Australia have threatened to lead a boycott of the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony unless organisers improve conditions seen at the troubled event's opening bash, a report said Wednesday.
Chef de mission Steve Moneghetti said the team was taking a tough line after athletes were made to wait in a 40 degrees C (104 F) "Tunnel of Hell" for an hour before parading through the New Delhi stadium on October 3.
Moneghetti told The Australian newspaper the country's Games association chief, Perry Crosswhite, made the boycott threat during talks with Indian officials.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"It was Perry that was threatening. He's taller than me so he's a good threatener," Moneghetti said. "We were representing Australia's view but it was a group decision.
"We were at the forefront of that process but every country was aware of the issues and supported us."
Moneghetti, who had avoided criticising chaotic preparations for the Games, was incensed at athletes being treated "like cattle" at the opening ceremony, forcing an apology from head organiser Suresh Kalmadi.
"It was over 40 degrees without a doubt. We were treated like cattle. It was disgraceful," Moneghetti said at the time.
Australia have a large team of about 380 athletes in Delhi and are the runaway medals table leaders with 68 golds heading into the final two days before Thursday's closing ceremony.
