New Delhi:
Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennell is visiting the Games Village today to examine the state of the much-criticised complex.
Fennell also met Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrashekhar today. Fennel had originally sought time from the Prime Minister, but the PM declined the request for an appointment, and it was decided that the Cabinet Secretary would meet Fennell instead.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Suresh Kalmadi, is also accompanying Fennell to the Games Village.
(Read: CWG Federation's statement on Fennell's visit)Fennell had shot off a letter to Cabinet Secretary on Monday, detailing the "unlivable" conditions at Athletes' Village, which along with a footbridge collapse near the main Games venue, had triggered withdrawal of two high-profile athletes besides pull out threats from some countries.
Fennell, whose visit here was scheduled earlier, had given time till Thursday to the organisers to take immediate steps and sort out issues in the residential zone of the Village, which he said had "shocked" advance parties from New Zealand, Canada, Scotland and Ireland because of its unhygienic conditions.
However, convinced by assurances given by CWG organisers in India, England, Wales, Australia, Scotland and Canada have now confirmed their participation.
(Read: Games Village much more acceptable now, say CWG teams)But the first batch of athletes from England who would land in Delhi today would reportedly put up at hotels instead of the Games' Village as it would be "several days" before their living quarters are ready.
"The final preparations for the Games Village have been of concern to the CGF since viewing the residential zone along with a number of Commonwealth Games Associations advance parties on September 15," Fennel had said in a strongly-worded statement.
It is now for all to wait and see if the progress in the last three days impresses the Games chief. (With PTI inputs)