More athletes pull out of troubled Games

NEW DELHI (AP):

Workers sprayed for mosquitoes, mopped up the just-opened athletes' village and planted flower beds yesterday as India rushed to complete long overdue work less than two weeks before the Commonwealth Games are to begin.

Several teams have delayed their arrival in New Delhi because of hygiene and security concerns and four more athletes withdrew from the competition.

The first occupants of the unfinished village - Indian athletes and Australian officials - moved in yesterday as the prime minister met with officials to discuss the troubled Games.

In a boost for India, Commonwealth Games England decided to send their more than 500 athletes to the Games after members of the 17 sports represented in their delegation unanimously agreed to go. A statement said chef de mission Craig Hunter and his colleagues are seeing "improved levels of resourcing which are required to resolve the significant operational issues".

The Games, which start October 3 with about 7,000 athletes from 71 countries and territories, were meant to showcase India's emergence as a regional powerhouse. But long delays in getting facilities ready and a list of scandals have turned them into an embarrassment.

Commonwealth Games Federation President Mike Fennell arrived late yesterday on an emergency visit and planned to tour the village today and meet with top Indian officials.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met last night with his sports minister and New Delhi officials about the Games' preparations. They did not give details on what was discussed. Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Tejinder Khanna said Singh "was informed that every effort is being made to prepare the Games facilities and the village to the expected standards."

Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman, Suresh Kalmadi, whose organising team has been mired in graft allegations, was not asked to attend.

Four British cyclists - including Geraint Thomas of Wales, who won the gold medal in team pursuit at the Beijing Olympics - said yesterday they were withdrawing. That brought to eight the number of athletes who have pulled out because of concern for their health and safety.

Buckingham Palace announced in May that Prince Charles will be going to the Games instead of Queen Elizabeth II. It is believed to be the first time in 44 years that she has not attended.

With several delegations delaying their arrival because of the conditions, India has committed major resources to cleaning up the village.

"There has been improvement each day," the Games' chief executive, Mike Hooper, told The Associated Press. "There's more to do."

Crews with mops scrambled to clean the village, while workers tried to put the finishing touches on the venues. Hundreds of singers and dancers held a dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony in the main stadium.

"Everybody wants to make this work, and everyone is working together to make this happen," Hooper said.

Some of the teams said they would come despite concerns about living conditions. The Wales team said it had been assured by local organisers that the village and all venues would be ready. Scotland, which delayed their departure to India because of the problems, also said conditions have improved and expressed hope the team would be able to travel tomorrow.

The village opened its doors yesterday to the first athletes, with 138 Indian competitors and officials moving in, organisers said. Hooper said some Australian officials also had moved in.

Kalmadi said most of the problems with the village had been resolved and the Games would be a success.

"We will look after everybody well, and they will have a good time," he said.