Wellington: New Zealand chef-de-mission for
2010 Commonwealth Games Dave Currie on Sunday gave a thumbs-up to
the security arrangements for the October 3-14 mega-event in
Delhi.
Currie, who visited the CWG venues and Games village
during the recent Chef-de-Mission seminar in Delhi, said he
was happy after watching the arrangements in venues, including
the February 28-March 13 Hockey World Cup.
"I went there pretty grumpy and somewhat cynical,
thinking 'you guys are going to have to work hard to convince
me' and, by and large, they did," Currie was quoted as saying.
Currie was also happy after seeing the security blanket
at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium -- where the world
Cup Hockey took place.
"The World Cup hockey security started a bit scratchily,
but after a week it was impressive.”
"For example, going to the stadium meant your first stop
was about 800 metres away. Mean-looking commando-type dudes
were always parading around. There was a higher level of
visible security than I've seen anywhere," Currie said.
"And let's face it; the risk of not doing it is enormous
when you consider the Cricket World Cup is there early next
year," Currie added.
"It's not to say other devices mightn't go off in Delhi
and around India because that happens quite often around soft
targets. But I am more comforted that they're working hard on
it. The level of security for the risk is appropriate now.
However, in six months you don't know what might happen,"
Currie said.
"Bags were checked thoroughly. Transport was manned by
security and there were forces in front and behind. Police
were also 'parting the Red Sea' at intersections. However, I
can't imagine Delhi residents will find it that easy to get
around when roads are closed," he added.
Meanwhile, Kiwi coach Shane McLeod and shooting team
manager Laurie Gray were also of the opinion that security was
under control in the city.
"Waiting in Perth, Australia, was actually the worst part
of the trip because of the anticipation. However the security
fulfilled expectations and I think the organisers would have
learnt a lot because teams like Canada and England could be
pretty demanding.”
"There was a visible presence. When we left the hotel
there wasn't too much screening but when we returned there
were plenty of metal detectors. It was always a worry
organisers wouldn't live up to their word but at this stage
I'd have no hesitation going back," McLeod said.
Gray expressed satisfaction about the way they were
treated in the city during the seminar.
"We have issues to deal with every time we travel around
the world, due to the paperwork associated with firearms, but
the five athletes we took (to the test event) were treated
like royalty," Gray said.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, March 21, 2010, 12:00