Embrace Delhi, says CGames chief

Steve Moneghetti, former Commonwealth Games champion marathon runner

Australia’s Commonwealth Games chef de mission Steve Moneghetti said yesterday New Delhi Games organisers should be congratulated and not castigated.
Moneghetti, the former Commonwealth Games champion marathon runner, has encouraged Australia’s 378-strong team to cast aside fears about New Delhi and embrace the October multi-sports event.
With one month to go, the New Delhi Games have been burdened by corruption and security concerns.
But Moneghetti said all athletes should treasure their Indian experience.
“I think it’s brave of the Commonwealth Games – you have got to go,” he said of India’s hosting.
“It’s the Commonwealth Games, it’s not four nations... there are 71 countries represented in the Commonwealth and we need to embrace that.
“For most countries that go, it’s not about winning medals, it’s about being a welcome part of the Commonwealth and enjoying that cultural experience.
“So to have them in India, it’s just fantastic.
“Rather than close in or be scared and that ‘we’re losing the Commonwealth brand,’ we are actually taking it out and exposing it to another part of the world, which is a fantastic thing.”
Moneghetti was bullish about the organising of the Delhi Games.
“People ask me ‘oh, they’re way behind’ – that’s the Indian way,” he said.
“Probably from a western culture they might be, but in India that is way they do things.
“They’re actually going fine from an Indian perspective, it’s just internationally that we’re all worried.
“It will have a quite unique spin on it and that will make it a really cultural experience.”