We have not taken a step back: Kalmadi

Suresh Kalmadi has vehmently denied that he has given in to the demands of Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennell and said that there was “give and take” from both the sides.

New Delhi: Suresh Kalmadi, the chairman of the 2010 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC), has vehmently denied that he has given in to the demands of Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) chief Michael Fennell and said that there was “give and take” from both the sides.

Kalmadi, however, refused to divulge what transpired between him and the CGF chief in London on the controversial issues of setting up an independent review panel and the calling back of CGF chief operating officer Mike Hooper. In an interview to an Indian news channel, when asked whether during his meeting with Fennell, the CGOC did a U-turn, Kalmadi said: “No, that’s not correct.”“For both sides it was give and take. Finally, we reached an agreement and we had a joint statement and the matter is over. “The games are more important. Whatever differences were there between IOA and the CGF were sorted out in a meeting between Fennell and the IOA.” Asked about a widespread perception that Fennell got everything he wanted in the meeting, Kalmadi replied: “That’s not true. And I don’t want to comment more on that. It was give and take on both sides and we have reached a total agreement.” “I don’t want to discuss any of the issues between the CGF and us because that’s the understanding that we have reached. We both are not going to talk about it.” Asked about the position on the setting up of a technical review panel by CGF, the IOA president would only say: “I don’t want to discuss about it because we have resolved the issue. There is a coordination commission which is coming and all the decisions will be taken after that and we will have another meeting with Mike Fennell and all these things will be decided.” On whether OC conceded anything on its demand to recall Hooper, Kalmadi said: “If I have conceded anything, it’s in the interest of the Games and for the country. As far as Mike Hooper is concerned, we have had discussion with Mike Fennell and both sides there’s give and take.” “I have not taken a step back. I can’t tell you details what’s happened there.” When asked that Hooper has gone public to say that from January onwards the independent technical review panel will start functioning, Kalmadi said: “Mike Hooper is entitled to his views. Whatever is to happen will be decided by me and Fennell.” “All I can say at this stage is that we will decide these issues after Fennell comes to Delhi, after the coordination commission meeting.” Kalmadi also said that there is no danger to the Games. “The government has given full support to the Games and they are going to be great Games.” “What is required for the Games to be successful, we have done it and there is no controversy between the CGF and the Indian Olympic Association.” IANS