After weeks of problems and last-minute scrambling, host India opens the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Thousands of athletes are ready, focusing on the competition ahead.<br /><br />New Delhi declared a public holiday on Sunday to ease traffic as police continued to step up security for the Commonwealth Games.<br /><br />Britain's Prince Charles opens the 12-day sporting event together with the Indian president at 1:30pm Greenwich Mean Time.<br /><br />Organizers and athletes are trying to put controversy aside as they scramble to salvage the spirit of the games.<br /><br />The head of the Australian delegation said his athletes were ready.<br /><br />[Steve Moneghetti, Chef De Mission, Australia]: <br />"It's about the athletes today and despite all of that infrastructure and all those concerns, today is a celebration. Today the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony in Delhi, it's happening and it's exciting and there is a great buzz around. The human emotion that you can feel in the Village (Games Village) and in preparation for what is a spectacular night and such a significant moment in Indian sport."<br /><br />Corruption, unfinished facilities, dirty accommodation and health concerns have marred the $6-billion sporting event, causing some athletes to pull out of the games.<br /><br />But the remaining 6,700 participants representing 54 commonwealth nations are focusing on the competition ahead.<br /><br />The games will run through to October 14.
