Fennel visits, keeps mum

Top Commonwealth Games Federation officials undertook a hectic visit to all competition venues for the Commonwealth Games, except the Karni Singh Shooting Ranges, on Wednesday. HT reports.

Top Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) officials undertook a hectic visit to all competition venues for the Commonwealth Games, except the Karni Singh Shooting Ranges, on Wednesday.

HT Image

The CGF chief, Mike Fennell — who arrived late on Tuesday — accompanied by his CEO, Mike Hooper, began their inspection in the morning, visiting the Thyagaraj Stadium and concluded it late in the evening at the Siri Fort Complex. The duo was accompanied by vice-chairman of the OC, Randhir Singh.

The CGF chief was critical of the delays in handing over of the infrastructure to the OC and said all necessary certificates with regard to health and safety must be sought from the venue owners.

Sources in the OC told HT that Fennell looked concerned with the progress of work at the Games Village, adding that the CGF president was overall pleased with the other venues. Though Fennell would make his final assessment on Thursday after visiting the two remaining venues — the Karni Singh Ranges and the Khadarpur full-bore ranges — sources felt he would give a positive statement.

The only concern, however, for the CGF is the safety of athletes, said sources.

Hooper said the CGF chief had only made a customary visit to the stadiums and a lot of things needed to be considered before he came up with an official statement. "We have been going around the city, inspecting venues… we are yet to sit (to make a report)," said Hooper. Fennell is slated to meet CM Sheila Dixit on Thursday. He will then attend an Executive Board meeting at 3 pm before addressing the media at 6 pm.