Delhi security up to scratch

Delhi Commonwealth Games organisers are gradually convincing expected participants they'll scrape together decent security for the October event.

The men's Hockey World Cup has been the highest profile test, supplemented by shooting, archery and boxing events which have passed muster in the eyes of Commonwealth delegations.

New Zealand chef de mission Dave Currie, who has returned to his job as Black Caps manager, believes Delhi is at last promoting the right message.

"I went there pretty grumpy and somewhat cynical, thinking 'you guys are going to have to work hard to convince me' and, by and large, they did.

"The World Cup hockey security started a bit scratchily," said Currie, "but after a week it was impressive.

"For example, going to the stadium meant your first stop was about 800 metres away. Mean-looking commando-type dudes were always parading around. There was a higher level of visible security than I've seen anywhere. And let's face it; the risk of not doing it is enormous when you consider the Cricket World Cup is there early next year.

"It's not to say other devices mightn't go off in Delhi and around India because that happens quite often around soft targets. But I am more comforted that they're working hard on it. The level of security for the risk is appropriate now. However, in six months you don't know what might happen."

Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod is of a similar view, having been involved directly in that test event for two weeks in a stadium and hotel described by various media as fortresses.

"Waiting in Perth, Australia, was actually the worst part of the trip because of the anticipation. However the security fulfilled expectations and I think the organisers would have learnt a lot because teams like Canada and England could be pretty demanding.

"There was a visible presence. When we left the hotel there wasn't too much screening but when we returned there were plenty of metal detectors. It was always a worry organisers wouldn't live up to their word but at this stage I'd have no hesitation going back."

Shooting team manager Laurie Gray says security was under control: "We have issues to deal with every time we travel around the world, due to the paperwork associated with firearms, but the five athletes we took [to the test event] were treated like royalty."

Currie said accreditations worked because the right people got into the venue and the hotel.

"Bags were checked thoroughly. Transport was manned by security and there were forces in front and behind. Police were also 'parting the Red Sea' at intersections. However, I can't imagine Delhi residents will find it that easy to get around when roads are closed".

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) chief executive, New Zealander Michael Hooper, says security planning is the highest priority. "

"I still feel safe walking around Delhi but we're aware the spotlight can quickly be put on any incident over here. India is a vast country and if a disaster happens, like last month's bombing in Pune, then it's automatically linked to Delhi.

"You then get threats like the Al Qaeda-linked 313 Brigade which are shown to have no credence and can be instigated by anyone picking up a phone.

"The CGF also engages its own security advisers for further comfort. We use a company called Intelligent Risks run by Neil Fergus [one of the security chiefs at the Sydney Olympics]. The latest independent finding he briefed me on was that planning is on track."

There are wider issues for Hooper, mainly deadlines. The swimming, athletics and cycling arenas are incomplete and there are fears construction will be affected by the monsoon rains which are due in late June and last until September.

"Given the very latest completion target dates are in June, it shouldn't impact at all. The venues will all be covered by then anyway."

"We are just being open and honest in saying we are concerned with the delays, because there's still a lot of work to be done. There can't be any more hold-ups because the venues need to be tested as operations-ready rather than just finished."

Bowls is next for New Zealand in Delhi, an eight-nation tournament early next month.