By Tom Degun in New Delhi

 

October 7 - Water quality at the practice pool here at the Comonwealth Games is to be tested with the "greatest urgency" after a number of the world's leading swimmers fell ill with stomach upsets.

England’s leader John Atkinson revealed that 20 per cent of his team - including high profile stars Rebecca Adlington (pictured) and Fran Halsall - have been suffering with stomach problems, while Australia are blame the practice pool for several of their team’s sickness.

Halsall, one of the favourites for 100m freestyle gold after winning England’s first gold medal in the 50 metres butterfly, looked very much out of sorts despite still managing to take bronze.

A Games England statement said: "We have asked for reassurances as to the water quality at the aquatics venue."

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Mike Fennell Fennell admitted the problems are a great concern and said they would be investigated with immediate effect.

"It’s a matter we’ll deal with  -with the greatest of urgency," said Fennell.

"We must find this out immediately because if there’s something unsafe you can’t swim in that water.

"We have ensured the water quality is tested, and food.

"We don’t have specific reports about illness and the reasons why.

"We are concerned if athletes are not well and cannot perform at their best.

"We haven’t had specific reports of swimming being different from the rest."

Fennell, who was also questioned about reports of condoms blocking toilets in the Athletes’ Village, said: "If that is happening, it shows there is use of condoms and I think that’s a very positive story, that athletes are being responsible."

Meanwhile, Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi responded to continuing criticism that ticket sales at the Commonwealth Games remain embarrassingly below estimates.

Empty stands have been spotted at virtually every venue with suggestions that overzealous security was putting spectators off.

But a defiant Kalmadi said: "Ticket sales are picking up and the stadia are getting filled up in many events.

"There was a real surge in sales of tickets as Indians are winning medals.

"Ticketing is not an issue any more."

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