Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) Union Minister of Sports M.S. Gill Friday said there was no conflict between Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennel and Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi.
“I had talked to Kalmadi and Fennel and there is no problem or disagreement between them,” Gill told reporters on the sidelines of an event here at Panjab University (PU).

“Our preparations for the Commonwealth Games are going on at a good pace and would be complete well in time. I am very confident that we would sort out everything and there is nothing to worry about,” he said.

Last week, Fennel had expressed his concern over the pace at which the preparations are on for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Talking about the preparation of players, Gill said, “Last year, we had sanctioned Rs.678 crore (Rs.6.78 billion) for the coaching of our players considering the forthcoming games. Nearly 1,300 players, selected by various sports federations, are undergoing coaching under this programme.”

“Earlier, we were not even spending Rs.60-70 crore per year and this is for the first time that we are spending such huge amount only on coaching. We are also availing the services of over 25 foreign coaches. Recently, we sent our swimming team on an European (Italy, France and Germany) tour for practice,” Gill said.

“During the Commonwealth Games Oct 3-16 next year over 15,000 people, including 11,000 players and 4,000 managers and coaches, will be in New Delhi. So we are making sure that every arrangement like their accommodation, food, boarding and lodging will be in place,” he said.