Thaindian News

New Delhi, Sep 25 (ANI): Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Michael Fennell on Saturday said a considerable amount of work has been done on the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but problems still exist.

“The Organising Committee and various other agencies involved were responsible for the mess and delays,” said Fennel at a press conference held here this morning.

“The Government has responded positively, food is excellent, international zone is excellent,” he added.

Fennel, however, insisted that the safety and security of the visiting athletes was of utmost concern.

“We have been in touch with other delegations yet to come. We are monitoring the situation carefully. Safety and concern of the athletes will be of utmost concern,” he added.

Insisting that India was not the only country to have problems with sporting events of such magnitude, Fennel said that other Commonwealth Games hosting cities have also had their share of woes.

“We have been promised to be given fire safety report today. We will visit the Games Village again,” he added.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi, who was also present on the occasion, assured everyone that security issues have been addressed.

“Action is being taken by the government to ensure that remedial work is being done. We are monitoring the situation carefully,” he said.

Earlier on Friday, Fennel accompanied by Kalmadi visited the Games Village to examine the state of the much-criticised complex.

Fennell was expected to meet Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Thursday to press for his continual intervention to save the Commonwealth Games from possible collapse, but no meeting took place.

Fennell had earlier expressed grave concern about the Games village in East Delhi, saying the facility is “seriously compromised”.

“Many issues remain unresolved and I wrote to the Indian Cabinet Secretary, expressing my great concern with the preparedness of Athletes Village. The condition of residential zone has shocked a majority of the CGAs that are in Delhi,” Fennel said in a statement.

Fennel’s arrival comes in the backdrop of a spate of issues threatening the 2010 Games due to start in just eight days.

Security concerns surrounding the Games have also been heightened in the wake of the shooting of two Taiwanese nationals traveling in a tourist bus outside the Jama Masjid in the walled city area here on Sunday.

The record monsoon rains, an outbreak of dengue fever, allegations of corruption and late venue construction have all added to suspicion by athletes, their families and Games officials from participating countries.

The 12-day sporting extravaganza, which kicks off on October 3, is India’s biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. (ANI)