India promise top security to world athletes

India has pledged tight security for upcoming sporting events following terrorist threats against the Commonwealth Games, Indian Premier League cricket and the field hockey World Cup.



Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said India will not be deterred from hosting events.



Chidambaram said the country is committed to provide security to everybody, including coaches, players and officials.



But some athletes had second thoughts about competing in India after a bombing Saturday night killed 11 people in a bakery popular with foreigners in the western city of Pune.



Concerns grew after the Asia Times Online Web site published a message, reportedly from a Kashmir-based guerrilla commander linked to al-Qaida, warning countries not to send athletes to play in October\'s Commonwealth Games, the upcoming Indian Premier League cricket season and the field hockey World Cup later this month.



Guerilla commander Ilyas Kashmiri was quoted as saying “if they do, they will be responsible for the consequences.”