Common war

The differences between the Organising Committee (OC) and Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) CEO Mike Hooper had been simmering for quite a while. However, Suresh Kalmadi’s outburst against the Kiwi official has not only brought the issue out in the open, but also made a compromise look difficult.

The points of conflict in this issue are fairly simple. Hooper is the man providing inputs to CGF chief Mike Fennell and his team on the progress of work and the requirements in the coming months.

There is a general disagreement over the progress of work, vendors for sports equipment and technical expertise, all of which have resulted in abrasive behaviour towards each other. If a top Indian official like Lalit Bhanot is seen on television asking Hooper not to give interviews to the media on their premises, it only shows the kind of relationship the two factions share.

The CGF’s recommendation — after its recent general assembly on the appointment of more foreign officials — is reportedly seen to be more a result of Hooper’s inputs rather than first hand experience of other top officials.

Kalmadi reiterated on Friday that he did not want Hooper around and quoted Clause 30 (f) that does not provide for a permanent presence of a CGF representative in the OC office.

“In order to assist in the sharing of knowledge and expertise in relation to the Games, the OC will, at its own cost, assign an individual to work in Commonwealth Games Federation offices for a period of not less than four years commencing 42 months prior to the Games,” reads the clause.

Kalmadi is hoping to build bridges with Fennell when the two meet he meets him on October 28.  But at the same time, the focus is now on Indian Olympic Association (IOA) secretary general Randhir Singh.

“We have decided that Randhir Singh would look after all preparations for the ensuing visit of the Coordination Commission (CoCom) of the CGF. He is CoCom chairman Austin Sealy’s colleague on the International Olympic Committee. You are well aware that he is an IOC member, secretary general of the Olympic Council of Asia and two-time vice-president of the Commonwealth Games Federation. He is also on the CoCom for the Youth Olympics,” said Kalmadi.

Randhir, who has in the past been reportedly sidelined by Kalmadi on important matters, suddenly finds himself in an everything-to-lose situation. This is because Randhir  might be held accountable even for things he has little control over as it is Kalmadi’s team that is running the show.

Kalmadi had,  on Thursday, asked for the removal of Hooper, but Fennell was quick to reject Kalmadi’s demand. The CGF president expressed shock at the Indian official’s comments against Hooper.

“We are very surprised and disappointed in receiving this request to remove Hooper from Delhi given his unquestionable commitment to the successful celebration of the CWG in Delhi,” Fennell said in a statement. “Hooper is totally dedicated to the Games movement and we consider that personal attack on him is unwarranted.”