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Friday, October 16, 2009 (15:14:21) |
| Tags : India, Sports, India Olympic Association, IQA, Commonwealth Games Federation, CGF |
IOA insists Hooper has to go |
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| New Delhi: A day after launching a scathing attack on Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) CEO Mike Hooper and asking for his replacement, the India Olympic Association (IOA) today said it would not budge from its demand.
IOA president and Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, who called Hooper an "impediment" to their working, said he will meet CGF president Michael Fennell in London Oct 28 to discuss the matter.
Hooper has rejected Kalmadi's comments, calling them "unfair and unjust". He also asked Kalmadi not to launch "personal attacks" and instead address issues raised by the CGF board regarding the Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Kalmadi said he had not made any personal attack. "I didn't launch a personal attack on Hooper. We don't want him sacked but want him to go from Delhi and function from London," he said.
Kalmadi reiterated today that Hooper, who has been staying in the Indian capital for two years, had been of little help. He vowed to raise the issue with Fennell in London.
"Hooper has been of no use. I will be meeting Fennell in London on Oct 28 and discuss the issue," he said.
Speaking to the media on Oct 15, Hooper said he was not prepared to leave India.
"When Michael Fennell's letter to the (Indian) Prime Minister was leaked, the organisers said it was a 'wake up call'. It is disappointing to see that instead of addressing the issue raised, it has been used to launch a personal attack on the CEO of the organisation.
"But I remain steadfast to the responsibility given to me by CGF. My job is to push for delivery of the work and I am committed to it. I am in touch with my board and I have their backing. I am committed to the issues at hand and I am not interested in making any personal remarks. I continue to be a stakeholder.
"Kalmadi and I have had a normal relationship. We have had a candid chat on various issues pertaining to the games. But never once has he raised the objection in our meetings."
The IOA has rejected CGF's recommendation to appoint a technical panel to monitor the progress of the games every month. (IANS) |
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