Fennell takes u-turn, drops review panel

T
he CGF said it had decided not to go ahead with its Technical Review Committee in view of the current improved status but would provide additional support to the OC through its existing Commonwealth Games Knowledge Management Programme.

“In October, I announced the CGF would be instituting a TRC that would visit monthly. However, in view of the current improved status we have agreed it is now more appropriate for the CGF to provide additional ongoing support to the OC through its Games Knowledge Management Programme,” CGF President Michael Fennell told a press conference here.

The decision to drop TRC is widely seen as a thumbs up to the OC Chairman Suresh Kalmadi who and his team had vehemently opposed such a proposal.

The development is also likely to bring about a temporary truce between the OC and its parent body who had been engaged in a public spat a few months back over organisational issues relating to the October 3-14 Games. While Fennell lauded the positive progress made on mainly operational fronts, he warned the organisers that further delays in the construction of stadia would seriously impact on the conduct of test events.

Meanwhile Fennell also said CEO Michael Hooper will remain in Delhi. 

OC chairman Kalmadi promised Fennell that the increased tempo of the preparation work will be sustained to ensure a successful Games.