Anger is growing in India over the raft of big names to pull out of the Games, which are due to open in the capital on October 3, with Gill growing more frustrated as he tries to justify the money that the Government has invested in the event.

He said: "Star athletes have slowly drifted away from the Games.

"It's not at all good.

"I want to tell Fennell that don't bring your officials but bring stars like Bolt, [Shelly-Ann] Fraser, Hoy and others with you.

"They are the main attraction for the people of this country to see.

"[The] Commonwealth Games is a sporting event and not the meeting of officials.

"These athletes drifting away doesn't please me nor the Organising Committee.

"This is not done."

Gill (pictured) was speaking at the inauguration of the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Complex, which has cost £40 million.

He said: "If these stars failed to turn up, then all our efforts stand to going wasted.

"People would say that if only you [Fennell] and [Organising Committee chairman] Suresh [Kalmadi] were to run then why you spent so much."

Sir Chris announced on Friday (July 16) that he would not be competing because of a clash of dates which means the four-time Olympic gold medallist must instead take part in the European Championships.

It was the second consecutive day that Gill had complained about the pull-outs.

He said: "I again request Fennell to bring these stars and not the thousands of officials.

"People want to see players not them.

"It's a moral duty on the part of players to come and participate.

"I want 'A' list of players and not 'B' or 'C'."

Kalmadi, though, who had promised that triple Olympic and world gold medallist Bolt would compete, refused to accept that the withdrawal of so many top names would compromise the Games.

He said: "We have read in paper this one is not coming, that one is not coming.

"Let me tell you that the biggest squad ever is coming from every country. Australia confirmed 700 entries and England 500 which is highest ever. 

"If one or two do not come, it does not matter.

"The Games will go on, the best of the world are coming and new champions will be created."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
July 2010: Bolt and Hoy Delhi withdrawals are big blows admits Indian Sports Minister
July 2010: Sir Chris Hoy withdraws from Commonwealth Games
July 2010: Women's Olympic 100m champion joins Bolt in missing Commonwealth Games
June 2010: Anger over Bolt name being included on entry list for Commonwealth Games
June 2010: Bolt will compete in Commonwealth Games, Indian officials claim