Team England to fly out to Delhi for CWG

Dispelling fears over the conduct of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, the England team is all set to fly out to India on Thursday.

Earlier, Team England had admitted that their participation was not confirmed; while Scotland delayed their trip to Delhi and Wales set a strict deadline over their appearance.

But England have now confirmed that the first 22 members belonging to the men's hockey team and members of the lawn bowls squad will fly out to India to compete in the Games.

"England continues to confirm its participation in the Commonwealth Games. Commonwealth Games England (CGE) continues to believe that the situation in Delhi is serious and we are monitoring this constantly with our Chef de Mission and our team in Delhi," the Daily Mail quoted a CGE statement, as saying.

"The CGE continues to seek assurances from the CGF and the Organising Committee (OC) of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi that the Village and Venues are fit for purpose, are safe and that urgent action will be taken by the OC and the CGF to address the significant operational issues which exist.

"Continuous feedback and consultation is taking place with our sports teams in England. Meanwhile, our team on the ground in Delhi, led by Chef de Mission Craig Hunter continues to prepare for the arrival of the first 22 athletes from lawn bowls and men's hockey who will leave the UK for Delhi tomorrow evening," it added.

Commonwealth Games England chairman Sir Andrew Foster had earlier told BBC Breakfast: "I think the next 24 to 48 hours is the critical time which will tell us whether the village - which is where the main problem is now - has got enough accommodation for everybody to come into it. I think we're at an absolutely vital time (regarding) whether the major teams go."