Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief Perry Crosswhite today said the Delhi Games have turned into a political battle in India with parties trying to settle scores by raising a furore over alleged corruption and construction delays.
Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief Perry Crosswhite today said the Delhi Games have turned into a political battle in India with parties trying to settle scores by raising a furore over alleged corruption and construction delays.
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"It (the allegation of corruption) looks a little political to me," Crosswhite was quoted as saying by 'The Sydney Morning Herald'. "It looks like the parties and the government there are having a go at each other, and no doubt everybody has got their little axe to grind," he said.
The CWG Organising Committee has been hit by charges of widescale corruption and the civic agencies in Delhi are racing against time to complete the much-delayed construction work at the venues.
But Crosswhite said such a round of allegations and counter-allegations is a normal affair ahead of multi-sports events in any country.
"These things tend to happen before these types of events - the blame game happens. And then, generally, the Games come along, they're very successful and everybody then tries to take the credit afterwards," he quipped.
"I have been involved in a number of these things and that is what tends to happen. It's very hard for me to comment on all this stuff about corruption and whether building certificates have been given and all the rest of because I just don't know and I think it's just an internal matter anyway," he said.
Asked about security apprehensions ahead of the October 3 to 14 Games, Crosswhite said a staffer from his office attended the security briefing in Delhi last week and seemed confident about the set-up.
"I had a chat with her this morning and that looks to be on track as far as the plans are concerned. We are certainly believing the security is going to be of an acceptable standard," he said.
"Our view is that it's going to be tight but they will meet the deadline," Crosswhite said.
Australia will submit its full team for the event by September 3. The contingent is expected to have 425 athletes and about 175 officials.
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