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“Around 7,000 athletes and team officials will take part in the Delhi Commonwealth Games, making it the biggest in the history of the CWG. Thus far, the Melbourne Games (2006) was the biggest event with 5,766 athletes and officials taking part,” OC secretrary seneral Lalit K Bhanot told reporters.
Bhanot, however, added that the correct number of athletes and team officials will be known only after the Delegation Registration Meeting (DRM), to be held between September 16 and October 2. Bhanot added that there was a provision to accept late entries.
“September 3 was the last date for entries, but entries are still coming to us from some countries and we will take a decision on the late entries during the DRM meeting in consultation with the Commonwealth Games Federation,” he noted.
India will field the biggest contingent of more than 600 athletes while Australia and England will send 550 and 525 athletes respectively. Botswana will have the smallest unit comprising five athletes and team officials, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka will both have squads numbering 125.
South Africa will be the biggest team from the African continent, fielding nearly 220 athletes and team officials.
Bhanot said the Games Village was nearing completion. “We can provide accommodation for 7,200 members at the Games Village. I think we will be comfortable if the number stays at 7,000, so that everyone will be comfortable. As far as the Games Village work is concerned, it is nearing completion and we will be ready in time,” Bhanot said.