Pune : Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi said that he was “concerned” about his image as a sport administrator and was ready to face any probe.
“I am concerned. I want my name to be cleared and I am ready to face any inquiry,” Kalmadi, Congress MP from the city, said when asked about mounting charges of allegations against him.
Kalmadi assured that he will deliver a great Games and “will make Pune proud”.
With a heavy police presence at ‘Meet the Press’ organised by Pune Shramik Patrakar Sangh, Kalmadi said: “I do not need any police protection and I have not asked for it.”
Kalmadi was accompanied by Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagve.
Kalmadi also downplayed the health risk posed by the outbreak of Dengue in Delhi.
Kalmadi said the Delhi government had initiated necessary measures on “war footing” to ensure clean environs for the Games slated October 3 to 14.
“It is expected that the current rate of Dengue infections will decrease within 14 days time,” he said.
He said union health minister Gulam Nabi Azad, Delhi Chief Minster Sheila Dixit and the External Affairs ministry were monitoring the situation in a coordinated way to contain the spread of the viral fever for trouble-free games, and added that there was “no cause for a scare”.
“Except for three-four players, international champions from all 71 Commonwealth countries are participating in the Games,” Kalmadi said.
On some Indian athletes failing the doping test for the Games, Kalmadi said: “Strict action would be taken against those who are guilty. We are happy that they are caught.”