New Delhi, Oct 5(ANI): Australian chef de mission Steve Moneghetti has said that athletes from his country were "treated like cattle" when they were forced to wait in a tunnel during Sunday's Delhi Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
As previous host to the Commonwealth Games, Australia was the first team to enter the arena, which meant that they were among the teams positioned in the tunnel for the longest period.
"It was so bad they held us at a point that was very, very hot. It was unbearably hot so we pushed forward. We pushed and we pushed about 50 metres which was even hotter," Fox Sports quoted Moneghetti, as saying.
"We revolted, rioted and moved another 50 metres forward to which we entered an area that had reverse air conditioning, so it was hotter. It was over 40 degrees without a doubt. We were treated like cattle. It was disgraceful," he added.
Moneghetti further lashed out at the event organizers, and warned that the health of the athletes were at risk in such conditions.
"I was very, very disappointed with the way that the event staff conducted the ceremony and with total disregard for athlete welfare," Moneghetti said.
"So extreme, that the athletes have lost confidence with the event organizers. It will impact on future Australian athletes' involvement at the opening ceremony," he added.
Meanwhile, Organizing Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi has apologized for the incident.
"Yes, I think something did get wrong and we shall correct the situation at the closing ceremony. I would like to apologize for that," Kalmadi said. (ANI)
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