CWG organisers promise to sort out all problems by tomorrow

In an embarrassment of sorts, the Organising Committee of the 19th Commonwealth Games fell short of excuses in addressing the problems dogging the event on the opening day as they committed to sort out the issues by tomorrow.

The first day, first show of the Games competiton yesterday was mired with glitches with faulty scales in boxing, two Australian swimmers falling ill after eating at the Games Village and some issues with the transport arrangement.

However to every problem, tomorrow seemed to be the buzzword.

Organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi assured that they would solve the issues by tomorrow as a foreign journalist quipped: "Tomorrow will be a fun day."

Addressing their first media interaction after the competition began, Kalmadi and Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennell termed it a "normal" issue saying any well-organised event would have problems

"During the course of any Games, issues will crop up everyday. That's why we meet up everyday, there will be no ending point till the Games finishied. It's quite normal.

"I have been involved in many big events including Olympics. They are extremely well-organised but issues were always there. It's a continuing excercise," Fennell said.

The CGF supremo further said it was a correct decision in awarding the Games to India.

"I have already indicated that the opening show was spectacular. Number of days left for competition. It was a correct decision to host the Games in India."

Fennell categorically denied that he had earlier said India were not fit to host the Games.

"I never said that... I don't know where you got it from. If you research, I am sure you will find that I have never said that. It was not my impression. Nobody is sweeping anything under carpet."

The embattled OC chairman, Kalmadi, however assured: "Tomorrow is the deadlilne. I will answer everything tomorrow," inviting a loud laugh from the floor.

Kalmadi further said, "Most problems have been adderssed. We had great security for opening. There were some problems but many issues have been sorted out."

Asked about the faulty scale at the boxing ring yesterday, OC secretary general Lalit Bhanot admitted that there was some problem.

"There was a difference in two scales. Engineers were called in. But now there is no problem at all. The bout will start on time from today. There was no problem at all. Programmes will go as per schedule."

Asked about the lack of information on the Indian athletes, Bhanot said: "This is on the system. Startlist is there for every event. Please check up and let me know tomorrow."