Security for CWG a big concern: M.S. Gill

Union Sports Minister M.S. Gill Wednesday said India was not leaving any stone unturned in providing foolproof security during Commonwealth Games in Delhi in Delhi.

‘Security is a big concern of us. We have spent Rs.350 crore on CCTV cameras that will be installed across the city. We do not want to leave any stone unturned as far as security is concerned,’ Gill told reporters after inaugurating the Indo-Bangladesh Bangla Games here.

The minister said big events like the Hockey World Cup, and the Commonwealth shooting, archery and boxing championships had provided opportunities to have a test run of security.

He said the shooting range was ready in 14 months, and by April most of the venues will be ready except for the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the main venue which will host the opening, closing ceremonies beside the athletics competition.

‘We hope that it will be ready by June,’ he said.

Referring to the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, which hosted the Hockey World Cup recently, he said: ‘It is one of the best in the world and got a lot of praise from the participating nations.’

On the national hockey team, that finished eighth in the world cup, Gill said the players needed to overcome factionalism.

‘We have imparted the best facilities, training, and best coach (Jose Brassa). But they should play with unity. There should not be factionalism among them. If they play united, I will be very happy irrespective of their performance,’ he said.