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Australians amazed by CWG security, sports facilities | On the eve of the Commonwealth Games praise for the security arrangments and sports facilties are coming from the most unexpected quarters. Harelle Mcmohan,
the flag bearer of the Australian contingent in the Commonwealth Games, was full
of praise for the arrangements at the Games Village, where she has been staying
for almost a week now. Hareelle is Australia's netball captain and a dual Commonwealth
Games gold medalist. She has been extra cautious about keeping mosquitoes away
at the Games village. However, the large presence of security forces is making
the Aussie sports star nervous. Talking to reporters at a Australian High Commission
reception, she said: "It is obviously a bit different to what we are used to and
disconcerting. I mean, on our bus, we have got armed guards, and in the front
and in the back when we go anywhere. It is certainly different, but they have
been great, they are great to talk to. I think it's a part of the Games here,
and as an athlete going into training, I have had no problems and I feel very
secure." "It is certainly a different experience here. We could not remember seeing
any machine gun in Melbourne. We are in Delhi for the second time. Earlier, it
was a different, we were staying in a hotel and could walk around freely," McMahon
said. Many other players of the huge Australian contingent share the same sense
of security in Delhi, but are miffed over restricted movement. Security measures
are so stringent, that Australia's Sports Minister Mark Abib was also frisked
at the Games Village. It maybe recalled that Australia had expressed serious apprehensions
about the security of the Commonwealth Games and Prime Minister Julia Gillard
had even issued a strongly worded advisory that stated there is a high risk of
terrorism in New Delhi and that since 2000, there have been at least 14 major
terrorist attacks in New Delhi. She even said that attending the Commonwealth
Games was a matter for individuals as they considered the government's travel
advisory. The Aussies have also given their thumbs up to the sports facilities.
"My experience is that these are outstanding facilities. I was here in March when
I went to the National Stadium, where the World Cup (hockey) was held. Two of
our major players said it was one of the best stadiums (stadia) for hockey. So
far, I have been out to the Gymnastics arena, the wrestling and the cycling velodrome, and they are quite amazing, said." McMohan.
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