Commonwealth Games: Canada and New Zealand delay departuresIndian prime minister Manmohan Singh under pressure to show country can turn around shambolic preparation for GamesAdam Gabbatt, Owen Gibson, and Jason Burke in Delhi
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 23 September 2010
Commonwealth Games: Indian labourers carry out repairs after a roof collapsed at the stadium. Photograph: Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images
Pressure is mounting on officials in Delhi with the president of the Commonwealth Games due to arrive for crisis talks with the Indian prime minister and a growing number of countries demanding reassurances before they travel.
Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell will seek guarantees from Manmohan Singh that India is capable of turning around its shambolic preparation for the Games in time for the opening ceremony on 3 October, following the collapse of a bridge and a venue roof and criticism of the athletes' village as being "unfit for human occupation".
The Scottish, Canadian and New Zealand teams have delayed their departures to India because of the "filthy" conditions, while the chairman of Commonwealth Games England, Sir Andrew Foster, said this morning that the English team was "reserving its position".
The Scottish team delayed the first batch of their 192 athletes, comprising 41 boxers, rugby players, wrestlers and support staff. The Wales team set a deadline of last night to receive reassurances from organisers that the athletes' village and venues would be "fit for purpose" and plan to discuss the issue further today.
The first batch of 22 English athletes will arrive in Delhi today as planned, although Foster this morning appeared to cast doubt on whether they will actually compete. ...........(more)
The complete piece is at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/sep/23/commonwealth-games-scotland-canada-new-zealand