Let the Games begin!

NEW DELHI (AP): New Delhi will go into a security lockdown today for the opening of the biggest and most trouble-plagued Commonwealth Games.

An estimated 100,000 police and military personnel have been enlisted to keep the athletes, visitors and games venues safe. Foreign governments have issued travel advisories highlighting a risk for terror attacks in India during the games.

The Delhi government used a law enacted in 1954 as authority to enforce the closure of shops and markets today for the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony on October 14, announcing it to businesses two days ahead.

6,700 athletes & officials

Prince Charles arrived yesterday and met with India's President Pratibha Patil. International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge was expected later.

Local organisers proudly declared that the athletes' village, which attracted international condemnation last week because of hygiene concerns, is nearly full of athletes and officials.

Jamaican sprinters Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell and many of the biggest stars from the 71 countries and territories of the Commonwealth aren't in India. But Delhi officials said more than 6,700 athletes and officials had confirmed their entries, already topping the 5,766 total in Melbourne four years ago.

"More than 5,800 athletes and officials have already arrived in Delhi. With more arrivals scheduled in the coming days, Delhi 2010 is well on the way to becoming the biggest in history," organising committee secretary general Lalit Bhanot said. "We are now looking forward to the successful and smooth delivery of the games."

Some countries delayed travel for their teams last week because of the filthy condition of the village in the days before the first athletes arrived. Last week, a pedestrian bridge collapsed near the main venue, injuring 27 workers, and two Taiwanese tourists were wounded when shots were fired near a popular Delhi attraction, heightening security and safety concerns.

Officials of netball have threatened a boycott of competition unless their demands for new uniforms, better accommodation and transport are met, the New Zealand Press Association reported.

Netball competition official Saumya Maurya confirmed there had been some issues with technical officials, but "they will be sorted out" and the competition will start on time.

The Queen's Baton relay moved through the Indian capital yesterday as the hours ticked down to the opening.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) quelled a potential diplomatic feud over the opening of the games when it revealed this week that both Prince Charles, representing Queen Elizabeth II, and Patil will essentially share the honour.

ready to go

Bhanot said the problems that overshadowed the recent preparations had been resolved and the games were ready to go. But work continued at venues, where several construction deadlines were missed. Also, there's been no large-scale, pre-games events to test transport, security, ticket and communications.

Commonwealth Games Federa-tion president, Jamaican Mike Fennell, said most of the most necessary work is done, but stressed the need to maintain standards in the village for the next two weeks and to finalise preparations elsewhere.

In an interview with games broadcaster BBC, Fennell was critical of the delays and problems that have caused negative global attention.

"People are working hard and want to do well, but sometimes the coordination and intention to follow through is not always good," Fennell said. "You have to applaud their efforts, but the management and systematic follow through was just not there."

He rejected the argument that the CGF should have done more to keep local organisers on schedule.

"You can only do so much, you have to rely on them to follow your advice," Fennell said. "You entrust the organisation to an organising committee and that organising committee has to get on with the job."

Fennell said taking the games to India for the first time had been an important and necessary learning experience.

"My big hope is the athletes will enjoy it and leave with good memories," he said.