Asian inspectors back Glasgow as Commonwealth Games front runner

Asian delegates visiting Glasgow on a fact-finding mission before the vote to determine the venue for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, have given the city a glowing testimonial.

Unlike last week's visitors from Oceania, who were door-stepped by representatives of Nigerian rivals Abuja, there has been no sign, thus far, of any attempt to hijack the latest Scottish hospitality tour.

Dato' Roy Rajasingham, vice-president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, said he had been "most impressed" by what he had observed over the opening two-and-a-half days of his visit.

Mr Rajasingham is a QC and former international hockey player from Kuala Lumpur, itself an exceptional host city of the 1998 Commonwealth Games. He was unequivocal in his praise.

"It's really impressed me a hell of a lot. I was in Melbourne (last year's Commonwealth Games) and have been in lots of stadia at other events. What you have in Glasgow, in place at the moment, is certainly on a par with what Melbourne had. It's going to be a world number one by the time the games come in 2014. It will be one of the best venues in the world.

"Two things strike me: the place itself. Glasgow is picturesque and beautiful but the people make Glasgow. They are so friendly and kind. Secondly, in terms of sport facilities, at the moment it is so far superb, you can't describe . . ."

He and delegates from India, Brunei, the Maldives, and Cyprus, had just emerged from the tunnel at Hampden where athletics events will be staged. David Kells, stadium managing director, discreetly touched a button, and the stadium reverberated to a recording of the Hampden roar.

"To have Hampden and Celtic Park - these stadia are superb," said Mr Rajasingham. "The athletes being able to walk to the opening ceremony is so convenient."

He said Glasgow's technical bid document, sent in advance to all Commonwealth countries, had not been overstated. "It tells the truth," he added. "It's not exaggerated, and maybe is even a little humble. It far exceeds what is required."

Mr Rajendra Sing-Bengani, a member of India's National Olympic Committee, and secretary general of their bowls federation, was equally supportive. He dismissed the fact Abuja was offering £12,300 more than Glasgow to every Commonwealth country, in travel and sports grants. "Money is not going to be the only factor when we make our decision," he said, adding that security issues were important: "Nigeria has not been very stable."

Mr Rajasingham interjected: "Your economy has been sound, and that makes a big difference. Security is very important. If you don't have security, I don't think anyone will want to come. Glasgow's security is more than sufficient."

Five other continental delegations are due on inspection tours before the 71 Commonwealth countries vote in a secret ballot in Sri Lanka on November 9

The Herald.