Commonwealth Games chief concerned over corruption claims 06/08/2010 |
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Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper has expressed his “frustration” at the corruption allegations surrounding Delhi 2010, saying they are bringing the reputation of the event into “disrepute”.
With just two months to go before the Games begin, all the focus is on the allegations being made against the organising committee (OC).
The Indian Government said it would investigate the claims after a report over the weekend made allegations of widespread corruption in construction projects for the Games.
On top of that, it has been alleged that the OC has made payments to two agencies, Event Knowledge Services and Sports Marketing and Management, for services that were not provided. The claims have been strongly denied by all parties and OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi made it clear this week that he was ready to face any investigation.
Hooper, speaking to The Sport Briefing from Delhi, said: “It is very frustrating from the point of view that we are seeing a barrage of accusations which are clearly damaging the Commonwealth Games and bringing the name of the Games into disrepute.
“The reports out here are pretty vicious. The latest ones about two Australian companies [are] absolute nonsense and anywhere else in the world would be classed as defamatory, implying payments have been made where they haven’t.
“From our point of view, and what we have seen on the corruption side of things, it’s logical to say that it must be investigated and cannot be tolerated with appropriate action taken.
“Having said that, this all must be taken at the appropriate time. We are now eight weeks away from delivering one of the world’s biggest multi-sporting events and therefore the focus at the moment must be on getting those things right that need to be put right to ensure that those people who come out to the Commonwealths have an enjoyable, safe and secure experience, and go home happy.”
Hooper admitted there is still much work to be done ahead of the opening day of the Games on October 3.
“The reality is that there is still work to be done on the vast majority of the venues, both inside and out,” he added. “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.”
Meanwhile, the event was dealt a further blow on Thursday (August 5) with the news that its treasurer, Anil Khanna, has resigned.
Media reports had suggested he had a conflict of interests regarding the company charged with providing the court surfaces for the tennis events because it was headed by his son.
"The allegations hurt me,” said Khanna, who is also the All India Tennis Association (AITA) secretary general. “I have a clear conscience and I don't want to be seen anywhere near corruption. So I have submitted my resignation for the peace of my family and myself.”
Khanna pointed out that neither he nor AITA had anything to do with the awarding of the contract.
"If you remember, I took over as the treasurer in January this year after the previous treasurer quit,” he added. “By then, the process of awarding the contract was over.
"It was done by the Government of India and the Delhi Development Authority accepted the lowest bid. My son's firm would not get anything out of it.
"I feel sorry that I had to step aside at this stage.”
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