Crosswhite denies questioning 2010 CWG security, apologises

New Delhi, Mar 31 (PTI) Australian Commonwealth Games
Association has denied threatening to withdraw its athletes
from the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi over security
concerns and also apologised for the erroneous reporting by
the media Down Under.

"Regarding the recent media reports about Australia's
participation in the 2010 Games, I asked Mike Hooper to let
you know that the media reports were inaccurate," ACGA Chief
Executive Perry Crosswhite wrote in an e-mail to Indian
Olympic Association (IOA) General Secretary Randhir Singh.

"I did not say that Australia would not take part and I
am very concerned that this has been reported in this way," he
said.

The IOA General Secretary had reacted to Crosswhite's
comments, saying "Terrorism is a global threat and should be
treated as such. Who could ever imagine a 9/11 or that a
tragic event during the Munich Olympics could ever occur".

He had also promised "highest-level security" for the
2010 event.

Crosswhite had reportedly said a security assessment one
month before the 2010 Games would play a crucial role in the
Commonwealth Games Federation deciding whether to go ahead
with the event in India after the Lahore terror strike on Sri
Lankan cricketers earlier this month.

"We are still 18 months out. I'd say a year out will be a
crucial point in time and then six months, three months and
one month. At the end of the day it's our decision (if
Australia sends a team) and we have to make that call with the
best information we have at the time," Crosswhite was quoted
as saying by the 'Courier Mail' earlier this month.

Crosswhite, in his communique to Randhir, who is also a
member of the International Olympic Committee, apologised for
causing concern among the organisers of Delhi CWG.

"I know that this has caused some concerns among my
friends at the IOA and I apologise for the Australian press
reports," he said.

The ACGA CEO also assured the IOA of his support for the
Games.

"As you know, I have always supported the 2010 Games and
yourself in what the IOA want to achieve for India and for
sport in India. In closing be assured that I will not do
anything to hurt the Games," he said.

Australia had topped the medals tally in the 2006 Games
with 84 golds and plans to send 550 athletes to New Delhi,
which would make it the largest contingent. PTI SKI
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