2010 Games: Ugly war of words

Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennell has rejected Suresh Kalmadi's call to recall his CEO Mike Hooper from India.

'We are disappointed in receiving this request to remove Mr Hooper from Delhi, given his unquestionable commitment. I have responded to Mr. Kalmadi's letter. Mr. Hooper enjoys full support of the CGFs Executive Board. We consider that such a personal attack on him is unwarranted,' said Michael Fennell.

Kalmadi had on Thursday requested that Mike Hooper be sent back to London. Hooper is the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

In a direct attack, Kalmadi said Hooper has "not proved beneficial to the organizing committee of the Games...he has been of no use. We've asked that he be sent back to London, and we'd like a replacement".

Hooper's response to NDTV: "This is the time to work together, Kalmadi should learn to work together, not make personal issues...the suggestion that I am an impediment is nonsense. I thought I was doing well."

India had on Thursday also rejected what was seen as the compromise formula for the 2010 Games. Suresh Kalmadi had said he will not accept an independent panel of experts to monitor Delhi's progress for the Games. Kalmadi is Chairman of the Organizing Committee for next year's Games.

On Monday, a new committee that would review India's preparations every month was suggested by Mike Fennel, the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation. The Big Brother panel was seen as a thinly-veiled indictment.

Fennel had written directly to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking for his help with the Games. Fennell and other delegates visited several of the venues for the Games in Delhi last week. Construction at most venues are running behind schedule.

The politics of organizing the Games could soon overshadow the real task at hand: getting Delhi ready on time, and without rushing through safety checks.

Source:http://www.ndtv.com/