He said: "I know we were behind schedule but we need to make sure that we do not compromise on quality and safety."

 

Gill made his comments after visiting the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium Complex that is due to stage cycling, gymnastics and wrestling during the Games, the largest event to be staged in India since the 1982 Asian Games.

 

He claimed that, although building work is falling behind the original deadlines set, the venues will still be completed in plenty of time for the Games, which are due to open on October 3, 2010.

 

Gill said: "Most of the work will be finished by December and the rest will be done by January or February.

 

"The Games are in October, so we still have a lot of time."

 

The work at the cycling velodrome began late and it raised speculation whether it can be finished on time, even leading to fears that the sport may have to be dropped from the Games which would have deprived the likes of Sir Chris Hoy competing.

 

Gill said: "There was a debate over the cycling velodrome but we started it only in January 2009 as there were some issues to be sorted out.

 

"The stadium is a mighty complex and a technological marvel.

 

"I think the Sports Authority of India and all the engineers are doing a fine job.

 

''We have highly competent, technically trained people who are no less than any body in the world."

 

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