After delay in sending athletes, Canada minister supports C'Wealth Games

Canada sports minister Gary Lunn today said they will not get influenced by the negative publicity around the Commonwealth Games and vowed to support the crisis-hit event.

Canada like many other nations had delayed the departure of their athletes due to poor hygienic conditions at the Games Village but Lunn said "difficulties occur in big events".

As the first batch of Canadian athletes arrived here today, Lunn telephoned his Indian counterpart this evening, saying that he was not worried by the negative media coverage of the Games.

"We are not worried by the international media reports about the CWG Delhi which are often exaggerated. Difficulties do come at such large events. We had them in Vancouver Winter Olympics. We are confident that you will overcome them. We are coming in full force. I look forward to meeting you in Delhi," Lunn said according to sources in sports ministry.     

In response, Gill assured Lunn that Indian authorities had been working hard to overcome the shortcomings. 

"We look forward to have Canadian contingent at the Games," Gill said. 

A group of 35 Canadian support staff was due to move in to the village today while about 40 athletes and coaches from women's gymnastics, shooting, table tennis and men's hockey are scheduled to arrive tomorrow.