IOC president Jacques Rogge predicted on Tuesday that the Commonwealth Games in India will be a success, despite preparations being overshadowed by corruption allegations and delays in venues being completed.
Things have become so bad in India that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh appointed a new group of ministers to oversee preparations, visit venues each week to monitor progress and ensure contractors meet fresh deadlines. The ministers were meeting in New Delhi on Sunday to plan how to hasten lagging preparations for the events beginning on October 3 in New Delhi.
Mr. Rogge, however, blamed much of the problems on “pessimistic media” and said the Commonwealth Games will showcase India’s ability to host big sporting events.
“I’m optimistic in spite of everything written by pessimist media for the Commonwealth Games,” Mr. Rogge told The Associated Press. “They will show the capacity of India to organize great games.”
Earlier this month, two top Indian officials were fired amid corruption allegations involving the Queen’s Baton Relay in London. Organizing committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, however, resisted calls for his resignation and the government also appeared unwilling to create more confusion by demanding he quit at this late stage.
Mr. Singh also ordered “thorough investigations” into all complaints that have been received about irregularities in building standards, loss of revenue, or overpayments in handing out contracts.
“All those found guilty should face severe and exemplary punishment,” Mr. Singh said.
