Hooper defends remarks on Delhi Games

WELLINGTON - Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper has defended the various comments he made during the preparations for Commonwealth Games 2010, saying he did all he could to make the mega event a success.

Hooper said he should not be ousted for any perceived inaction, the New Zealand Herald reported Sunday.

“It is my job and I’ve done it well, despite what others might think. It was my role to point out and highlight things (that needed improvement) and I did it consistently,” he said.

The New Zealander was adamant athletes were not adversely affected.

“I’m pleased with how it panned out … we got the Village, catering and transport right for them (athletes). You’d have to say the venues got there in the end too. It was reassuring to see so many happy smiling faces at the closing ceremony.”

However, Hooper, who was criticised for his reported comments on Delhi’s population, said it was “upsetting” to have his effigies burnt on the streets of New Delhi. He reportedly said that Delhi’s “population hazard” hampered the organisation of the Games.

“The burning of the effigy upset me but let’s put that into context. It was based on a totally false premise. I am alleged to have made certain remarks about the population of India which I didn’t. It was scurrilous reporting,” he said.

Delhi has a much-improved infrastructure legacy but would not be drawn on a potential Olympic bid for 2020 or beyond, Hooper said.