No let-up on security at Delhi Games: Fennell

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Michael Fennell on Sunday dismissed reports that the water in the swimming pool for the aquatics at the Delhi Games was of "poor quality." 

"We have no problems with the quality of the pool water. The swimming events were very successful," Fennell said. 

A few swimmers from Australia, England and from other countries had complained that they had been suffering from various stomach ailments, swelling eyes and skin diseases, as the water quality at the pools in SP Mukherjee Aquatic Centre was poor and contaminated. 

The CGF chief also admitted that the high level of security was keeping the fans away, but admitted there would not let up on that front.

"There have been complaints of over-zealousness. But there will be no let-up on security. We have kept up pressure and we cannot give up until we complete our journey," the Jamaican added.

 Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said the ticket mess would be sorted out soon.

 "Any instance of this sort we are reporting to the police. I know of one instance and we have reported it to the police. There is no question of condoning such acts," he said.

 The head of ticketing at the Delhi Games Monica Jolly tried to explain the large number of empty seats at the venues.

 "Ticket sales were launched in June but India is seen as a late market and Indians buy tickets at the last minute. We have done a lot of bulk orders for corporates. They are big bulk orders," Jolly said.

 She also reasoned that it was the sponsor tickets that were going empty.

 "Sponsor and contractors get free tickets and they also have a right to buy tickets. The stands that are seen as empty are often these seats. People sometimes don't turn up if they get tickets through promotions," she added.