'Security is the top priority'

“We just had a security meeting and all issues have been sorted out. The Delhi Police have done a great job. In fact, some of the top Delhi Police officials have previous experience of how to run security as they have been to Olympics and Commonwealth Games in other countries. Security in the Games Village is of top priority and I am very happy with the arrangements,” Kalmadi said on Thursday.

“All 71 countries are coming. Nobody is afraid. The CWG Association had comprised a team, who used to visit India after every two months. So everyone's happy about the security,” Kalmadi said.

“The Games Village will open on September 23. A lot of athletes are coming in on September 23, 24 and 25. They will continue to come till October 2,” Kalmadi added.
Elaborating the security plan, Mike Hooper, CEO of the Commonwealth Federation, said, “Everything is in place in the Games Village as well in the competition venues. There will be 8,000 policemen and 3,000 special commandos on duty, and we have also modern surveillance methods in place in all venues including the Village.”

Australia and New Zealand had expressed concerns over the safety of their athletes during the CWG. But Hooper said delegates from both countries were satisfied after inspecting the security measures.

“They had written to us about the security, but a close look at the security system here has allayed their concerns. We have a meeting with them, Delegation Registration Meeting, on the security issue today,” Hooper said.Around 700 delegates, including chef de missions, arrived in the City on Wednesday and many of them visited the Games Village to assess the security system and other facilities like swimming pool, training area, fitness centre and accommodation.

Craig Hunter, chef de mission of England, said he was satisfied with the arrangements. “I visited the Games Village today to check the amenities and security measures there. It’s quite pleasing for me to say that I found everything in order and top level,” Hunter said.
Hunter also said the England team, comprising 560 athletes, had taken strict precautionary measures against dengue. “We have been trying to buy some extra protective clothing for our athletes. I am quite happy with the arrangements in the accommodation area, but it’s always better to be fully prepared.”