Commonwealth Games: NZ seeks proof of India's readiness for Games

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) is drawing similarities to the build-up to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games as issues arise over the construction and readiness of venues for the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

The NZOC is seeking assurances from the Commonwealth Games Federation that all issues are addressed before athletes arrive in India ahead of the Games starting on October 3.

The organisation is also continuing to work with the New Zealand Government regarding security.

New Zealand team officials visited New Delhi for the third time in May and government representatives took part in a security conference last week.

"Athlete safety and security continues to be our highest priority," NZOC president Mike Stanley said.

Stanley said yesterday the NZOC was aware that water leaks and other building issues had occurred at some venues and there had been reports that compliance certification might not have been adequate.

The NZOC said it was focused on a September lockdown when operations and security teams tested venues and systems and New Zealand officials would be joined by representatives from other countries to confirm New Delhi's readiness.

Stanley likened the present concerns to those ahead of the Games in Athens six years ago.

"The venues were very behind the month before the Games opened, and we had concerns around competition management. However, in the end they were delivered and Greece hosted a successful Games."

- NZPA