Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Mike Hooper scotches rumours of CWG 2010 being deferred

'No postponement of Games'

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Mike Hooper scotches rumours of CWG 2010 being deferred

Would the Commonwealth Games 2010 be postponed? That was the question doing the rounds in Delhi's political circles for the past few days. But if Games officials are to be believed, it's now too late for considering such a drastic step.

Recent media reports said that Michael Fennel, the CWG Federation President, discussed the possibility in the aftermath of the ongoing controversy in Delhi over alleged corruption in the Organising Committee and doubts raised over the preparedness of the city.u00a0 But Hooper clarified: "It's not true. I do not know who and why such rumours are spreading," he added evading further questions on this.

Questions also arise regarding the fate of Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi, who is being termed as the 'villain' in this entire saga.u00a0 "If the Games are postponed for another six months as the rumours are doing rounds, he will surely be removed. But if they are held on time he might just make it through," a Congress leader said.

But why doesn't the government or the Congress party want to replace him despite direct allegations being levelled against him? "It is easier said than done. At this juncture if he is removed, whosoever comes in will take time to get to know things. It is not a small tournament. And suppose Games are a mess, people might raise finger about his removal," the leader said.

Then what is the option before the government? "A team might be set up that could assist Suresh Kalmadi or monitor Games work. It will consist of senior party leaders and also some senior or retired bureaucrats. But as of now no such decision has been taken," said a senior Congress leader familiar with the developments.

Sheila 'on the run'
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit along with MCD Mayor P R Sawhney did a virtual marathon run to various parts of the city to oversee Games work. "I am confident that all the projects will be completed in time and the Games will be a great success," Dikshit said. The Chief Minister visited Connaught Place and some other parts of central and south Delhi where mounds of rubble can be seen due to ongoing construction and underground cable work.

Fresh controversy
TS Darbari, the sacked joint director-general of the CWG organising committee (OC), has said he was not involved in any dubious deal with London-based AM Films.
"My role in the London QBR [Queen's Baton Relay] launch was ceremonial. It had nothing to do with any negotiation for short-listing vendors or financial transaction or imbursement or recommendation of advance," he said.
"Whatever has happened is unfortunate. I'm being targeted unnecessarily, being made a scapegoat," he said. Asked if he received a letter dated August 22, 2009, from AM Films, Darbari said, "If there is a letter, send it to me, it should have my signature. If someone is concocting a letter, it is his problem not mine."
"I have said I am not a party to any contract, never did I recommend a person," he said, refusing to comment on OC chief Suresh Kalmadi.

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