The controversial Delhi Commonwealth Games is in the headlines again after sporting authorities in New Zealand claimed that they are owed a 'six-figure sum' by the event's organisers in India.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) is yet to be reimbursed for travel costs for the 192 teams of that country who took part in the Games. Besides, much of the equipment used by the country's athletes, who won 36-strong medals, including six gold, are still lying with Indian customs, Stuff.co.nz reports.
"I can confirm it is a significant figure. It is in that region a six-figure sum. We would have rather this was tidied up much earlier than this ... there is no doubt about that. It is a cause of some concern for us," NZOC President Mike Stanley said.
Indian officials have given teams the choice of flying to Delhi on Air India for free or paying their own way, in which case they were to be reimbursed. The NZOC is one of about 40 nations still waiting to be reimbursed.
Meanwhile, an NZOC spokeswoman has said that Indian officials assured that payments were scheduled to be made next week. The promise was initially made in November, but she expressed confidence that the NZOC would be paid.
"I am sure that the Indian government and the organising committee will want to make sure this is finalised in the appropriate way," she added.
