Commonwealth Games: NZ Games chief disappointed at Indian attack

Commonwealth Games Federation head Mike Hooper, a New Zealander, has defended himself from criticism by the organising committee head in India.

Preparations for the New Delhi event are far behind schedule with less than 12 months to go before the October 3 opening.

Local organising committee head Suresh Kalmadi said Hooper's input was unhelpful and has called for his sacking.

"Hooper has not been beneficial for the organising committee, he is of no use to us," said Kalmadi.

"We want the Commonwealth Games Federation to replace him."

Hooper, who has been based in New Delhi for the past two years, said he was disappointed with the comments and the situation would be worse without his input.

"I think this is an unfortunate personal attack launched on me," he told Radio New Zealand.

"What we should be doing is focusing on the issues, not the personalities."

Hooper said he believed if he had not been on the spot pushing and challenging organisers, the Games would be even further behind schedule.

Kalmadi also slammed the federation's insistence that an independent review body must oversee the troubled preparations. "I am willing to take any expert suggested by the CGF on our co-ordination committee, but we feel there is no need to impose an additional technical committee on us."

Federation president Michael Fennell said this week that the city faced an enormous challenge to prepare the event on time.

- NZPA