Commonwealth Games delays in Delhi cause 'concern'

Delays in handing over several venues in Delhi are causing "serious concern" to the organisers of the Commonwealth Games, due to take place in October.

The athletics stadium, swimming complex and Games Village have still not been completed with five months remaining.

"There remains much to be done to ensure a cohesive games delivery from the opening of the Games Village on 16 September," a statement said.

Athletes from 71 nations, mostly former British colonies, are set to compete.

Last month it was confirmed that English athletes would compete in the Games despite security concerns.

And the co-ordination commission of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) added that much progress had been made since a damning report in December, which said numerous deadlines had been missed.

The commission, chaired by Austin Sealy, recently spent four days in Delhi assessing the city's readiness for the competition.

They listed 38 issues which were still "critical", an improvement on the 70 named in December.

Safety and security remains a major concern following a bomb blast at an IPL cricket match in Bangalore last month which injured 14 people.

The commission said: "The CGF continues to work closely with the organising committee, Delhi Police and the governments of India and Delhi to monitor all Games security arrangements and has assigned specialist consultants to work on its behalf as is its standard practice for all Games.

"All parties, including the CGF, are committed to the conduct of safe and friendly Games which will be enjoyed by all."

It will be the biggest sporting event, with the exception of cricket, India has hosted since the Asian Games in 1982.