2010 Games: Split wide open with ugly, ugly words*"It's the understatement of the year that the games are behind schedule and that we have concerns regarding the preparations" - scathing criticism from Mike Hooper, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation.*
*Irrespective of that, or perhaps because of that, Suresh Kalmadi has responded by saying he will not give up his attempts to have Hooper removed from India. Kalmadi heads the committee organizing the Games in Delhi. He first asked for Hooper's dismissal on Thursday evening, and was turned down by Mike Fennell, the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation.* *However, on Friday, Kalmadi told NDTV that Fennell has agreed to consider his demand. Speaking to NDTV, Kalmadi says, "They are more than welcome to keep him, I have just said not to keep him in India, as we can't concentrate when he is around."* *Later in the day, Kalmadi has said that there is no confrontation between the Organising Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation.* *He further said that Randhir Singh, vice-chairman of the organising committee, would look after the preparations.* *However, still playing out in public, the very ugly war between the Indian organizers and the international committee for the 2010 Games.* *In an embarrassing exchange caught on camera by NDTV on Friday evening, the secretary general of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Lalit Bhanot, tried to stop Mike Hooper from speaking to the press. Both men argued for several minutes, after Bhanot said "You'll have to stop this interview." Hooper rejected that request.* *Speaking to NDTV after the incident, Hooper said that the focus from the real issue is being diverted.* *"Kalmadi is diverting attention from real issue. I work for CWG Federation, not Mr Kalmadi," said Hooper.* *He said that there is need to focus on issues and not personalities.* *"We need to play the ball not the man. I am a professional and just want to do my job," he said.* *The main issue is Delhi's lack of preparedness for the Games. Most of the venues for the Games are still not ready, and are therefore months behind schedule. The Commonwealth Games Federation has repeatedly expressed its concern over this, leading to a face-off with Suresh Kalmadi, who is in charge of organizing the Games for Delhi.* *On Thursday, Kalmadi dealt a double whammy. First, he rejected the Federation's proposal to have an independent panel monitor Delhi's progress every month. And then, he lashed out at Mike Hooper. Describing him as useless and an impediment, Kalmadi demanded that Hooper be sacked.* *Hooper responded by saying he's not going anywhere, and Kalmadi should set aside personal differences. Hours later, Hooper was defended by Mike Fennell, the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation.* *Fennell had visited the different venues for the Games earlier this month. He has already written to the Indian Prime Minister, asking him to intervene, and ensure that Delhi moves faster to meet its deadlines. *
