Suresh Kalmadi Goes Soft On The Commonwealth Games Federation
21st October, 2009

Taking a total U-turn from his tough words after the CGF officials visited Delhi a few days back, Suresh Kalmadi has brushed off being rigid about 2 issues which he himself had described as "non-negotiable". It seems Kalmadi has made up his mind to talk peace with the International Organizers of Commonwealth Games.

Talking to a news channel, Kalmadi, who had called Mike Hooper, the CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation as "useless" and an "impediment", reversed his comments and said "Well, he should be helpful to us you see that is the main thing. And if he promises to be helpful to us I am sure I can give him another try". He added that it was up to Michael Fennell who is the president of the CGF to decide Hooper's fete. Kalmadi had earlier demanded that Hooper be sacked from the post of CEO of the CGF which had been refused by Fennell.

Another issue on which Kalmadi had talked tough and taken a firm stand was that of the CGF appointing an Independent Committee to monitor the progress of the Delhi Games. Kalmadi chose his words carefully this time when he said "We have not opposed the independent body coming. We have only said that combine it with the Co-ordination Commission which will be visiting this December so that there is no duplication or complication of authority".

International officials for the Commonwealth Games have shown concern about the preparations Delhi has made so far for the Commonwealth Games which are less than an year away. Earlier Mike Hooper had even gone on to state that calling Delhi as unprepared is the "understatement of the year".