Commonwealth Games Federation Chief must admit responsibility: New Zealand's Sports Minister
The CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation Mike Hooper must take some responsibility for the chaos that plagued the multi discipline Games in New Delhi – this is the opinion of New Zealand’s sports minister Murray McCully who criticized the preparations
for the CWG New Delhi on Friday.
Mika has put all the blame on India’s Organizing Committee for the issues that left the event teetering on the brink of collapse a few days ago, prompting critics in New Delhi on Thursday to raise questions about him regarding racism.
However, Murray was of the view that the Federation had major questions to answer, along with Mike, who is the chief executive officer of the organization and who lived in India in the years preceding the event in order to monitor the progress.
"We should be careful about simply asserting that Indian officials carry all responsibility. Hooper has been based there to oversee these arrangements. I certainly think there's going to be a sharing of responsibility, but this is not the time,” said Murray
on Friday.
Earlier this week, Mike Hooper claimed that while the federation had pushed for deadlines to be strictly met, it did not have the authority to ensure projects were finished on time. He is not the only one responsible for everything as he is also dependant
on so many people for the completion of the tasks.
"At the end of the day, I am not a construction engineer. I am not a builder. We are at the hands and the mercy of, effectively, the government of India, the Delhi government, the agencies responsible for delivery of the venues,” he said.
New Zealand was one of the strongest critics of sleazy accommodation in the athlete's village in New Delhi. However, Murray said that the criticism had been important to get the event back on track, even if it was embarrassing for the host side.
"I have got no doubt there were some raw nerves touched but serious issues of safety and welfare were arising," he added.
Murray’s comments came as New Zealand tennis contender Ellen Barry declared her withdrawal from the Commonwealth Games New Delhi as a result of security concerns.
Ellen is the second athlete from New Zealand to withdraw after cyclist Greg Henderson claimed that he will not go to New Delhi. Barry explained that she was not feeling secure because of which she finally decided to go back home.
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