New Delhi:
In an embarrassment of sorts, the Organising Committee of the 19th Commonwealth Games fell short of excuses in addressing the problems dogging the event on the opening day as they committed to sort out the issues by Wednesday.
The first day, first show of the Games competition on Monday was mired with glitches with faulty scales in boxing, two Australian swimmers falling ill after eating at the Games Village and some issues with the transport arrangement.
However to every problem, tomorrow seemed to be the buzzword.
Organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi assured that they would solve the issues by tomorrow as a foreign journalist quipped: "Tomorrow will be a fun day."
Addressing their first media interaction after the competition began, Kalmadi and Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennell termed it a "normal" issue saying any well-organised event would have problems.
"During the course of any Games, issues will crop up everyday. That's why we meet up everyday, there will be no ending point till the Games finished. It's quite normal.
"I have been involved in many big events including Olympics. They are extremely well-organised but issues were always there. It's a continuing exercise," Fennell said.
The CGF supremo further said it was a correct decision in awarding the Games to India.
"I have already indicated that the opening show was spectacular. Number of days left for competition. It was a correct decision to host the Games in India."
Fennell categorically denied that he had earlier said India were not fit to host the Games.
"I never said that... I don't know where you got it from. If you research, I am sure you will find that I have never said that. It was not my impression. Nobody is sweeping anything under carpet."
The embattled OC chairman, Kalmadi, however assured: "Tomorrow is the deadline. I will answer everything tomorrow," inviting a loud laugh from the floor.
Kalmadi further said, "Most problems have been addressed. We had great security for opening. There were some problems but many issues have been sorted out."
Asked about the faulty scale at the boxing ring yesterday, OC secretary general Lalit Bhanot admitted that there was some problem.
"There was a difference in two scales. Engineers were called in. But now there is no problem at all. The bout will start on time from today. There was no problem at all. Programmes will go as per schedule."
Asked about the lack of information on the Indian athletes, Bhanot said,"This is on the system. Startlist is there for every event. Please check up and let me know tomorrow."
Reacting to media reports that during his stay in Delhi for last several years he had been living a luxurious life, Games CEO Michael Hooper said those were all baseless.
"It was very upsetting to read the reports. I have said many a times that the reports were not true, they were baseless."
According to media reports, the Organising Committee had decided to take care of all the income tax liabilities of Hooper during his stay in India and he stayed at a sprawling farmhouse which had a monthly rental of over Rs 12 lakh.
Earlier Fennell said: "We witnessed a spectacular opening ceremony. It was quite successful, left many feeling happy and thrilled to start of the Commonwealth Games first full of day competiton, all events were held, went off in good stead.
"There were a number of operational issues. We are having daily meeting of various groups. Games Time Management is dealing with transport, security and accreditation. There were some issues we were to deal with, we are expecting that those will be corrected."