Mike Hooper satisfied with security arrangements for Commonwealth Games
New Delhi: The Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation Mike Hooper has said that only a small number of athletes have withdrawn themselves from the Games. He said that some athletes have pulled out for variety of
reasons like security concerns, health concerns with dengue, conflicting sporting
events, injury. But it is not as though hundred athletes have withdrawn.
He added that he is satisfied with the security arrangements at the Games venues.
"With the deployment of 80,000 police, 7,500 paramilitary, 3,000 commanders, lot
of hi-tech stuff, I mean, it may well be that some people will perceive the security
environment a little bit oppressive, but it's safe and secure, and that's what we want
to have, safe and secure. I'd rather that than there be any incidents in and around
Games venues," said Hooper. He added that he is pleased with the cleaning up of the
Games village, but maintained that it should have been done well in advance.
"Clearly there are still concerns that the team leaders out there at the Village are
voicing them daily and ... fear to acknowledge there has been good progress over the
last three-four days. All of this should have been done way in advance and been
ready for them. It is very frustrating that we are where we are," said Hooper.
"But we have to accept that and get as much done as possible in the next couple of
days. As Mister Fennell asked the Cabinet Secretary, and, I believe, as Government
of India is now responding, deploy whatever is necessary to put things right," he
added.
The Games are due to commence on October 3 and end on the 14th.
India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as
about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member
states.
