CWG'10 to be biggest ever in terms of participation

SPORT-CWG-BHANOT

New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Around 7000 athletes and
officials including close to 600 Indians would take part in
next month's Commonwealth Games in the national capital,
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 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. MORE PTI DB
RBT


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