Expressing serious concerns over the Suresh Kalmadi-led organising committee’s ability to deliver a successful Commonwealth Games,
CGF president Mike Fennell has sought Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s intervention to expedite preparations for the 2010 event in the Capital.
In a letter to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CWOGC), a furious Fennell has asked Kalmadi to arrange a meeting with Prime Minister Singh next month.
“Our main concern relates to the capacity of the Organising Committee to deliver operationally. Preparations for the Games are significantly behind, so much so that the Commonwealth Games Federation is extremely worried about the Organising Committee’s ability to deliver the games to any comparable standard to that of the last two editions of the Games in Manchester and Melbourne,” Fennell wrote in the letter, a copy of which is with The Indian Express.
Fennell said that the vast majority of functional areas were considerably behind schedule and that an overhaul in the management culture and operation of the organising committee was needed, else the Games “will fail from an operational perspective”.
“The procurement processes within the committee are stagnant and the lack of empowerment of functional area management is retarding progress.
“With only a year to run until the Games, I feel I must personally brief the Prime Minister of India on the lack of preparations and to seek his input in developing an appropriate recovery plan. I have asked the Chairman of the Organising Committee to facilitate such a meeting on my return to Delhi in early October for our General Assembly.
“The
Government of India has committed significant resources towards the operational delivery of the Games (Rs1620 crores) and it would be irresponsible and negligent of the Federation not to share its concerns openly with the Government. I am looking forward to some urgent actions in order to bring about the successful celebration of the Games in 2010,” he wrote.
During his visit in July, Fennell had praised the organisers and said that he was satisfied with the progress. However, he said those comments did not portray the real picture.
“Whilst my public comments generally and in particular during my previous visit in July have consistently taken the position that from a public standpoint I have been supportive and positive, but the reality is that the Federation has consistently expressed serious concerns to the organising committee on preparations for the Games,” he said.
With regard to this, Fennell cited a CGF Coordination Commission report, which predicted partial failure of the Games.
“Given it is 27 years since India hosted an international multi-sport event, why is there such a reluctance to recruit experience from overseas?” the commission report asked.
It further added: “The Coordination Commission is of the view that the Games’ failure in part is now likely should the CGF not intervene... It is reasonable to further conclude that the current situation poses a serious risk to the Commonwealth Games in 2010, the Commonwealth Games brand and the image of the CGF.”
The CGF president said that the report was issued to the organising committee’s executive board, but there was no formal response from them.
“The only way to address matters going forward is to openly share information and concerns both amongst ourselves as Board Members and with our key stakeholders,” the letter said.
While Kalmadi was not available for comments, organising committee treasurer AK Mattoo described Fennell’s remarks as “unfortunate”.
“I’m shocked to hear about his (Fennell) observation on the committee. We are doing our best and I am confident we’ll host a successful Games. Delays to happen, but criticising is not going to get you anywhere,” Mattoo told The Indian Express.
“Having said that, I am confident that we’ll sit together and resolve the issue soon .”
Source: indianexpress.com
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