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Commonwealth Federation Stern Reminder To Fix Games Village Quickly

By P. Vijian

NEW DELHI, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- With less than a fortnight to go, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has issued a stern reminder to the Indian organisers to fix the games village before athletes arrive in the capital on Wednesday.

"Many nations that have already sent their advanced parties to set up within the village have made it abundantly clear that, as of the afternoon of Sept 20, the Commonwealth Games Village is seriously compromised.

"The condition of the residential zone has shocked the majority of Commonwealth Games Associations and significant operational matters remain unaddressed," CGF president Michael Fennell voiced his concerns in a statement on Tuesday.


He said he had written to India's Cabinet Secretary K. M. Chandrashekar to resolve the outstanding issues quickly to ensure the games were conducted smoothly.

"The village is the cornerstone of any game and the athletes deserve the best possible environment to prepare for their competition," he added.

Several countries -- England, Ireland, New Zealand and Scotland -- have expressed serious concerns over the preparation for the games, especially as the residential zone was not up to the mark.

In a media conference in Delhi on Tuesday, a disappointed CGF chief executive Mike Hooper lamented over the cleanliness at the games village.

"We have emphasised the importance of addressing the issue of cleanliness.

"We are disappointed to find ourselves in this situation with just two days to go before the athletes start arriving," he told the media.

The games would be held from Oct 3 to 14 in Delhi.

-- BERNAMA

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