Boost for CWG as Australia and NZ confirm

New Delhi/Melbourne, Sep 24 (PTI) In a boost to India's
crisis-hit Commonwealth Games, sporting powerhouses Australia
and New Zealand Friday confirmed participation and the first
batch of athletes from England landed in Delhi as worried
organisers raced against time to complete preparations.
As the sun broke out after a prolonged rainy spell,
things began to finally look up for the beleaguered organisers
with their international bosses expressing satisfaction with
the remedial works, virtually paving the decks for the arrival
of more contingents in the next few days.
After days of indecision, Australia and New Zealand
confirmed their presence for the October 3 to 14 event and
also gave a thumbs up to the Athletes' Village, which they had
dubbed "filthy and uninhabitable" just a couple of days ago.
Their confirmation followed Michael Fennell's inspection
of the Village Friday morning during which the Commonwealth
Games Federation chief took stock of the athletes' living area
accompanied by Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi
and secretary general Randhir Singh among others.
But there was no stopping the individual pullouts that
have dogged the Games with Welsh world and Olympic champion
cyclist Geraint Thomas, Isle of Man rider Peter Kennaugh and
the England pair of Ben Swift and Ian Stannard, along with
Kiwi Greg rider Henderson announcing their withdrawal citing
health and security fears.
Amid the pullouts, the first batch of English athletes,
including their hockey and lawn bowling squad, landed in Delhi
but headed to hotels instead of the Village as their living
area is yet to be ready. They are expected to move into the
Village by Monday.
A few Australian athletes have, however, checked into the
Village despite previous concerns about hygiene.
After postponing their original travel plans, the first
batch of Scottish athletes will board the flight to Delhi
tomorrow. The first contingent will comprise archery, lawn
bowls, shooting, tennis and weightlifting teams.
Earlier Friday morning, Fennell carried out his
inspection after being told by his staff that "considerable
improvements" have been made at the Village even as embattled
organisers continued their sprint against time to complete
preparations.
"It is good to be in Delhi, and the briefing I received
from my CEO, Mike Hooper, Thursday night, was that
considerable improvements have been made within the Village,
with further significant resources deployed by Delhi Chief
Minister, Mrs Dikshit, to make good what was a concerning
situation," Fennell said in a statement.
The CGF boss, who was unimpressed with the pace of the
work and had even shot off a letter to the Cabinet Secretary a
few days ago, also briefed the visiting international
delegates about the work. More PTI