Commonwealth Games: NZ athletes could be allowed a look around Delhi

New Zealand team officials are weighing up the pros and cons of allowing athletes outside the protective "bubble" that will be in place during the Commonwealth Games next month.

Chef de mission Dave Currie expects about 60 of the 71 countries planning to be in New Delhi to give their athletes the chance to get out and about.

"We have to decide, do we agree that's what we want to do, or will we have a different protocol," he said today.

"We'll make that call when we get there."

The "bubble" is the security structure that is put up around the athletes' village, the venues and transport during an Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

Currie, who is flying out to India tomorrow, said that, at most Games, New Zealand competitors could get out and enjoy the attractions of the host city.

They generally went out in groups, took their mobile phones, told management where they were going and signed themselves out.

However, security concerns could dictate that a different scenario was appropriate for New Delhi.

"We won't know until we are on the ground," Currie said.

He said the Commonwealth Games involved "a really tight schedule" over 11 days of competition, with some sports being in action all the way through.

"So we don't think the reality of whether you are in or out of the village will be too much of a concern anyway," he said.

"Athletes are there to compete. They are not there to see Delhi necessarily and New Zealand athletes are very focused on performing."

 

 

 

 

 

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