Commonwealth CEO useless, says Kalmadi

Again a "CONTROVERSY", but this time b/w MR. Kalmadi & CGF CEO Mike Hooper.

Days after the organizing committee for the Delhi Games 2010 got pulled up publicly by the Commonwealth Games Federation for tardy preparations, the OC has reacted by asking the federation's man in Delhi, CGF CEO Mike Hooper, to leave.

And if that was not enough to start a confrontation, the OC has also refused the CGF recommendation for a technical review panel. Instead, it has asked the federation to augment its strength in the existing co-ordination committee to keep a check on the progress made by the OC.

On 15th 0ct 09 Thursday, the combative mood at the OC headquarters was more than apparent as OC chairperson, Suresh Kalmadi, launched a frontal attack on the CGF by calling Mike Hooper's two-year stint with the OC as ``useless'' and an ``impediment''. Terming Hooper's tenure as ``not beneficial'' to the OC, Kalmadi said, ``Instead, he has only been an impediment to our functioning despite spending two years in the capital.

One of the reasons given for Hooper's repatriation is his alleged misbehaviour with OC staff. The OC said that a complaint against Hooper had been received on July 27, which was forwarded to the CGF on July 31, but no action taken against the CGF CEO.

While ostensibly the decision was taken by the executive council of the Indian Olympic Association -- which set up the OC -- it was apparent that the OC had finally decided to put together a united front to the CGF.

Accompanying Kalmadi were all his senior officers, including Randhir Singh, an IOC member, who was equally dismissive of the CGF's suggestion. ``There's no precedent to the suggestion of setting up an independent technical review committee to supervize the Games operations. It will only lead to a multiplicity of agencies,'' added Singh.

The OC's solution: augment the technical strength of the existing co-ordination committee (CoCom) that's already got members of the CGF on board. ``The CGF should have more faith in its own CoCom, which is headed by Austin Sealy,'' added Singh.

As for monthly progress reports, Singh said that the OC would itself ensure that an independent body would submit the monthly report. ``This report we shall start generating from next month and will be accessible to all stakeholders, including the CGF, the governments of India and Delhi and the media,'' added Singh.
Kalmadi, however, stopped short of complete rejection of all CGF suggestions. He admitted that the OC would accept the recommendation of the CGF to hire more international experts, especially in areas where local expertise was lacking: sports like netball, lawn ball and rugby, as well as functional areas like technology, accommodation, transport, ceremonies etc. However, even here, the OC has drawn a line. The executive council of the IOA has ``requested the IOA president (Kalmadi) to stick to foreign hires only where necessary''.

In areas where local expertise is available, the OC claims it will not hire foreign help. ``Several functional areas have already been placed under the guidance of international consultants, and some more will be hired in the future,'' added Kalmadi. Interestingly though, the OC has ``happily accepted'' the resignation of the international expert in shooting, Graeme Hudson, over his ``misdemeanour''.

Not surprisingly, the OC's decision hasn't gone down well with the CGF. Hooper said, ``It's very unfortunate and disappointing. I think over the last two years, I have contributed significantly. I don't know why he came up with such a statement. Launching a personal attack was most unfortunate.''

The CGF, however, seems to want to keep the doors of communication open. As Hooper added, ``We (Hooper and Kalmadi) share the same goal. We have to set aside the differences, if there's any, and work together for the successful conduct of the Games. Personally it's very upsetting, but I have a job to do. I am happy to continue with Mr Kalmadi as well as the others. And I believe that's the only way to go.''

That money spent on foreign hires is an issue with the OC was also admitted candidly by OC officials. As Singh pointed out, the OC has already spent Rs 100 crore over international hires. The appointments mean large salaries. OC officials say Hooper's stay in the capital costs around Rs 12 lakh per month. ``The hires only translate into a bigger budget. If we have local experts, why shouldn't we go for that,'' added a senior official.

Meanwhile, Kalmadi said that he was satisfied with the present pace of Games preparations, assuring that everything will be put in place as per the Master Games Schedule laid down by the CGF before the co-ordination commission's visit on December 14. ``We are making some additions and subtractions in the OC and things will be okay by December,'' he added.