There had been widespread fears earlier this week that the event would face major boycotts from prominent Commonwealth countries, including New Zealand, England and Scotland, due to poor conditions of the Athletes' Village.

But Fennell, the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), revealed he still has serious concerns about the Indian capital's readiness for the biggest event to be staged there since the 1982 Asian Games.

"I am very happy we are recording today that there will be full participation in the Games," he said.

"There’s still a lot of work to be done, to do the final touches, and there’s more work in the Village.

"It’s not over yet.

"The work that is being done now ought to have been done before, but we are concentrating on how to get things done so athletes can enjoy the best possible conditions when competing at the Commonwealth Games.

"We are very concerned that the effort and momentum of the work will continue and not just until the teams arrive, but throughout the Games."

Members of England’s men’s hockey and lawn bowls teams arrived in Delhi yesterday but are staying in hotels before moving to the Athletes' Village on Monday (September 27).

England though, have warned that "more and swift action" is required before a second wave of their team arrive tomorrow and the Olympic medallist Peter Waterfield (pictured) has become the latest athlete to withdraw from the Games over security fears. 

Waterfield had been due to compete in the men’s 10 metres platform and the men’s 10m synchro alongside Tom Daley."

I have decided to pull out of the Commonwealth Games but the decision has been a very difficult one to make and I have thought long and hard about it," said Waterfield, a silver medallist at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

"My family and I share concerns over safety and illness, and therefore as a family, we have made the decision together to not attend the Games.

"I’m very disappointed as I feel I’m in the best form of my life but I will now focus on the World Championships next year and the ultimate prize of the London 2012 Olympics."

Scotland, who delayed the arrival of their team in Delhi earlier this week, are sending their athletes to India today while the competitors from New Zealand and Australia will be arriving early next week. 

Wales and Northern Ireland have also confirmed their intention to compete at the Games though will review progress around the athletes' accommodation and security on a daily basis.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected].


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