Delhi protests upset me: Hooper

WELLINGTON - Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) CEO Michael Hooper, who was criticised for his reported comments on Delhi’s population, said Tuesday it was “upsetting” to have effigies of himself burnt in the streets of New Delhi, a media report said.

Protesters in Delhi last week branded Hooper a racist after his reported remark that Delhi’s “population hazard” hampered the organisation of the Games, New Zealand Herald reported.

“Look, obviously it was upsetting personally. I’m not going to delve into it,” Hooper, a New Zealander, said Tuesday at a press conference in Delhi. CGF president Michael Fennell and Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi were also present at the press meet.

“Of course, it was upsetting, but insofar as do I feel safe in Delhi, yes I do. The security arrangements that are in place are appropriate and I don’t have any issue with that,” he said.