In-fighting erupts to threaten CWG 2010

Infighting errupted in Commonwealth Federation today as Kalmadi demanded sacking of Hooper.

Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi: India’s chances of hosting a great 2010 Games seemingly was in troubled waters after the IOA decided to go on war path with CGF bosses; but visibly hurt Commonwealth Games CEO calmed tempers and hoped that the show will go on in Delhi as schedule. Setting the stage for a bitter showdown with the Commonwealth Games Federation, organisers of the 2010 Games today demanded the sacking of the event`s CEO and rejected the proposed independent monitoring panel to oversee the preparations. Taking a tough stand after coming under a scathing attack for its tardy preparations for the Games, miffed organisers sought the removal of the mega-event`s Chief Executive officer Mike Hooper with immediate effect, saying the Kiwi official was "of no use" despite being in the capital for the past two years. Hit by delays and infighting, the build-up to the October 3-14 Games is set to be even more troubled with the public spat between the organisers and its parent body. The Indian Olympic Association, at its Executive Committee meeting last evening, felt the monitoring panel was not needed and also questioned Hooper`s role in preparing for the event. Hooper himself reacted with shock and said the organisers were turning their backs on the real issues facing the Games by focussing on trivial matters. "I am very disappointed to hear the comments made by Mr Kalmadi today. It`s his view. I view that my role here has been independent in the last two years," Hooper said. "It seems to be a position of not addressing the real issues. Launching a personal attack was most unfortunate. To me it`s unfortunate and totally inappropriate," he added. The IOA recommended that the Organising Committee ask the CGF to strengthen the Co-ordination Commission (CoCom) by adding technical experts to it so that the authority of the CoCom is not diluted. "We don`t want multiplicity of agencies, there are already agencies, including the Co-ordination Commission, which are monitoring the Games preparations," IOA President and Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi told reporters here. "We will suggest the CGF to add technical experts in the Co-ordination Commission instead of forming another body," he said. "Mike Hooper has not been beneficial to us. He was of no use and has been an impediment to the functioning despite spending two years here. So we have asked the CGF to replace him immediately and in his place send somebody who can be useful to us," Kalmadi said. IOA Secretary-General Randhir Singh expressed astonishment over CGF`s decision to form a technical panel. "I am a little surprised, the CGF should have more faith in the Co-ordination Commission because in every big event starting from Olympics to Asian Games, it is the Co-ordination Commission that comes and checks and asks for reports from the Organising Committee," Randhir said.