Bomb-hit India fights to secure major sports events
Delhi police ill-prepared - media
India is fighting to reassure foreign participants that it will provide foolproof security for the Commonwealth Games and the Cricket World Cup, despite a recent bombing and the Mumbai attacks of 2008.
Threats to sporting events were underscored last week when bombs went off outside a packed cricket stadium in south India, stirring fears India may not be able to secure elaborate, multi-city events involving tens of thousands of players and spectators.
But Indian police have sought to calm the jitters, citing their security apparatus which includes turning stadia into virtual fortresses, food tasters for athletes and aerial vigils.
Delhi hosted a successful hockey World Cup this year.
"I cannot pre-empt threats, threats are there, but we are wide awake," Y.S. Dadwal, chief of Delhi Police, told Reuters.
"We will not allow anything to happen, security is top priority. It will be a foolproof system in place."
The October Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, involving 54 nations, will be by far the largest global sporting event ever in the country.
India is keen to put together a world-class show to go with its image of a fast-modernising, emerging economic giant.
But the run-up to the Games has been mired in controversies and missed construction deadlines, sparking a sense of unprofessionalism that is probably now also colouring views about the organisers' ability to provide foolproof security.
For instance, a full-fledged set-up dedicated to the security of the Games should have been in place by now.
Vital equipment
Indian media have reported on what they said were an ill-prepared police, unsecured games sites and delay in buying crucial security equipment.
"Pressed for manpower, the Delhi police have been unable to maintain a watch on workers and trucks carrying material into construction venues," the Hindu newspaper said.
"Integrated-circuit timers, which have been deployed with increasing frequency by jihadist groups, can be programmed to detonate up to a year after they are planted - demonstrating the need for better security at construction sites."
A top interior ministry official said in February militants may target other parts of the country while the Commonwealth Games were on and that the real danger could be from a lone attacker rather than a coordinated attack.