Invited Kalmadi skips inauguration

The Sports Ministry invited Suresh Kalmadi to the unveiling of the Karni Singh shooting range today but the OC chairman skipped the event.

The Ministry was criticised for ignoring the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee in the January 24 inauguration of the National Stadium.

Kalmadi was conspicuous by his absence in the event, citing prior commitments in Pune, and even though OC vice chairman Randhir Singh attended the ceremony, he made it clear that he was here as a former marksman.

"I'm not here to represent OC. I got an invitation as a former shooter," Singh told reporters.

Kalmadi, on his part, issued a statemwent from Pune in which he expressed happiness at the completion of the under-construction range and said his preoccupation kept him away.

"As a dedicated Member of Parliament, I have to be committed to my work beyond all else," Kalmadi said.

"I am happy and proud that world class sports infrastructure is being opened well in time for the Commonwealth Games. I was at the opening of the Ludlow Castle training centre for wrestling the other day and must say that my heart swelled with pride at the facilities on offer to the athletes," Kalmadi said.

The Sports Ministry earlier drew flak for not inviting OC members when the National Stadium -- venue of Commonwealth Games hockey events -- was declared to the nation on January 24.