Now, African teams talk of lack of hygiene

The controversy surrounding accommodation at the Commonwealth Games Village refuses to die. After the thumbs down from countries like New Zealand and Australia, Saturday saw numerous African and Asian nations complaining of discrimination as well.

The controversy surrounding accommodation at the Commonwealth Games Village refuses to die. After the thumbs down from countries like New Zealand and Australia, Saturday saw numerous African and Asian nations complaining of discrimination as well.

HT Image

A disturbed High Commissioner of Rwanda was found looking for the Indian quarters. "I want to see their quarters. The place they have given us for our accommodation is not clean and my athletes are arriving here tomorrow," was his explanation.

He was looking to get in touch with officials in the Organising Committee to resolve the issue of hygiene and sanitation, whose work has been on in full swing for the last four days.

According to sources, even the African teams who have shifted into the Village are planning to meet and take a decision on Monday. But as of now, they have not planned to pull out. Some of the Asian nations too were found grumpily complaining about the state of the rooms.

Malaysia, who will bring 296 players and officials to the Games and are occupying plats in Tower 13, also felt there were hygiene issues. "But in the last couple of days things have progressed," he said. Their lawn bowls team is in the Village at present. But the way the authorities have applied double standards in providing accommodation to athletes from different countries reeks of discrimination.

Suresh Kalmadi, the chief of the Organising Committee was answer was, "our athletes like the accommodation". However, the onus is now on the Organisers to improve facilities at the earliest.