Merchandise outlets only from Day 1

Suresh Kumar,chairman of Premier Brands,the official manufacturer of CWG Delhi 2010 merchandise,said,“As was planned earlier,the Organising Committee(OC) was to give us permission to launch 75 stores across the city by June. But now,things have been delayed,and we have been given permission to set up stores in the city only from October 3.”

Premier Brands was originally supposed to launch stores in its individual capacity across the city. Kumar said,“That’s obviously not possible now. That would require identifying spots and constructing little kiosks,which would take time.”

However,the bad news for Premier Brands does not end there. According to Kumar,the delay in launching merchandise stores could cause a loss of Rs 3 crore.

“We are holding on only due to emotional reasons. This is the first time India is hosting such a big event and it’s a matter of pride for us. I can’t understand why the OC would delay such a thing?” he said.

Now,as per the plan laid down by the Organising Comittee,70 stores will be set up at Games venues by October 3. The remaining would include venues such as Ashoka Hotel,Games Village,the Press Room in Pragati Maidan and “most probably” the newly constructed T-3 Terminal,which would open on September 20.

HC upholds decision on Siri Fort complex
The Delhi High Court,on Wednesday,dismissed a petition against the closure of the Siri Fort Sports Complex till the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games after it found that the administrative decision taken in view of security concerns was valid. The court rejected the petition filed by over 100 members of the complex,who challenged the decision of the complex secretary to close the venue from August 16 till the end of the Commonwealth Games on October 14. The members had demanded immediate reopening of the complex as an interim measure,allowing people to use the jogging tracks,children’s park and football ground.