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A worker carries a Delhi 2010 signboard across the track in preparations for the track and field event of the Commonwealth Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus
Games

Track repairs continue as athletics events loom

Further woes for organisers of Games in Delhi as athletics track isn’t ready and hockey team made play in 80% humidity.

REPAIRS ARE CONTINUING at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Delhi today, in a last-gasp attempt to ensure the venue is ready for the athletics events of the Commonwealth Games, which begin today.

BBC Commentator and World triple jump holder Jonathan Edwards spoke of the state of the stadium and track.

“There is a feeling that there are a lot of people working here but no real sense of urgency,” he said. “They’re re-laying part of the track which I think was damaged during the opening ceremony.”

“I’ve seen a number of athletes come in and I think they’re in shock,” Edwards added. “For a top athlete this is not what you expect. It’s beyond anything I imagined. Hopefully it will be ready to go tomorrow for the first session. This is a culture where things are got ready at the last minute but there are very real concerns.”

England’s hockey coach has become the latest in a string of competitors and officials to slam conditions in Delhi. Danny Kerry lambasted organisers after his team were forced to play in “dangerous” 40-degree heat during their 4-1 win over Canada.

“To play elite sport in 40 degrees and 80 percent humidity is inappropriate and dangerous. The organisers are in ivory towers, they don’t consult us. We made representations before the Games and just hit brick walls.”