Ex-Kiwi runner Walker urges NZ to participate in Delhi CWG

WELLINGTON - Legendary Kiwi runner Sir John Walker has urged New Zealand to participate in the upcoming Delhi Commonwealth Games, despite its concerns about security and the dengue epidemic.

He, however, said the Commonwealth Games Federation should have never allowed India to host it if they feared such threats.

“I’d go. I’ve been to Delhi and raced [1980 Olympic 800m champion] Steve Ovett in front of 65,000 people in 40 degrees, just before the 1990 Commonwealth Games. “The hospitality was superb. The people are passionate. I’d be disappointed if New Zealand pulled out,” the New Zealand Herald quoted Walker, as saying.

“There are always going to be lunatics wherever you go in the world. It’s one of the risks. You can’t rule out any nutter wanting to make a statement. If the Commonwealth Games Federation feel bad about this situation they should never have given the Games to India in the first place,” the international track and field legend added.

Besides him, eight former Commonwealth Games athletes have also said that athletes should take part in the event.

Fifty-year-old Phil Horne, one of the Commonwealth Games athletes (badminton 1982, 1986 and 1990) who has experienced terrorism first-hand, said that although security concerns are important, they should also rely on experts.

“For some, it will be the highlight of their careers. I know you can’t guarantee safety - it’s obviously a volatile part of the world but you’ve just got to rely on experts,” he added. (ANI)