Australia asks CWG organizers for better treatment at closing ceremony

SYDNEY - The Australian Commonwealth team, who were angry after being forced to wait in “cauldron-like” conditions in the stadium tunnel for an hour before the opening ceremony, have told the Games organisers that they won’t put up with more unacceptable treatment at the closing ceremony on Thursday.

Only about 300 athletes out of the 400-plus squad are expected to be left in New Delhi when the closing ceremony is held.

Chef de mission Steve Moneghetti said Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief executive Perry Crosswhite had demanded more consideration for the athletes at the closing ceremony.

“Perry pushed extremely strongly a couple of points that we want covered off to ensure that there is no situation like the opening ceremony,” Moneghetti told reporters on Monday.

Meanwhile, Moneghetti expects a tough time deciding who gets to carry the flag into the closing ceremony after such a successful campaign, with Australia already winning more than 60 gold medals.

“Gee, what a great position to be in. How many we can get to carry the flag because I might need to push the numbers out a bit,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying. (ANI)