Scotland Yard to secure Commonwealth Games in Delhi

LONDON: Crack members of the British Metropolitan Police, popularly known as Scotland Yard, are likely to be involved in securing the Delhi Commonwealth Games scheduled for October. This would at the very least be to protect the British contingent, numbering more than 1500, officials included. The event is perceived to face a threat from terrorists who wish to depict India as an unsafe venue.

Caroline Searle, spokesperson for the England Commonwealth Games Association (ECGA), confirmed that Scotland Yard would be in Delhi during the Games. ``We anticipate Met Police support throughout the Games, but what form that help will take has yet to be decided.'' She declined to comment on specifics.

Scotland Yard has been working with Delhi Police and other agencies associated with security for the Games since officers from the Yard visited Delhi in August.

However, Ann Hogbin, chief executive of ECGA, emphasized: ``The England team for the Delhi Commonwealth Games will be the biggest ever to participate in any overseas event.''

There will be 387 English athletes for the Games, she said, dismissing talk of the contingent opting out. ``There is no uncertainty about England taking part and we are looking forward to doing so.''

Last month, a section of the British press speculated that England may pull out on security concerns.

Apart from Scotland Yard, ECGA has obtained advice from the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Jon Doig, chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland, said security at the Delhi Games was an important issue and that CGCS had been receiving guidance from a range of people, including Scotland Yard. But he stressed his side's preparations were on track and 200 Scottish sportspersons would be competing at the event.

Chris Jenkins, chef de mission of a 170-member Wales squad, said: ``We have raised security with the Met Police, Delhi Police and the CGFs consultants and have been reassured. It will be a safe, secure and spectacular Games.''

Northern Ireland will be the fourth British contingent at Delhi. Nearly 1,500 competitors and officials from the United Kingdom will participate in the Games, making it by far the largest presence from any country. In fact, beginning next month and up to May, British athletes will feature at test events at the various Games venues.

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), which normally telecasts coverage of Commonwealth Games, though, are yet to acquire television rights for the extravaganza. A spokesman for this organization would not expand beyond saying:

``Negotiations are still underway.'' Fast Track, a company appointed by the Organizing Committee to market the Games, refused to speak on the matter.

It was earlier rumoured that BBC may be hedging their bets because of a possible withdrawal by UK teams. Now that this has been officially denied, the only reason could be financial. The Suresh Kalmadi-chaired Organizing Committee expect the most significant chunk of earnings from TV licensing to emerge from Britain.

In Britain, the Commonwealth Games has historically been aired terrestrially since its head of state, Queen Elizabeth II is generally involved in the opening ceremony. This theoretically means Independent Television, Channel Four and Channel Five are in the fray. None of these, though, have ever bid for this event.