Don't cry hypothetical wolf, says Gill to CWG officials

Sports minister MS Gill on on Monday, strongly reacted to the security concerns raised by some participating nations of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, saying the officials must refrain from raising "hypothetical" issues.

"I wish Commonwealth Games officials would not raise hypothetical concerns and fears, a full year and half before the Games," Gill said in a statement.

"India has the capability, and the system, to deliver on this. I would suggest to responsible people, everywhere, not to cry hypothetical wolf, every now and then," he said.

Gill's statement came a day after Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief executive Perry Crosswhite's comments in the aftermath of recent terror attacks on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore that his nation could pull out of the quadrennial event if the security issue was not addressed properly.

The sports minister has clarified that security for the Delhi Games has been receiving constant attention and all relevant factors have been kept in mind in planning to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.

Gill said Commonwealth Games Federation chairman, Michael Fennel was in the Capital a few weeks back to discuss the security issue with the organisers and was fully satisfied with the briefings.

"Michael Fennell, along with officials had discussions with me, and the Lt governor and chief minister of Delhi. He went back fully satisfied. The Government of India, the Delhi Government, and the governor of Delhi are fully focused on making all necessary security arrangements.