Kalmadi downplays dengue fears in Delhi Games
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Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Thursday downplayed the health risk posed by the outbreak of dengue in Delhi just a few weeks before the event, saying it would not affect international participation in the multi-sport extravaganza.
Mr Kalmadi said the central as well as the Delhi government had initiated necessary measures on "war footing" to ensure clean environs for the Games slated October 3 to 14.
"It is expected that the current rate of dengue infections will decrease within 14 days time," he said.
He said Union health minister Gulam Nabi Azad, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dixit and the external affairs ministry were monitoring the situation in a coordinated way to contain the spread of the viral fever for trouble-free games, and added that there was "no cause for a scare".
"Except for three-four players, international champions from all 71 Commonwealth countries are participating in the games", Mr Kalmadi said, claiming that "this is for the first time that all the 71 countries are taking part in the CWG".
For foreigners, the main issue is the security aspect, he added. Mr Kalmadi who has drawn flak for slow preparations of the Games, said "The OC has taken over the infrastructure only this month and things are being put in place".
"The start was slow but we will catch up", he asserted. On some Indian athletes failing the doping test for the games, Mr Kalmadi said strict action would be taken against those who are guilty.
"We are happy that they are caught", he added. Mr Kalmadi said he was getting "great support" from the sports ministry and also the Prime Minister for the conduct of the Games.
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