Australia confident of India’s CWG security preparation

MELBOURNE - Australia Thursday said they were confident of India’s security preparation for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, but would chalk out their own plan to ensure the safety of the athletes.

Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief executive Perry Crosswhite has returned satisfied from India after being assured of a top-class security for the Games that begins in 2010 October.

Crosswhite said Indian officials have informed his delegation about the hiring of more than 8,000 new policemen that form the backbone of security at the Games.

‘We came away with a much better feeling than we had before and the feeling they’re right on top of the security planning right now,’ Crosswhite was quoted as saying in The Age.

‘All of the CGAs (Commonwealth Games Associations) have this at the top of their priority list - that the security will be at a level that would be expected.’

However, Crosswhite said Australia would plan extra security arrangements for its players safety amid instability in the sub-continent.

Tennis Australia pulled its Davis Cup team out of a tie in the Indian city of Chennai last month, citing security fears.

Crosswhite said he had no doubt that venues would be finished in time for the start of the Games, despite question marks about how building was progressing with 500 days to go until the opening ceremony.

Australia anticipates sending its largest Commonwealth Games team for an overseas Games to Delhi, more than 425 athletes and 175 officials.