Scotland close to opting out of Delhi CWG: Team leaders

Edinburgh, Sept. 23 (ANI): Scotland’s Commonwealth Games preparations are in turmoil after team leaders warned they were “very close” to reaching the “exceptional circumstances” that would prevent the nation’s participation.

Eight countries, understood to include Scotland and the other home nations, were last night reported to have sent an ultimatum to the Delhi games Organizing Committee (OC) and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) making it clear that they could pull out unless they receive reassurances over the competitors’ accomodation and the stadiums.

Fears over the standards of key stadiums heightened yesterday when part of the ceiling at the weightlifting arena fell in.

It remains unclear when some of the 41 athletes and staff from Team Scotland - including competitors from boxing, rugby 7s and wrestling events - will fly out to India.

But with round-the-clock discussions still ongoing, Michael Cavanagh, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS), said he hoped a decision about flights would be made by today.

Cavanagh, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, told the Scotsman and Sky News that he had decided to delay sending his team because Indian officials “hadn’t done enough to make the athletes’ village safe”.

He said he had spoken to the chiefs of other countries taking part and they all had the same concerns.

“We’re doing everything in our power to make sure Scotland goes to the Games,” he added.

Around 8,000 athletes from Britain and its former colonies are due to take part in the competition.

Meanwhile, the Australian government has said it is confident India can sort out the problems in time - but admits there are concerns about the safety of its athletes.

India has had seven years to prepare for the competition. (ANI)