Delhi 2010 Organising Committee charmain Suresh Kalmadi left for London with two clear-cut demands — remove Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) chief executive Mike Hooper from India and do not constitute an independent technical panel of experts to oversee preparations. He returns with both demands shot down after a meeting last night with CGF president Mike Fennell.

Their joint statement had no mention of Hooper or the review panel. Contacted, Hooper told The Indian Express: “I will be back in Delhi on November 8. See you on Sunday.” Hooper said the review panel would be constituted as planned.

“The joint statement is very clear. It says that both sides have agreed to put behind issues and work together to deliver a successful Games,” Hooper said.

The statement referred to “misunderstandings and unfortunate media statements” but underlined that “we have agreed that we will continue to work together as partners...(to meet) all targets agreed upon.