Disi slams Delhi Games preps

DISI Dieudonné has openly criticised Rwanda’s preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India.The ace athlete, who is expected to lead Rwanda’s medal hunt at the Games which run from October 3-14, bluntly conceded that the preparations have been below par and do not warranty any medals. The full marathon “Most of the athletes had a few days of residential training which is suicidal when preparing for such big competitions. In India, we are going to come up against top quality athletes so the least we needed were adequate preparations,” the full marathon athlete said. “Personally, I have had about two months of training under my belt but some of my team mates have hardly had two weeks of training which is very absurd,” the 29-year-old continued. The president of the National Olympic Committee (RNOC) Dr. Charles Rudakubana has blamed the inadequate preparation on the late arrival of funds. “It is all down to the fact that the Sports Ministry released the money for residential training late. I don’t know why the process took so long,” Rudakubana said. Meanwhile, Bonnie Mugabe reports that the first batch of the team (26 athletes and officials) left for Delhi last evening aboard Ethiopian Airways and is expected in Delhi later today. The second batch, which is comprised of five cyclists and two officials, does not leave until October 5, five days before their competition. Rwanda is making her debut in the event which has been marred by critiques on security, health and accommodation in the athletes’ village. ‘All nations’ to compete Commonwealth Games president Michael Fennell says all 71 nations will compete in Delhi although more work is needed on the athletes’ village. England had warned “more and swift action” was required before a second wave of their team arrive today.Scotland sent their athletes yesterday despite concerns over health, safety and security. “I am very happy we are recording today that there will be full participation in the Games,” said Fennell. New Zealand have announced they will compete but will review progress around the athletes’ accommodation and security on a daily basis. Ends