Kalmadi says he is ready for all probe

NEW DELHI - Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi has said he is ready to provide all support to the committee set up by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to probe complaints of irregularities in the Games preparations.

“The Honourable Prime Minister has appointed a committee to probe into all matters relating to the Commonwealth Games. We welcome the initiative and hope that it will be comprehensive, covering all aspects. The Organising Committee will be happy to provide all support to the panel,” Kalmadi said in a statement.

After the Games concluded Thursday, the government has named a high-level committee headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General V.K. Shunglu to look into the complaints of irregularities in the preparation of the Games.

Kalmadi said the athletes and officials have praised the arrangements made for them.

“The grand opening and closing ceremonies as well as the actual conduct of the sporting competition have received widespread acclaim and praise, including from athletes and team officials as well as from media at home and overseas.

“2010 Delhi would like to thank everyone concerned, especially the people of Delhi, for helping it live up to its promise of a great Games.

“The people of Delhi and India have done themselves proud as they have successfully hosted Delhi 2010, overcoming all challenges, and demonstrated to the world that the have the capacity and commitment to host major international events,” he said.

Kalmadi said the OC has fulfilled its responsibility.

“The Indian Olympic Association was responsible for winning the bid to host the Games in Delhi. And the Organising Committee was given the task of delivering the opening and closing ceremonies and the sporting competitions. We have delivered the task of conducting the Games really well.

“During the run up to the Games, many concerns were expressed about Indias ability to conduct the Games and ensure the security and safety of the athletes and guests. All these were cleared and the athletes and officials have left Delhi very satisfied.

“The OC wishes to acknowledge the contributions by all those involved in the preparations and delivery of the Games, especially all stakeholders.

“We owe special gratitude to the thousands of security personnel who ensured fool-proof and incident-free security arrangements, foiling any attempts to disrupt the ceremonies and the competitions.”

He said Indian athletes made the country proud.

“With 101 medals from 12 sport disciplines, Indias sportspersons finished higher than ever before in a Commonwealth Games and made India proud. The whole effort of organising the Games has been applauded by the Commonwealth community and summed up by the Commonwealth Games Federation President Mr. Michael Fennell that Delhi has delivered a truly exceptional Games, Kalmadi said.