Ready for probe into CWG, says Kalmadi

Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Saturday said he is ready to provide all kind of support to the Prime Minister-appointed high-level committee formed to look into allegations of corruption related to the conduct of mega sporting event.

Kalmadi, already under fire from various quarters over delays and charges of corruption ranging from favouritism in award of contracts to expensive hiring of training equipment, welcomed the government's initiative to launch a probe into the matter and hoped that the report covers all aspects.

"The Honourable Prime Minister has appointed a committee to probe into all matters relating to the Commonwealth Games. We welcome the initiative and hope that it will be comprehensive, covering all aspects. The Organising Committee will be happy to provide all support to the panel," Kalmadi said in an OC release.

The committee, headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) V K Shunglu, will submit its report to the Prime Minister within three months.

The announcement came even as the CAG stepped into the picture to conduct assessment of various projects related to the CWG with officials set to visit all the stadia and go through records. Kalmadi also thanked people of Delhi for helping the Organising Committee live up to its promise of a great Games.

"We would like to thank everyone concerned, especially the people of Delhi. We are happy to note that the athletes and officials have praised the arrangements made for them.

"The people of Delhi and India have done themselves proud as they have successfully hosted Delhi 2010, overcoming all challenges, and demonstrated to the world that the have the capacity and commitment to host major international events," he said.

Kalmadi, also the Indian Olympic Association chief, said during the run up to the Games, many concerns were expressed about India's ability to conduct the Games and ensure the security and safety of the athletes and the Organising Committee delivered the task of conducting the Games really well.

"All these were cleared and everyone left Delhi very satisfied. The IOA was responsible for winning the bid to host the Games in Delhi and the Organising Committee was given the task of delivering the opening and closing ceremonies and the sporting competitions.

"The grand opening and closing ceremonies as well as the actual conduct of the sporting competition have received widespread acclaim and praise, including from athletes and team officials as well as from media at home and overseas," he said.

Kalmadi also acknowledged the contribution of all those involved in the preparations and delivery of the Games. 

"It includes all stakeholders, the 22,000 volunteers who worked tirelessly and were India's ambassadors during the Games, and the media for its wonderful coverage of the Games. 

"We owe special gratitude to the thousands of security personnel who ensured fool-proof and incident-free security arrangements. Senior Government officials, hundreds of sports officials, National Sports Federations and security agencies who worked hard for years and their contribution need to be acknowledged," the OC chief said. 

He also congratulated the Indian athletes for putting up a good show in front of the whole world. 

"With 101 medals from 12 sport, India's sportspersons finished higher than ever before in a Commonwealth Games and made India proud." 

Kalmadi said the whole effort of organising the Games has been applauded by the Commonwealth community. 

"Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennell summed the event as 'Delhi has delivered a truly exceptional Games'," he added.