Thaindian News

By Naveen Kapoor

New Delhi, Oct.2 (ANI): On the eve of the Commonwealth Games praise for the security arrangments and sports facilties are coming from the most unexpected quarters.

Harelle Mcmohan, the flag bearer of the Australian contingent in the Commonwealth Games, was full of praise for the arrangements at the Games Village, where she has been staying for almost a week now.

Hareelle is Australia’s netball captain and a dual Commonwealth Games gold medalist. She has been extra cautious about keeping mosquitoes away at the Games village.

However, the large presence of security forces is making the Aussie sports star nervous.

Talking to reporters at a Australian High Commission reception, she said: “It is obviously a bit different to what we areused to and disconcerting. I mean, on our bus, we have got armed guards, and in the front and in the back when we go anywhere. It is certainly different, but they have been great, they are great to talk to. I think it’s a part of the Games here, and as an athlete going into training, I have had no problems and I feel very secure.”

“It is certainly a different experience here. We could not remember seeing any machine gun in Melbourne. We are in Delhi for the second time. Earlier, it was a different, we were staying in a hotel and could walk around freely,” McMahon said.

Many other players of the huge Australian contingent share the same sense of security in Delhi, but are miffed over restricted movement. Security measures are so stringent, that Australia’s Sports Minister Mark Abib was also frisked at the Games Village.

It maybe recalled that Australia had expressed serious apprehensions about the security of the Commonwealth Games and Prime Minister Julia Gillard had even issued a strongly worded advisory that stated there is a high risk of terrorism in New Delhi and that since 2000, there have been at least 14 major terrorist attacks in New Delhi. She even said that attending the Commonwealth Games was a matter for individuals as they considered the government’s travel advisory.

The Aussies have also given their thumbs up to the sports facilities.

“My experience is that these are outstanding facilities. I was here in March when I went to the National Stadium, where the World Cup (hockey) was held. Two of our major players said it was one of the best stadiums (stadia) for hockey. So far, Ihave been out to the Gymnastics arena, the wrestling and the cycling velodrome, and they are quite amazing, said.” McMohan. (ANI)