The Jamaican, the world record holder for the 100 and 200 metres, has so far kept his schedule for 2010 under wraps but officials hope that if a big Indian company would guarantee his participation.

Suresh Kalmadi, the chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CWOC), said: “The Organising Committee is looking for a Indian sponsor for Bolt."

An appearance from a star as big as Bolt would help elevate the Commonwealth Games to a global level.

It is the biggest event to be held in India since the 1982 Asian Games and officials hope that it will be the launchpad for a bid for the 2020 Olympics.

Officials believe that in a country with the 12th biggest economy in the world - and, along with China, the fastest growing - the triple Olympic and world champion would be an attractive commodity for a major Inidan firm.

Lalit Bhanot, the Secretary General of the CWOC, said:  “Any company in India would love to be associated with him.

"The Committee is making an effort so that Indian industry gets global mileage.”

Bolt withdrew from the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne because of injury but said at the World Championships in Berlin next year that he hoped he would compete in the Indian capital in the event which is due to begin on October 3, 2010.

He said: "I think I'll be going to the Commonwealth Games because they are at the end of the season next year.

"But my coach will decide."