No need to have any worry on Games security: Chidambaram

New Delhi: "No player, no participant, no
coach, no trainer, no visitor, no spectator" to the New Delhi
Commonwealth Games in October 2010 need to have any worry on
account of security.


This firm assurance was given by Home Minister P
Chidambaram, who said a very comprehensive security plan
has been drawn up for the October 3-14 sporting extravaganza.


"We will provide fool-proof security," Chidambaram said
in an interview.
Asked specifically whether he had any concerns about the
safety of the sportsmen during the Games, Chidambaram said
"Every international sports event in the world must factor in
security. Be it World Cup football, Olympics or Commonwealth
Games. So, we have factored in security.
"We have a very comprehensive security plan. The Plan has
been presented to the CWG Federation. The security personnel
of the participating countries came to Delhi a few weeks ago
and they were given a full presentation. I am told that they
have expressed satisfaction with the security plan that we
presented for the CWG," he said.


Asked whether he would like to assure the participating
nations that India does not face a greater threat than any
other country, the home minister said there were many other
countries that faced a greater threat.



"In fact, there are many countries that face a greater
threat, like for example Pakistan. We will provide foolproof
security for the CWG," Chidambaram said.


The build up to the Games has been plagued by
controversies with the Commonwealth Games Federation chief
Michael Fennell raising questions about the "tardy"
preparations for the multi-discipline event.


The public spat between CWG Organising Committee Chairman
Suresh Kalmadi and CGF CEO Mike Hooper has only aggravated the
relations between the Indian organisers and their parent body.


Security has been a major issue after the Mumbai terror
attacks last November, which led to the abrupt end to the
one-day series between India and England and the postponement
of the inaugural Champions League.


Australia`s Commonwealth Games chief Perry Crosswhite
had earlier this month raised concerns about security in
Delhi and had said that he could not guarantee safety of his
country`s athletes.


He said it was up to the sports federations to decide
whether they want to send their teams to India or not.


In recent times, Australia forfeited its Davis Cup tie
against India in May, citing security fears. The Asia/Oceania
Group tie was scheduled to be played in Chennai from May 8-10.


In August, England and two Austrian players had pulled
out of the World Badminton Championship in Hyderabad again
fearing safety.


The event however passed off without any untoward
incident and home minister made a point by watching matches
from the spectators` gallery on the final day.



Bureau Report