London, Sep 9 (IANS) England Thursday confirmed they would be sending 371 athletes – their biggest team to Commonwealth Games – despite looming fears of dengue fever in the Indian capital.
The athletes village for Oct 3-14 Games is near Yamuna river, breeding ground of dengue mosquitoes even as Indian Army has been deployed to take control.
Craig Hunter, England’s chef de mission, said the athletes will be asked to wearg long-sleeve tops, trousers and issued with deet (repellent) sprays for protection.
‘It is monsoon season now but they anticipate that the season will be over by the time of the Games. The problem with fengue fever is standing water and the sun needs to come out for it all to dry up,’ Hunter was quoted as saying in the Telegraph.
It had been feared this week that some events might have to be cancelled after organisers missed a completion deadline of Aug 31. The Commonwealth Games Federation has now received safety certificates for all venues.
‘There was never any doubt (of England not going to the Games),’ Hunter said. ‘The great thing about the Commonwealth Games is that it offers such diverse culture.’
–Indo-Asain News Service
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