Fiji ready for India Games despite tension December 04, 2008
Fiji has thrown its weight behind the Commonwealth Games Federation’s decision to hold the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India despite ongoing unrest after last week’s terrorist attacks in Mumbai City.
Fiji Chef de Mission to the Games Chris Yee confirmed that a big contingent would compete among Commonwealth-member countries in New Delhi from October 3-14, 2010.
“We will be there. Preparations have begun and it is all go for us. We will raise Fiji’s flag in India despite the recent political developments,” he added.
The Commonwealth Games Federation yesterday reaffirmed its stand to hold the Games in New Delhi in 2010 despite tension building up from last week’s unrest.
The CGF said it would work with Indian authorities to ensure a secure and successful event. Michael Fennell, CGF president, rejected media reports that the 2010 Games may be shifted to another country due to security concerns after last week's attacks which killed at least 171 people.
‘At no stage has there been discussion about us moving the Games from Delhi, and nor has any other city been approached to be on standby,’ Fennell said in a statement.
New Delhi was chosen to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games after several previous failed bids, becoming only the second Asian city to be allocated the Games that bring together athletes from the former British Empire.
‘The CGF will work with appropriate authorities to ensure security arrangements are in place so that the Commonwealth's athletes can compete in a safe and secure environment,’ he said.
Meanwhile, the World Squash Federation has postponed the World Doubles Championship scheduled for Chennai later this month after Australia pulled out of the event citing security concerns.
‘Australia withdrew their players. More withdrawals would clearly reduce the value of the event to less than proper world championship status,’ George Mieras, WSF championship panel director said in a letter to the organizers.
India's cricket board is currently trying to persuade the England team to return and complete its tour with a two-test series at new venues a week after it went home midway through the limited-overs series in the wake of the Mumbai attacks.
An England and Wales Cricket Board security expert is assessing the venues at Chennai and Mohali.
India's cricket officials have denied any possibility the 2011 World Cup could be moved out of the subcontinent due to security concerns.
The terrorist attacks on Mumbai have, however, raised political tension between India and Pakistan after claims the terrorists originated came from Pakistan.
The Indian government recently stopped its junior national field hockey team from playing a series in Pakistan due to security reasons.
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