He has slammed the reports over security as "ill informed" and claimed that the CGF's own independent advisors had assured them planning for the Games is on track.

Fennell said: "The CGF regards the safety and security of the Games, for athletes and spectators alike, as being of paramount importance and of the highest priority.

"In 2005, the CGF appointed leading international experts, Intelligent Risks Pty Ltd (IR), as our security advisers for Delhi 2010.

"IR has vast Commonwealth, Olympic and multi-sport games experience, and importantly, has a detailed knowledge of what is actually being done with security for Delhi."

The fresh wave of speculation over whether foreign teams will be safe in the Indian capital have been sparked by a report in The Daily Telegraph last month that claimed England had been advised by the British Government not to travel there.

Commonwealth Games England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) both strongly denied the story.

The Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe has already given the Indian Government an undertaking that England planned to send a team to the Games, which is due to open on October 3 and will be the biggest event to be held in India since the 1982 Asian Games and could be the launchpad for a bid for the 2020 Olympics.

But Fennell's frustration is clearly been stretched close to breaking point with the stories that keep appearing and are threatening to undermine the Games' preparations.

The Jamaican said: "A number of recent media reports on Games’ security come from comments by those who have not worked on any aspect of security planning for the Delhi 2010 Games, and do not have any serious knowledge of the detailed plans across all aspects being put in place by local authorities.

"In contrast, IR is deeply involved with all levels of the security plan, and its analysis is being undertaken by operatives with senior command or managerial experience in international major events.

"We value their considered and informed view, which is, that the Indian authorities are working well, with appropriate resources being provided.

"The Organising Committee has appointed an internationally respected Government security official, Mr R K Das, as its Director of Security, and he has built a dedicated team.

"Additionally, the Delhi Police Commissioner has appointed the extremely well-credentialed Special Commissioner Neeraj Kumar to head its now quite sizeable police planning and operational contingent. 

"An initial 2010 Games International Security Conference was held in Delhi last September, open to all Commonwealth nations and territories, and the Home Minister established the International Security Liaison Group (ISLG) within his portfolio to ensure there will be appropriate international cooperation on security for the Games.

"The Ministry and OC have advised there will be a second Games International Security Conference around June 2010 to keep all nations informed, and importantly, involved.

"From the CGF’s side, IR will continue to work collaboratively with the OC, police and other agencies and will continue to review and advise on Games security planning and operations up to and during the Games in October.

"The next comprehensive CGF security adviser's review is scheduled to take place in late February and early March.

"Naturally, we will share a summary of their report with all Commonwealth countries and territories.

"I am please to report that, where it counts most - with our members - cool heads prevail, and their planning remains on track to bring the athletes of the Commonwealth to Delhi in October this year."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected].


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