Singh, the former world record holder for 400 metres and 1958 Commonwealth Games 400m champion, claimed that if the athletes did not like what they found at the Village then they should go and stay somewhere else.

"I think we are getting dominated by our guests," he said.

"I have also been to number of countries and there have been times when the arrangements were not very good but we never made such a fuss out of it.

"I think India is giving in to the demands of our guests a little too much.

"The guests cannot dictate us.

"If they [foreign athletes] don't like the arrangements they should go and stay in the hotels."

Singh's comments came as England officials moved into the Village ahead of the Games, which are due to open on October 3.

A group of 20 support team staff stayed on Sunday night in the accommodation to determine whether conditions were suitable for the 48 athletes from the hockey, lawn bowls and shooting teams to move in.

They will be followed by 36 more competitors from gymnastics, archery and weightlifting.

Scotland's Elena Baltacha (pictured), meanwhile, has pulled out due to concerns over disease and hygiene.

The British number one  tennis player, who has a liver condition linked to her immune system, said: "Conditions in Delhi are such that going there would pose too high a risk to my health."

Pictures released to the media showed dirty, leaking toilets, exposed wiring, rubble and stained sinks as well as cracked pavements, water-logging and mess from stray dogs.

Doubts over the quality of the accommodation were again raised after the bed Indian boxer Akhil Kumar was sleeping in collapsed.

"I sat down on my bed to rest but suddenly it gave way," said Kumar, the defending Commonwealth Games champion in the 54 kilogram category and one of India's best hopes for a gold medal.

"After that I noticed that part of it has no plywood.

"It was very disappointing after enduring a long journey.

"The athletes are at least entitled to a decent place to rest."

There were also claims that a snake was found in the South African's accommodation.

"We have very grave concerns," South African High Commissioner Harris Mbulelo said.

"If snakes are found, we can't ask our teams to stay there."

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