No security fears for Delhi 2010, says Rhone

President of the International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA), Jamaican Molly Rhone, says she is not overly concerned with the security of its members when they visit India for the Delhi Commonweath Games in October of this year.

Rhone insisted that her association has been in close contact with the organisers of the Games to ensure that security measures are put in place to ensure that safety is a priority.

"IFNA is in constant touch with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and we know that a lot of effort is being put out to deal with the security aspect, not only by the India government but certainly by independent (security) persons down there. We rely heavily on the reports coming out of the CGF and at this point I have no fear," she said.

Added Rhone: "The safety of players and people generally is always paramount. As of now I see no reason why anyone should withdraw from the Games."

Netball is an integral sport in the Games since current number one-ranked Australia won in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1998. The Aussies won again in 2002 on English soil, while number two-ranked New Zealand won in Australia in 2006.

CGF president Jamaican Michael Fennell was quoted on the official Commonwealth Games website in January as saying that special attention has been given to security at the event.

"The CFG regards the safety and security of the Games, for the athletes and spectators alike, as being of paramount importance and of the highest priority," he said.

Fennell also revealed that leading international experts, Intelligent Risks Pty Ltd (IR) has been their security advisors for Delhi 2010 since 2005.

Said Fennell: "IR is deeply involved with all levels of the security plan, and its analysis is being undertaken by operatives with senior command or managerial experience in international major events."

Violence in India has primarily been attributed to Hindu, Islamic, Sikh and Christian radical movements, but activities are normally concentrated in Kashmir, Jammu and sections in the city of Mumbai.

Meanwhile, the IFNA boss, while praising the work of her team, believes there is room for improvement in terms of raising funds and adding new members, which currently sits at over 60 countries spread across the five federations of the Americas, Africa, Europe, Oceania and Asia.

"I would love to improve our marketing so we could get some more money. I would love to improve our numbers in terms of membership. We are on a constant drive to get our technical panels working, but all of that takes money to be able to offer the technical assistance for all of our members. That is a real challenge for us and ofcourse it takes money to do that," Rhone told the Observer.

Nations with IFNA membership benefit from access to development grant funding, access to technical expertise, playing kits and equipment, and opportunities to compete internationally.

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