CGE deny Delhi pull out

Commonwealth Games England have strenuously denied claims they will withdraw from next October's event in Delhi over security concerns.

A front-page report in the Daily Telegraph quotes a senior Whitehall source saying there was "virtually no chance" an England team would be sent to India due to security concerns.

But Commonwealth Games England chief executive Ann Hogbin said: "That is definitely not the case."

She added: "Our current and strong intention is to field a team for the Games in Delhi next year.

"Of course, we have a duty of care to the athletes and other team members which we take very seriously.

"Despite having been given extensive briefings from relevant authorities we have not received any indication that we should not participate in the Games and we will continue to work hard to put in place the best possible arrangements for our team."

Indeed, the Foreign Office stressed it had not advised any British teams not to compete in next year's Commonwealth Games.

A statement from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) read: "The FCO has not advised any of the British teams not to participate in the Commonwealth Games.

"We are aware that the Commonwealth Games Federation had some concerns about preparations for the Games.

"We continue to work closely with the Indian authorities who are doing everything they can to ensure a safe and secure Games."