CWG Federation CEO blames government bodies for the delays

It's been three years since Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive Officer Michael Hooper has been in the country in his bid to execute a smooth New Delhi CWG 2010. His ride has been quite bumpy. However, he has no regrets, and believes he would have still preferred India to be the hosts of the 2010 Games even if the clock was turned back to the time of the bid. He does point out to a host of hiccups though. Excerpts from an interview

u00a0
On the unprecedented delays in the completion of venues...
The Organising Committee should not be blamed for the delay in completion of the venues simply because it's not in the OC's hand to get them finished in the first place. It's the fault of various government agencies like the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and the Public Works Department (PWD) who have been involved in the actual construction work.
u00a0
On the pressure building up as 'D' Day nears ufffd
There is a fair bit of pressure on all of us. It pains to see that there is still so much work to get done. We realise that it's going to be tough to organise a smooth Games, as there is a lot of work to do but our aim is to deliver a successful Games.

On the operational aspect of the Games ufffd
After the venue delivery aspect comes the operational part and there is a myriad of things to be done here too. We have to be sure that when the teams come there are no problems in security, transport, accommodation, food, training, and so many other aspects. But there is no reason to say it cannot be done.
u00a0
On the corruption charges that are doing the rounds ufffd
It's very unfortunate and I believe that a thorough inquiry should be conducted into it and the guilty party - whoever it may be - should be punished. What the OC did is absolutely correct. They did an internal report when the issue erupted and submitted it to the board after which the people concerned were suspended. And the case is now with the ED to take some follow up action. It's not for the OC to take any follow-up action as they are not policemen.
u00a0
On CWG Federation's primary concern right now ufffd
We understand that there have been some serious allegations doing the rounds and that these need to be investigated whether it's the CVC report or the ED inquiry or whatever.
But our primary concern is the fact that we have less than 55 days to go. Worse still, the last 8-9 days have been a massive distraction. So let's put it all behind us and get into organising a good Games.
u00a0
On big sporting names pulling out from the Games ufffd
Usain Bolt is the biggest name to have pulled out but it' s no surprise as the athletic calender is quite tapering towards October anyway. But many have made purely personal decisions, like for example cyclists Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton who pulled out citing the timing of the European Championships. Now the UCI (cycling's world governing body) president is adamant that that should not have been an impediment in their participating in the Games. So there is absolutely nothing that can be done about that.
But on the positive side, the CWG has always highlighted new and promising talent. In the Sydney 2000 Olympics it was the athletes from the Commonwealth countries that actually dominated, so that's a great sign.
CWG 2010 could also throw up some new big names in track and field given the record number of entries for this Games.
u00a0
On what he expects from CWG 2010 ufffd
I will be most happy if I receive a thumbs up from the participating athletes at the end of the Games. Because eventually it's not me, or Mike Fennel, or Suresh Kalmadi but the athletes who will be the deciding authority on whether the Games are a success or not. I hope to see a successful CWG 2010.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!