Three rugby venues cancelled

The training grounds in Delhi University could not be ready for security lock down

With just three days left for the Commonwealth Games to begin, the three rugby training venues in Delhi University were cancelled on Wednesday evening after they were declared "insecure".


Work in progress: The completion deadline for rugby training venues
in Delhi University was pushed ahead several times.u00a0
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Top varsity officials confirmed that the training venues at Ramjas College, Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) and University Polo grounds have been annulled at the last moment due to security reasons. "They have cancelled the training venues citing security reasons," they said.

Sources said anti-bomb squad and dog squad sleuths visited the university area twice on Wednesday. Apparently, even the principals of the seven training venues have not yet received the accreditation cards. Though the Organising Committee and Delhi University kept claiming that the venues would be completed on time, the real picture is quite contrary. "None of the venues are fully ready. The teams have started coming, what will be our impression," asked a senior varsity official.

However, he disagreed that security could be a reason. "If they feel these three venues are insecure then none of the venues could be secure," he said.

All the venues are deputed with the medical staff and other employees. Even the medical staff at the University polo grounds has been complaining about the accreditation problems and the poor sanitation in the venue.

"There is no electricity so no AC can work, very sluggish water supply and washrooms are not ready and I am really stressed out as I am the only doctor posted in my venue and handling everything alone," said one of the doctors present at the University Polo Ground.

The university venues in-charge remained silent on the issue. "You should ask this question to the Organising Committee. We are doing as they have directed," said Kuljeet, Venue Incharge, Shri Ram College of Commerce.
"I am aware of the matter but I will be able to give you a comment only by tomorrow," said Lalit Bhanot, OC spokesperson.