From correspondents in Victoria, Australia, 08:25 PM IST

Melbourne - Pune has been awarded the rights to host the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2008 by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

This was decided after a 40-minute presentation by Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi before the CGF general assembly where members expressed satisfaction over India's preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Kalmadi, who hails from Pune, had sought a change in venue from New Delhi to Pune.

The Games in Pune would be held Oct 12-18 featuring six disciplines - athletics, badminton, boxing, shooting, tennis and weightlifting.

Some CGF members requested that one or two additional disciplines should be added. Swimming could be one.

India's request for three more disciplines at the 2010 Commonwealth Games also received a positive response.

The decision to add archery, billiards/snooker and tennis is likely to be finalised by the CGF Sports Committee in the next few months.

Summing up the overall reaction to the presentations made, a satisfied Kalmadi said: 'It was a great response. We have our responsibilities in place. Progress is being made in Delhi and we have a secretariat, which is up and running.

'As things move further forward we will be increasing staff numbers. By and large I am pleased with our progress and so was the CGF, whose members included Prince Edward.'

Referring to Pune hosting the Youth Games, Kalmadi said: 'Pune is a happening city. More than half the foreign students who come to study in India study in Pune. It is home to students from 48 countries.

'It has the largest number of universities in India and is becoming a hub for IT. The infrastructure is there. Pune hosted a successful National Games some years ago and has hosted international events over the years.'

Kalmadi said the infrastructure in New Delhi was coming along well and things should be ready in time.

'The stadia, the village and all the facilities are going to be world-class,' he said.

CGF president Michael Fennell and vice-president Prince Tunku Imran would be visiting India in June to see Pune's preparations.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)