New Delhi:
Around 7000 athletes and officials including close to 600 Indians would take part in next month's Commonwealth Games here, making it the biggest in the history of the quadrennial sporting extravaganza in terms of participation.
The October 3-14 mega-event is all set to break the record of 2006 Melbourne Games, where approximately 5,800 athletes and team officials were in attendance, Organising Committee said on Friday.
"We are delighted to announce that Delhi 2010 is set to become the largest ever Commonwealth Games in terms of participation and we are confident that it will be conducted smoothly," OC Secretary General Lalit Bhanot told a press conference.
"After September 3, which was the last date of receiving entries from the participating countries, we have got around 7000 entries. This number is likely to go up as Commonwealth Games Federation has a policy for accepting late entries and there are many requests," he added.
However, Bhanot denied to reveal name of any participant.
"Importantly, there are many World, Olympic, Commonwealth Games and continental champions among the participants. We are sure that paying spectators and the TV audiences across the world will enjoy watching these athletes perform in the world class facilities created here," Bhanot said.
"But according to CGF policy we can't reveal the names of the athletes. The total number will be finalised only after Delegation Registration Meeting, which is scheduled to be held here from September 16-October 2," he added.
Hosts India will field the biggest contingent of more than 600 athletes and team officials while Botswana will be the smallest with less than five athletes and officials.
The other countries and territories who are sending big contingents, include Australia (550), England (525), Canada (400), New Zealand (325), Malaysia (325), Scotland (300) and Wales (240). With a 220-strong contingent, South Africa will be the biggest team from Africa continent.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka will send contingents of around 125 each.
Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales will also maintain their record of participating in all editions of the Games.
"Of course, we are confident that the athletes in 17 disciplines and 150 participants of four Para Sport events will like the facilities and deliver very good performances.
"They will also enjoy living in the Games Village, built to accommodate 7200 people, and find it the best they have experienced in multi-discipline event," Bhanot said.
"Athletes will start arriving from September 23. Athletes have their own routines and some of them want to arrive here only on 30th, just four-five days before their events," he added.
Bhanot also downplayed the fear of dengue epidemic in the capital and said, "We have not received any letter (expressing concerns) from any country. We have spoken to Delhi Government, NDMC and Health Ministry. They are making special efforts to solve the problem so there is no problem."
Asked about intermittent rains, Bhanot said, "I can remember many occasions like Seoul (South Korea) and Doha (Qatar) where rain hampered programme. But we have a set programme and we will proceed with that."
The October 3-14 mega-event is all set to break the record of 2006 Melbourne Games, where approximately 5,800 athletes and team officials were in attendance, Organising Committee said on Friday.
"We are delighted to announce that Delhi 2010 is set to become the largest ever Commonwealth Games in terms of participation and we are confident that it will be conducted smoothly," OC Secretary General Lalit Bhanot told a press conference.
"After September 3, which was the last date of receiving entries from the participating countries, we have got around 7000 entries. This number is likely to go up as Commonwealth Games Federation has a policy for accepting late entries and there are many requests," he added.
However, Bhanot denied to reveal name of any participant.
"Importantly, there are many World, Olympic, Commonwealth Games and continental champions among the participants. We are sure that paying spectators and the TV audiences across the world will enjoy watching these athletes perform in the world class facilities created here," Bhanot said.
"But according to CGF policy we can't reveal the names of the athletes. The total number will be finalised only after Delegation Registration Meeting, which is scheduled to be held here from September 16-October 2," he added.
Hosts India will field the biggest contingent of more than 600 athletes and team officials while Botswana will be the smallest with less than five athletes and officials.
The other countries and territories who are sending big contingents, include Australia (550), England (525), Canada (400), New Zealand (325), Malaysia (325), Scotland (300) and Wales (240). With a 220-strong contingent, South Africa will be the biggest team from Africa continent.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka will send contingents of around 125 each.
Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales will also maintain their record of participating in all editions of the Games.
"Of course, we are confident that the athletes in 17 disciplines and 150 participants of four Para Sport events will like the facilities and deliver very good performances.
"They will also enjoy living in the Games Village, built to accommodate 7200 people, and find it the best they have experienced in multi-discipline event," Bhanot said.
"Athletes will start arriving from September 23. Athletes have their own routines and some of them want to arrive here only on 30th, just four-five days before their events," he added.
Bhanot also downplayed the fear of dengue epidemic in the capital and said, "We have not received any letter (expressing concerns) from any country. We have spoken to Delhi Government, NDMC and Health Ministry. They are making special efforts to solve the problem so there is no problem."
Asked about intermittent rains, Bhanot said, "I can remember many occasions like Seoul (South Korea) and Doha (Qatar) where rain hampered programme. But we have a set programme and we will proceed with that."
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