SM Krishna says India can learn lessons from C'Wealth Games shortcomings

Confident that the Delhi Commonwealth Games would be a success, external affairs minister SM Krishna has, nevertheless, said that India could learn a lesson from the shortcomings which surfaced in the run-up to the mega sporting event.

"I think every country learns a lesson from their preparatory work and India cannot be an exception," the minister said in response to a question.

He, however, dismissed claims that the mishaps during the preparatory stage had marred India's image on the international stage.

"India's image is much beyond the Commonwealth Games... that is only a part of it," Krishna said.

"When the Games are over India will be happy to say that the Games have been conducted successfully to the satisfaction of the international community," he said and added that music maestro AR Rahman's song will catapult the Games to a flying start.

Thousands of athletes have arrived in New Delhi where the Games will be inaugurated on Sunday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Krishna has fielded several questions on the issue from the Indian and foreign media during his stay in New York where he attended the opening session of the General Assembly.

Speaking at the Asia Society this week, Krishna said the criticism might have been glaring in the pre-Games period but ultimately what would matter is how the event was held.

"This has been said about every international athletic event before it starts. Questions are always asked and doubts are always expressed. I am going to be back here again next year and then you can ask me how well we conducted the Games," he said.