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Celebrating Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010

Delhi Gets Australia's Backing To Beat Commonwealth Delays
15th October, 2009

Despite voicing major concerns over security issues related to the Commonwealth Games 2010 to be hosted in New Delhi, Australia has shown support that Delhi will come over the Commonwealth delays to host a successful event next year. This comes right after the Commonwealth Games President, Mr. Michael Fennell expressed grave concerns over the preparations for the games when he visited all Commonwealth sites in New Delhi.

Australian Foreign Minister, Mr. Stephen Smith who visited some Commonwealth venues seemed satisfied with the work in progress. Referring to Mr. Fennell's concerns, Mr. Smith said "These comments are always made in the run-up to any Commonwealth Games, any Olympic Games. The same was said of Melbourne, in the run-up to the Melbourne Commonwealth Games (in 2006), the same was said at Sydney in the run-up to the Sydney Olympic Games (in 2000)." He added "These things are always said and in the end you always find that the facilities are ready for the Commonwealth Games or the Olympic Games."

The Australian Foreign Minister admitted that Australia did have its share of worries about security issues, especially after last November's Mumbai attack in which a few terrorists were able to hold hundreds of people hostage for 3 days and ultimately over 150 people lost their lives. He said how Australia would address these concerns in up to Australia's Sporting Federations and added that it is up to the individual sporting organizations in Australia to decide whether to send their teams to New Delhi or not.

Australia's Commonwealth Games Chief Perry Crosswhite had earlier refused to guarantee the safety of athletes in New Delhi and had given them an option to decide whether to go or to back out on an individual basis.

There are also reports that Melbourne has made temporary preparations as an emergency host for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in case New Delhi fails to deliver.

This is the second major sporting event being hosted in New Delhi after the 1982 Asian Games and will feature over 70 teams from over 50 nations.