claimed that it was helping keep things on track.

 

He said: "The general tenor of stories about the Games in the newspapers is one of worry, criticism and caution.

 

"This is healthy criticism and keeps everyone around alert.

 

"For me, it is a routine to read news reports related to sports and sportspersons.

 

"From food to air-conditioners and life in the sports camps to the disappointments voiced by coaches, I keep track of all these and ensure there is follow-up action.