Delhi Commonwealth Games security fears eased

WELSH sporting chiefs have revealed they are confident over security issues threatening the Commonwealth Games in Delhi later this year.

The issue of security reared its head again at the beginning of this month after reports England were set to pull out of the Games in October.

But Wales chef de mission Chris Jenkins is hopeful the showpiece games will go ahead.

“I am confident at the moment about the security but it is an ongoing issue and our number one priority,” said Jenkins.

“Plans are well in advance and I am more reassured now than I was back last November.

“We met with Delhi police just before Christmas and I was very impressed with their plans.

“We also met with the Met Police last week and they have also been out to Delhi recently.

“Everything and more is being done at the moment, although we are still nine months away from the Games.”

And Jenkins is also confident the venues will be completed in time.

“We went out there just before Christmas and I was surprised how much had changed,” he added.

“They had come a long way with some of the venues and I was surprised how much they had managed in a couple of months.

“There are still some critical issues surrounding some two or three venues but we are confident they will be ready.”

Some top athletes like Usain Bolt and Jessica Ennis have already stated they are likely to miss the games. But Jenkins has insisted Wales’ top stars will be attending.

“All the British countries met last week and the strength of the teams we are sending was an issue we spoke about,” he added.

“This is Wales’ most important sporting event, while for Scotland this is a massive Games because Glasgow is hosting the event in 2014.”

Jenkins was talking at the official kit-fitting for the athletes at the Village Hotel just outside Cardiff.

“This sort of event is a big milestone towards the Commonwealth Games,” added Jenkins.

“It makes it feel a lot more real for the athletes and that is the important thing.”