The warning from VK Malhotra came as it was announced that more than 20 sub-committees have been set-up by the Games organisers to try to get preparations back on track for the event which is due to open on October 3, 2010.

Malhotra claimed the venue at Yamuna Sports Complex, which will host the archery preliminary round during the Games, was only 31 per cent complete and unlikely to be ready before scheduled deadline of December 31.

He said: "The archery stadium is in the worst state, only 31 per cent work has been completed till date which forced us to shift the Asian Grand Prix to Kolkata.
 

"I personally went to the Yamuna Sports Complex to have a look at the progress and they [the constructors] said it will be ready by December 31 but I really doubt it.
 

"Archery doesn't need anything much.

"We just need a ground in a good condition with grass on it and a modernised sitting area for spectators."

Apart from the preliminary rounds of archery, the Yamuna Sports Complex will also host the table tennis, and officials from the Delhi Development Authority claim that it will be ready in February.

Mike Fennell, the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) had warned earlier this month that if the construction work at various venues are not speeded up, the Games could face "partial failure" and fall below the standards set by Manchester in 2002 and Melbourne in 2006.
 

Malhotra blamed Indian organisers for preparations being so far behind.

He said: "They are only busy in making tall claims that everything will be ready in time, but what do you mean by time.

"Does it mean it will be ready a day before the Games?"

Suresh Kalmadi, the chairman of the Organising Committee, said: "We have to go full speed ahead and ensure that we deliver the best Commonwealth Games next year.
 

"While we have great support from the Central and State Governments, we are dependent on you to ensure that we organise a memorable Games.

"The Commonwealth Games Federation expects perfection in each aspect of the Games and we have to be ready for the challenges as we are committed to delivering the best Games.
 

"Each of your teams will have to be at its best to ensure that the 34 functional areas in the Organising Committee perform at optimum levels."


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