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You are here: CWG 2010 New Delhi Games Commonwealth Games Committee slams security report in Daily Telegraph

Commonwealth Games Committee slams security report in Daily Telegraph

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suresh_kalmadi_2.jpgIn response to a report in the Daily Telegraph, UK on the possibility of the England team pulling out of the Commonwealth Games due to terror risks, Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, Chairman Organising Committe Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, strongly denied the report and said, "We have not received any official intimation to this effect, and in fact the British Foreign Office as also the statement from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has emphasised that it has it has not advised any of its teams not to compete in next year's Commonwealth Games on security grounds."

Mr. Kalmadi added, "The Security Commanders meeting was held at the Home Ministry recently and all Commonwealth Games Associations were satisfied with t he security arrangements outlined for the Games."

England General Team Manager, Ann Hogbin rubbished the rumours in the Daily Telegraph, "That is definitely not the case. Our current and strong intention is to field a team for the Games in Delhi next year. Of course, we have a duty of care to the athletes and other team members which we take very seriously. Despite having been given extensive briefings from relevant authorities we have not received any indication that we should not participate in the Games and we will continue to work hard to put in place the best possible arrangements for our team."

Mr. Mike Fennell, President, Commonwealth Games Federation and the Coordination Committee of the Commonwealth Games Federation in its audit, earlier this month, had lauded the preparations of Delhi Police in ensuring the secure conduct of the Games.

Mr. Perry Crosswhite, Chief Executive, Commonwealth Games Australia has been quoted as saying, "I was in Delhi two weeks ago and the security arrangements were well organised."

Lord Sebastian Coe, Chairman London, 2012, has also thrown his weight behind the security arrangements for Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010.

Elaborating further, Mr. Kalmadi added, "The people of England had given an enthusiastic response to the Queens Baton Relay in October and a similar response in now being witnessed in the African nations. We are confident of seeing the best of the sportsmen and large numbers of visiting tourists for the Games"

Providing security and a safe and secure environment for the athletes, visiting officials and tourist for The Commonwealth Games 2010 would be top priority for the Indian Government, Delhi Administration and the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, said Mr. Kalamadi reiterated.