An e mail from Athletics Australia advising athletes to exercise increasing caution because of high risk of terrorist attack on next month's Commonwealth Games is causing fear among its team members
An e mail from Athletics Australia advising athletes to exercise "increasing caution because of high risk of terrorist attack on next month's Commonwealth Games" is causing fear among its team members.
The e mail was sent after Indian police warned last Saturday of terrorist attacks in Mumbai and includes updated advice from the department of Foreign Affairs which issued a new travel advisory to Australian citizens.
"There is a high risk of terrorist attack in New Delhi," the advice warns.
"Since 2000, there have been at least 14 major terrorist attacks in New Delhi on locations such as markets, train stations and other public places. These attacks have caused hundreds of deaths and injuries. Australians in New Delhi should be aware that the Commonwealth Games will be held in a security environment where there is a high risk of terrorism.
"We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in India at this time because of the high risk of terrorist activity by militant groups," the warning says.
However, Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief Perry Crosswhite has been assuring the Australian media that the fears are unfounded.
"We are still planning to go and we have been told there is an acceptable level of risk," he said.