The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) suspended members TS Darbari, Sanjay Mahendroo and M Jayachandran

Commonwealth Games muck

Three suspended
The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) suspended members TS Darbari, Sanjay Mahendroo and M Jayachandran, whose names featured in the financial irregularities related to the Queen's Baton Relay, following the report submitted by its probe panel looking into the allegations. "The probe committee met and submitted their report. The executive board has decided to suspend TS Darbari, Sanjay Mahendroo and M Jayachandaran. Though Mahendroo is not on our rolls anymore, we will refer the names to the Enforcement Directorate for further investigation," said secretary general Lalit Bhanot.

Secretary resigns
On a day of swift action due to the numerous controversies and allegations of fraud that have surrounded the Commonwealth Games, the treasurer of the Games' Organising Committee, Anil Khanna, resigned yesterday.

The resignation comes in the wake of allegations that his son's firm secured the contract for laying synthetic courts at the RK Khanna Tennis Stadium, one of the venues for the October 3-14 Games.

Former Hockey India (HI) president AK Mattoo, who was the treasurer before Khanna, will take up the job again with the Games less that two months away.

Contract scrapped
The Commonwealth Games Organising Committeeu00a0 executive board yesterday decided to terminate the contract of Australian company Sports Marketing and Management (SMAM), which was looking after the sponsorship deal for the Games, on grounds of "non-performance".

"We have decided to terminate the contract with SMAM. We could not take the decision earlier because of our legal advisory. The termination is because of non-performance.

"They had a target of $122 million to meet by 30th June, and they failed in their commitment," said CGOC secretary general Lalit Bhanot.

Canada jolt for CWG
Many top Canadian athletes have opted out of the Commonwealth Games as Canada announced a 40-member team for the mega event.

While many top athletes have decided to skip the Delhi Games to concentrate on their preparations for other major events, including the 2012 London Olympics, some have decided not to go to India for security or pollution reasons.

Among them is top hurdler Priscilla Lopes-Schliep ufffd a bronze medalist at the 2008 Olympics and a silver at the 2009 worlds and 100-metre hurdle champion Perdita Felicien.

Flats not ready too
Even as allegations of corruption mount, the other major concern for Commonwealth Games organisers is the inability to complete projects in time.

Nearly 2000 flats meant to house technical staff during the Games are yet to be delivered and the Delhi Development Authority has already given up.

A total of 2,700 flats were to be constructed for the Games delegates and technical staff. Now, only 800 flats will be ready and 1,900 are likely to remain incomplete. Even the flats which are supposedly ready are in complete mess, CNN-IBN reported.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels