New Delhi:
Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennell has rejected Suresh Kalmadi's call to recall his CEO Mike Hooper from India.
'We are disappointed in receiving this request to remove Mr Hooper from Delhi, given his unquestionable commitment. I have responded to Mr. Kalmadi's letter. Mr. Hooper enjoys full support of the CGFs Executive Board. We consider that such a personal attack on him is unwarranted,' said Michael Fennell.
Kalmadi had on Thursday requested that Mike Hooper be sentback to London. Hooper is the Chief Executive Officer of theCommonwealth Games Federation.
In a direct attack, Kalmadisaid Hooper has "not proved beneficial to the organizing committee ofthe Games...he has been of no use. We've asked that he be sent back toLondon, and we'd like a replacement".
Hooper's response to NDTV:"This is the time to work together, Kalmadi should learn to worktogether, not make personal issues...the suggestion that I am animpediment is nonsense. I thought I was doing well."
India had on Thursday also rejected what was seen as the compromise formula for the 2010 Games. Suresh Kalmadi had said he will not accept an independent panel of experts to monitor Delhi's progress for the Games. Kalmadi is Chairman of the Organizing Committee for next year's Games.
On Monday, a new committee that would review India's preparations every month was suggested by Mike Fennel, the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation. The Big Brother panel was seen as a thinly-veiled indictment.
Fennel had written directly to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking for his help with the Games. Fennell and other delegates visited several of the venues for the Games in Delhi last week. Construction at most venues are running behind schedule.
The politics of organizing the Games could soon overshadow the real task at hand: getting Delhi ready on time, and without rushing through safety checks.
'We are disappointed in receiving this request to remove Mr Hooper from Delhi, given his unquestionable commitment. I have responded to Mr. Kalmadi's letter. Mr. Hooper enjoys full support of the CGFs Executive Board. We consider that such a personal attack on him is unwarranted,' said Michael Fennell.
Kalmadi had on Thursday requested that Mike Hooper be sentback to London. Hooper is the Chief Executive Officer of theCommonwealth Games Federation.
In a direct attack, Kalmadisaid Hooper has "not proved beneficial to the organizing committee ofthe Games...he has been of no use. We've asked that he be sent back toLondon, and we'd like a replacement".
Hooper's response to NDTV:"This is the time to work together, Kalmadi should learn to worktogether, not make personal issues...the suggestion that I am animpediment is nonsense. I thought I was doing well."
India had on Thursday also rejected what was seen as the compromise formula for the 2010 Games. Suresh Kalmadi had said he will not accept an independent panel of experts to monitor Delhi's progress for the Games. Kalmadi is Chairman of the Organizing Committee for next year's Games.
On Monday, a new committee that would review India's preparations every month was suggested by Mike Fennel, the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation. The Big Brother panel was seen as a thinly-veiled indictment.
Fennel had written directly to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking for his help with the Games. Fennell and other delegates visited several of the venues for the Games in Delhi last week. Construction at most venues are running behind schedule.
The politics of organizing the Games could soon overshadow the real task at hand: getting Delhi ready on time, and without rushing through safety checks.
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