Security in India remains Australia's top priority

ADELAIDE, Australia (AP):

Australian planners are more concerned about security than corruption allegations or venue construction delays, which have mired preparations for the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, Sports Minister Kate Ellis said yesterday.

The local organising committee in the last week has suspended high-ranking officials at the behest of the Indian government following allegations of financial irregularities in the planning of an event to launch the Queen's Baton Relay in London. There's also been wide reporting of corruption related to the building of infrastructure and venues for the October 3-14 event.

Australia's Commonwealth Games officials have previously said they're satisfied with India's security plans.

The Australian delegation will comprise about 425 athletes and 175 staff or officials for the Commonwealth Games, which involve the countries and territories of the former British Empire.

Number-one concern

"Our number-one concern is on the security and safety of our athletes and of Australian officials," Ellis said.

Australia has hosted the Commonwealth Games four times, including the last edition at Melbourne in 2006, and won more medals than any other country at the event.

India is the second Asian country to host the event fol-lowing Malaysia in 1998. The Commonwealth Games is the biggest multi-sports event for India since the 1982 Asian Games.