Commonwealth Games top official fired

The Commonwealth Games organising committee has fired one of its top officials as it investigates alleged irregularities in funding for an event in London, local media reported on Monday.
Press Trust of India said that the organising committee's joint director TS Darbari was given his "marching orders" at the request of India's sports ministry and will be replaced by VL Saxena.

Darbari was already suspended for alleged corruption during the Queen's Baton Relay launching ceremony in London.

PTI said the sports ministry had not been happy with the suspension and wanted Darbari's position terminated.

Games spokesman Lalit Bhanot did not return telephone calls seeking comment.

Corruption allegations and delays in construction of venues and infrastructure have dogged the Commonwealth Games, which will take place from October 3-14 in New Delhi.

Last week, organising committee treasurer Anil Khanna quit following allegations that his son's firm was awarded a contract to lay synthetic surfaces at a tennis stadium for the games. Khanna denied the allegations, saying he had not started at the organising committee when the contract was awarded.

Games organisers are under severe pressure to complete the venues in time for the opening of the biggest sporting event in India since the 1982 Asian Games.

Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell has asked for a full report on the corruption allegations and urged local organisers to take action to ensure problems in the preparations do not tarnish the event.