News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 13 years ago
Rediff.com  » Sports » I've done no wrong: Kalmadi

I've done no wrong: Kalmadi

Source: PTI
Last updated on: November 29, 2010 15:23 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi, on Monday, said he was ready to answer all queries regarding corruption charges. He also claimed to have done no wrong and was willing to give a statement in Parliament.

Welcoming the probe into the alleged wrongdoings into the Games, he said, "I will give my statement on the issue in Parliament.

"I met the Speaker and told her that I will give my statement in the Lok Sabha and she said I can do so when the Parliament starts functioning," Kalmadi said on his return from China after attending the Asian Games in Guangzhou.

suresh kalmadiRefusing to discuss the ongoing probe, he said, "All matters are subjudice but I would say that I have not done anything wrong even in a single thing.... I welcome the investigations and will answer all their queries."

The Organising Committee (OC) has come under the scanner and three of Kalmadi's close associates in the OC have already been arrested by CBI for alleged irregularities in the conduct of Games held in New Delhi in October.

"Some channel is saying that I am missing. I had gone to Guangzhou," Kalmadi said while referring to some media reports which suggested that he was absconding to avoid probe.

He said the CWG OC was responsible only for the conduct of the Games and its opening and closing ceremonies, which had a budget of Rs 1,500 to 1,700 crore, of which Rs 1,400 crore has been spent till now.

"We had no role in construction as it was being done by other agencies. Our responsibilty was to organise the Games and the opening and closing ceremonies. Construction was being looked after by others and they will reply on those issues," he added.

Kalmadi said after the successful conduct of the Commonwealth Games and the performance of athletes in the Asian games, India has emerged as a sporting power.

"I went to Guangzhou and after that to Monaco as the President of Asian Athletic Federation and everywhere people say India has become a sporting power and someday India can host the Olympics. This is their view and not my view. They are very happy with our performance in the CWG," he added.

Kalmadi also credited the Prime Minister for the medal-winning streak of athletes by allocating money for them.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: PTI© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.

Paris Olympics 2024

Paris Olympics 2024