DELHI 2010: Commonwealth Games chief fears for athletes' safety

COMMONWEALTH Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper admits athlete safety is his number one concern with preparations for Delhi 2010 mired in crisis.

TICK TOCK: CGF chief Mike Hooper reiterates concern that the Delhi 2010 venues are still not ready (Getty Images)

A Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report made allegations of widespread corruption in construction projects for the Games over the weekend.

That has today prompted the sacking of Delhi 2010 joint director TS Darbari, a close aide of chairman Suresh Kalmadi, while treasurer Anil Khanna has also stepped down. 

That comes as the latest chapter in a turbulent build-up to the Games, due to get underway on October 3, which has already seen the completion date for venues repeatedly delayed while the costs of Delhi 2010 have also escalated.

Delhi 2010 organising committee chairman Kalmadi is adamant he is ready to face any investigation into the allegations against the body regarding preparations for October's Commonwealth Games.

The city's preparations have come under further scrutiny over the past week however, with the Indian government stating it would investigate allegations of corruption against the organising committee.

But Hooper remains adamant that with a number of venues still not complete, the focus must be on ensuring the safety of the athletes who will participate in Delhi.

"Earlier, we were worried about security. Now our concern has moved to the safety of the athletes and players who would come here to participate," said Hooper.

"At this stage we cannot play a blame game. Now we need to focus on what we need to do - 60-odd days away from the Games.

"The transport work has to be in place, security has to be right. Those responsible must finish the work as a matter of urgency.

"The reality is that there is still work to be done on the vast majority of the venues, both inside and out," added Hooper. There is no denying that we can all see it for ourselves.

"But it is the responsibility of the venue owners - the government agencies - to get the stadia ready for the competitors.

"So on the back of the CVC report, we want to see confirmation that the venue approvals have all been secured and they are fit for purpose.

 "The Organising Committee is relying upon venue owners to deliver. CGF is not interested in incriminating anyone at this stage."