Official Website of Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council
NEWS & EVENTS
Indian mission assures Games will go smoothly
Thursday, 23rd September 2010


(L-R) Brunei Darussalam National
Olympic Council (BNOC) secretary
general Hj Zuraimi Hj Abd Sani,
Acting High Commissioner of India
Rakesh Kumar and Chef de mission
of Brunei's Commonwealth Games
contingent Pg Anak Md Sofian Pg
Anak Hj Ibrahim during yesterday's
press conference.Picture: BT/Jason
Thomas

India's top official to Brunei yesterday worked to reassure the public that next month's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi will go according to plan.

Dodged by criticism of corruption and increasingly bombarded by stories of athletes and countries wanting to drop out of the Oct 3-14 tournament due to health and security concerns, the Acting High Commissioner of India insists that Brunei's 18-member contingent has nothing to worry about.

The latest setback has been a small portion of a ceiling at the main venue, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium complex, falling yesterday. The collapse of an under-construction foot bridge connecting the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to the parking lot collapsing on Tuesday was the main news of that day.

Rakesh Kumar, however, is not worried.

"I am looking forward to the best ever Commonwealth Games," beamed Rakesh Kumar yesterday.

"It has been raining heavily in not only India but also Pakistan and China, but I am sure it will have no affect on the Games," he said, referring to the heavy rain which brings with it the fear of floods.

"All the infrastructure is there (to make sure the floods don't affect the Games)," he added during a Press conference yesterday at the High Commission in Sg Akar.

Despite his reassurance, there is a real threat that the event faces the risk of cancellation or postponement if the living conditions at the Athletes Village which welcomes its first batch of inhabitants today is not improved in time.

"The venues are fully prepared and now that the athletes are coming I am sure all (the housing) will be ready by then," said the Acting High Commissioner reassuringly though he declined to comment on the failed foot bridge.

Will the Games be cancelled or postponed?

"No, no," he said vehemently.

It is estimated that 7,000 athletes and team officials will descend on the city, while 1,500 technical officials will also be present for the 12-day tournament.

The national lawn bowls team will be representing the Sultanate at the Games for the third consecutive time. Also present is a disabled athlete competing in the shot put event during the Para-sports which will be held simultaneously.

Headed by Pg Anak Md Sofian Pg Anak Hj Ibrahim, the first batch of athletes will leave on Sunday while the second will depart on Wednesday.

"I am sure the Indian government is doing their best to ensure security of the players and officials. It has been one of the main topics in the media," added Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BNOC) secretary general Hj Zuraimi Hj Abd Sani.

Courtesy from Brunei Times