Athletes need not worry about security: Kalmadi

The athletes worldwide need not worry about their security during the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Oraganising Commitee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi today said, dimissing reports that terrorists may attack players during the October 3-14 event in New Delhi.

A report in the Daily Telegraph claimed that England will soon announce their withdrawal from the Games, fearing terror strikes on athletes.

"We assure all the athletes worldwide that we will deliver a safe Games. The government is committed about this and the players should not worry a bit about their security," Kalmadi said.

The OC Chairman said he was not surprised by the British media reports, which he termed as untrue.

"I'm not surprised by this report because these types of stories keep coming out till the Games are done. It's certainly not true. The England Commonwealth Games Association has already denied that report, so what more can I add to that," he said.

Kalmadi said there was no reason to be worried as their parent body - Commonweath Games Federation - has already cleared the security plans for the Games.

"It (possibilty of a terror strike) is certainly not a fact. The CGF has also said there is no such threat. The Home Ministry had given a detailed presentation to the CGF officials about a month back and its Cordination Commission had given us a clean chit.

"Then CGF President Micahel Fennell had also come here and expressed satisfaction at the security arrangements. Our communication channel is open and we are updating all the Commonwealth Associations," Kalmadi said.

The England Commonwealth Games officials said they have not received any pull out directive from the authorities and as for now the plan is to send their team to New Delhi for the Games next year.

Perry Crosswhite, the CEO of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association, also expressed surprise over the British media report and assured participation of their team.