Terming it a matter of “great concern”, Commonwealth Games Federation president Mike Fennell on Thursday asked for a “thorough investigation” into the corruption charges against the Suresh Kalmadi-led Organising Committee here.
On a two-day visit here, Mr Fennell expressed satisfaction at the state of the competition venues, but added that “detailed work in almost all the areas” required a huge effort to make the Games a success.
Transport, landscaping of venues, work at the Athletes Village and lack of hygienic food services were some that he listed out as areas that would require immediate action.
Said Mr Fennell, “The CGF has taken note of each and every report. The corruption charges need to be thoroughly investigated by the Indian authorities in accordance with the law of the country. We do not, and have never been, associated with corruption, and it is a matter of great concern for us.”
Mr Fennell asked the authorities to pick up the pace to get the Games Village ready ahead of September 16, the day the athletes arrive.
“We checked the furnishing and finishing at the village, but some of it could have been much better. The international zone — area for transport, dining and international shops — is behind time and needs to be accelerated. A large amount of work is still pending,” Mr Fennell said.
“Buildings alone don’t make the village, it’s the management and the food which will ensure that the village is what we want it to be,” he added.