They are concerned that they could be in danger because of a terrorist attack, fears that have been heightened by last week's explosion in Bangalore ahead of an Indian Premier League cricket match.

Leana de Bruin, New Zealand's goal keeper who recently became a mother, has claimed that several members of the Silver Fearns are contemplating withdrawing from the Games, which are due to open in the Indian capital on October.

She told today's edition of the Sunday News: "It's hard, obviously.

"I've got a little wee man to think about now - it's not just me I have to consider.

"If the bombings continued I'd have to have a sit down with my family and talk about it.

"There are a lot of mums in the team and every life is precious.

"It's an eye-opener, especially for the young girls who have babies.

"It definitely puts life into perspective - it's not all about sport.

"I've never experienced a situation like this before."

The 32-year-old, a member of the New Zealand team that won the gold medals at the 2003 World Championships and 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, has been joined in voicing her fears by George.

George, a 34-year-old who has two children, said: "I'm not sure what I'd do.

"I suppose I won't know until closer to the time, when I have to make the decision.

"If I make the Silver Ferns squad for the Games I was going to have family come over to Delhi.

"But I don't think so now - it's not safe."

Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal has claimed that they are totally prepared for the Commonwealth Games and that foreign athletes should not have any fears about travelling there.

He said: "I will categorically state that the Delhi Police is totally prepared for the Commonwealth Games and all necessary arrangements have been made.

"There is nothing which is left, which has to be addressed.

"We will continue our arrangements, this was also a good exposure to our staff, to the additional protocols, which have been added for the security of the Commonwealth Games.

"I am very confident, we will carry forward security of the Commonwealth Games without any hitch."


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