They were chosen ahead of several other international PR firms after they made a proposal to do it for only $250,000 (£153,000) - a quarter of what other companies were proposing.

 

Fleishmam-Hillard, who are based in St. Louis, Missouri, have offices spread across the world and claims to be "a leader in international marketing and communications, and one of the premier public relations agencies in the world".

 

20:20 Media was founded in 1989 and is one of India's largest independent PR companies, employing 150 staff in seven offices across the country, including New Delhi.

 

They have worked with a number of blue-chip companies, including Canon, Volkswagen and Samsung, but do not have any experience of working on major sports events.

 

The build-up to the Commonwealth Games, the biggest event to be held in India since the 1982 Asian Games, has been overshadowed by fears over security, doubts over whether Delhi will be ready in time and, recently, a row between local organisers and the Commonwealth Games Federation, who have been accused of acting like "imperialists".

 

It is hoped that if Delhi stages a successful Games it will be the launchpad for a bid for the 2020 Olympics.

 

Fleishmam-Hillard and 20:20 will handle all the local and international PR for the event between now and when the Games, which are due to open on October 3, and also act as liaison with the Queen's Baton Relay team.

 

The Baton Relay is due to start at Buckingham Palace in London next Thursday (October 29).