Meanwhile, some athletes confirm participation in Commonwealth Games

While the top stars, including Olympic champion Usain Bolt, may be giving the Commonwealth Games a miss, the event still promises to be a fascinating confluence of athletes, young and not so young, the already famous and those striving to be so, those who have seen it all and those who still look at the world with wide-eyed fascination.

Ranging from 14-year-old Gabrielle Armstrong-Scott, representing New Zealand in diving, to English shooter Michael Gault, all of 56 years, the athletes display a wide array of ages and disciplines, with one thing in common - they look forward to making the Games in Delhi their own.

Another teenage sensation, Zoe Smith of England, displays strength beyond her 16 years to be a part of the nation’s weightlifting team. Zoe made headlines in India when she won gold at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune as a 14-year-old.

Australian pole vaulter Steve Hooker, the current World and Olympic champion, is one of the big names who will grace the Games. Hooker is ranked second this year, with a best of 5.91 metres, behind Renaud Lavillenie of France (5.94 metres). Among other athletes to have overcome enormous odds to make a name for herself is England’s Danielle Brown, who is the Paralympic gold medallist in archery.

As the Games approach, their eagerness to get better also promises a sumptuous fare for all spectators, who will be in for a world-class display from exponents who defy age, lack of experience and even physical limitations in an effort to make the Commonwealth Games 2010 a grand success.