New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi sought to tone down his public spat with Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Mike Hooper, saying he would try to sort out issues with the CGF through talks when he meets its president Michael Fennell in London on October 29-30.
Kalmadi, who had asked the CGF to transfer Hooper to London from Delhi as he has been an "impediment" to the working of the Games Organising Committee, refused to say whether he stands by his earlier demand.
When asked whether he would persist with Hooper's transfer from Delhi when he meets Fennell in London during the launch of Queens Baton Relay, Kalmadi said, "Don't ask about it now. We want to sort out matters through talks. We don't want any more confrontation."
"Hopefully, we will sort out our concerns when I meet Fennell in London," he said at a hurriedly-called press briefing before departing for London for the Queen's baton relay.
The CWG OC Chairman also said Sports Minister M S Gill, who had wanted to broker peace between Kalmadi and CGF top brass, was free to join his meeting with Fennell in London.
"He (Gill) is welcomed to join the meeting. He has said something (to broker peace)," Kalmadi said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, October 23, 2009, 15:14