KARACHI, April 30: The International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) lashed out at Athens Olympics organisers on Wednesday, alleging that building work on key venues was running behind schedule.

AIBA President and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Anwar Chowdhry said he had raised serious concerns over preparations for next year’s Summer Games during a visit to Athens last week.

“I had an outspoken talk with the Athens 2004 Olympic Organizing Committee during my inspection last week and in my opinion they are behind time,” Chowdhry told AFP.

The IOC warned Greece earlier this month that there was no room for further delays. Chief IOC inspector Denis Oswald feared that any unexpected developments might put part of the Games at risk.

The Olympics, held every four years, are due to start on Aug 13, 2004.

The Pakistan-based Chowdhry said he would submit a strongly worded report to the IOC on the preparedness of boxing venues.

“As the boxing chief, I have to submit a report to the IOC and despite feeling Greek people’s capability, I have to use some tough words,” he said.

“We need to host a pre-Olympic qualifying event in Athens to test the facilities but the building of the boxing stadium has not been on time,” Chowdhry said.

He also cast doubt on Athens organisers’ ability to successfully manage the city’s gridlocked traffic during next year’s event.

“I think transport could be a major hazard and they need to build super highways metro railway systems to overcome this shortcoming in Athens,” he said.

“It took us an hour to reach the boxing site from the Olympic village which would be too onerous for the boxers and it needs to be shortened.”

Chowdhry, said 11 pre-Olympic boxing events were scheduled — three each in Asia and Europe, two each in Africa and the Americas and one for Oceania. Phillipines, China and Pakistan will hold the Asian events in March-April next year.—AFP