The Hindu : Sport : Readiness of pool worries SFI

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Friday, Jul 16, 2010
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Readiness of pool worries SFI

NEW DELHI: From the Archery Association of India in February to the Squash Racquets Federation of India this month, every federation hosting the test events ahead of the Commonwealth Games has been apprehensive of getting the new venues ready in time.

Now it is the turn of the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) officials to spend some sleepless nights since their ‘test event' is due to start on July 27. Over 300 participants are due to take part in 38 events during the test event. The official opening date of the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee aquatic stadium is July 18.

However, the stadium is far from ready. The broken tiles from the poolside to the balcony are being frantically replaced. The starting blocks and touch-pads are yet to be installed and tested. Even the road inside the complex, leading to the pool, is not ready. Same is the status of the rest rooms and change-rooms.

A couple of days back, when the staff of time-keeper Omega commenced the work on starting blocks, a horror awaited them. Within minutes, the drilling machine led them to discover that the tiles were placed on a sand-base and not on a concrete surface. Thereafter, those handling civil works have agreed to make amends for the poor quality of work.

“The personnel of Omega needs around eight days to install and test the equipment,” explained an official of the SFI and continued, “we are hoping to get charge of the stadium by Monday (July 19). Assurances have followed from the authority, but we cannot be sure. Every day counts and we have plenty of work to do.”

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