Athletes told to continue Games preparations

The men's and women's NZ hockey teams say they are comfortable and ready to head to India. Photo / Photosport

The New Zealand Olympic Committee says it is keeping a watch on the security situation in India and has advised athletes to continue with their preparations for the Commonwealth Games in October.

The Dominion Post newspaper reported today that New Zealand officials in India were anticipating a terrorist attack on a "soft target" ahead of the Games.

"The pre-Games environment could be overshadowed by some form of 'soft target' attack such as the recent attack on the German Bakery in Pune, which would be unsettling and capture media attention," one of a number of diplomatic cables obtained by the newspaper under the Official Information Act revealed.

Seventeen people, including four foreigners, were killed, and 65 injured in the attack on the bakery in February.

NZOC secretary-general Barry Maister said the report did not contain anything his organisation was unaware of.

He said the NZOC was working closely with the New Zealand Government and various agencies, including the police, and believed it was getting the best information available.

He also said the lock-down period in the month before the Games would allow systems to be tested.

"We think it's too early at this stage to be making dramatic announcements," he said.

"We are monitoring, we are watching, we are getting good information, and at the moment we are asking the athletes to do what we are doing, and that is to prepare full stop for Delhi."

Maister was speaking at the announcement of the men's and women's hockey teams for the Games, which run from October 3 to 14.

The Black Sticks men were in the Indian capital in February and March for the hockey World Cup and vice-captain Dean Couzins said he had no qualms about going back.

There was the culture shock of seeing heavily armed police on the streets, but he had felt comfortable being there.

"I was really comfortable there and, having been there, have more confidence to go back with, one, the security arrangements and, two, the people of India."

Couzins said the biggest disappointment for him about the high level of security was that athletes would not have the usual opportunities to get out and about.

"I think it's a shame that you won't have the same chances to go out and see the real India."

Women's skipper Kayla Sharland said she and her team-mates received regular updates from the NZOC and had also been in contact with their male counterparts to discuss what happened at the World Cup.

"The NZOC have kept informed throughout the whole time," she said.

"The boys have been there, so we've had talks with them and we're pretty comfortable moving forward and going to the Comm Games."

- NZPA