India security 'top class'

Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennell on Thursday dismissed security concerns over Delhi 2010 after an Australian Olympic great warned of a Munich-style attack.

The remarks from Dawn Fraser referring to the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, in which 11 Israelis were killed by militants, were condemned in her own country and caused anger in India.

"Security has been on top of the agenda ever since we started preparations," Fennell told a packed media conference at the end of his two-day visit to inspect venues for the October 3-14 Games.

"Security is of prime importance at any international event, and I can say the arrangements, planning and intelligence of those who deal with it in India are top-class.

"We held a security briefing for the participating nations in end-July and I am happy to say there was an endorsement of the measures being taken by Indian authorities."

Reacting to Fraser's comments, Fennell said: "I don't think Miss Fraser knows what is happening in India and her comments have already been refuted in Australia."

Australia's Commonwealth Games chief rebuked 73-year-old Fraser, a triple Olympic 100m swimming freestyle champion, for her comments, which urged athletes to boycott the event.

Perry Crosswhite, who was in Munich in 1972 as a member of Australia's basketball team, said Fraser was overplaying the threat. "I don't think Dawn's been to Delhi recently and I don't think she has the information we have. If she did I don't think she would

have made the comments she did," Crosswhite told reporters.

"We believe at this stage it will be safe and it will be secure."

Fraser, in an interview with Australia's The Daily Telegraph newspaper, warned about food and sanitation in New Delhi and implied the Indian authorities could not be trusted with security.

"I would hate to see another Munich, but with things getting worse and worse I have grave concerns. Can they prevent it?" she said.

The top Indian policeman in charge of security for the Games said that comprehensive and foolproof arrangements would be in place once athletes begin arriving.

"The (national sports) federations are more than happy and have complimented our preparedness," Delhi police special commissioner Neeraj Kumar said.
 

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