Hooper concerned over CVC report

Taking note of Central Vigilance Commission’s (CVC’s) report on rampant corruption, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has sent a letter to the Organising Committee (OC) of the 2010 Games, asking it to ensure that all venues for the October 3-14 mega-event obtain quality assurance certificates.

“We are concerned about the implication of the CVC report indeed. We have written to the OC following the release of the report, basically saying that we need assurances, as does the OC, from the venue owners, which are essentially that all venues are fully compliant with Government of India laws,” CGF CEO Mike Hooper said.

“Certainly, it is of concern and if there are immediate works that need to be done...They must do it in the next 60 days.”

With 62 days to go for the event, Hooper said although a proper probe was essential to find the guilty, the immediate priority for the organisers must be successful delivery of the Games.

Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of OC, had assured that venues would not be taken over without proper documentations and approvals in place. “The Organising Committee must insist on a guarantee by the venue owners on this matter. Games should go off smoothly and safely; that is most important,” Hooper said.

Meanwhile, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Secretary General Randhir Singh called for an emergency meeting of the OC’s executive board, saying the allegations were “grave”.