Commonwealth Games organisers acknowledge failings

With India racing against the clock to save the Commonwealth Games after leading athletes quit the event and nations threatened to stay at home, top organisers have admitted more work is needed.

A collapsed footbridge, falling ceiling tiles, a dengue fever outbreak and the Games Village being "unfit for human habitation" caused an uproar in India and abroad, raising questions over the country's ability to host the Games.

Mike Hooper, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: "All of this should have been done way in advance and been ready for them. It is very frustrating that we are where we are. But we have to accept that and get as much done as possible in the next couple of days."

He added that he is satisfied with the security arrangements at the Games venues: "It may well be that some people will perceive the security environment a little bit oppressive, but it's safe and secure, and that's what we want to have."

Earlier, Commonwealth Games Federation president, Michael Fennell, said there is still "a lot of work" to be done before the event gets underway in Delhi on October 3.

The multi-sport event which has cost India between $3-6 billion was supposed to showcase the country's rising economic and political clout, but infrastructure failures, corruption scandals and security concerns have threatened to turn the event into a farce.