India is also keen that the event does not look lacklustre when compared to Melbourne Games in 2006 which, by all accounts, was a success. Besides, Australia has a proven track record as a host nation for sporting events.

The minister's remark could rile the Commonwealth Games Federation ( CGF) even further -- the war of words between Kalmadi and CGF CEO Mike Hooper on the preparedness for the games is well documented. But Gill seems to be making it clear that he wants the games to be big on athletes and not large international delegations of sports officials from participating countries.

The minister felt that the absence of top names would defeat the very purpose of staging the event. Then, making a pointed remark at Fennell, he said the CGF chief should rather bring prominent athletes to Delhi in October instead of making visits with officials time and again to assess the progress of the venues.

Gill did not pull his punches while referring to athletes.

According to him, they " do not have much regard" for the Commonwealth Games because only performances at the Asian Games, the European Championships and the South American Championships are taken into account for the Olympic Games because they are qualifying events. Besides had stars like Bolt and Hoy come, they would not only have added glitter to the event but also helped to generate more funds, he said.

The minister disclosed that he would raise the matter at a meeting of the sports ministers of the Commonwealth countries in New Delhi in October. " On October 4, we have a meeting of all the sports ministers of the Commonwealth nations and I'll raise this issue before them," he said. However, that will be too late because the games would have begun and apart from making a point, nothing else would be served.

India has reason to believe that hosting the sporting event is a matter of prestige. This is only the second time that the Commonwealth Games are being held in Asia. Twelve years ago, Kuala Lumpur became the first Asian city to host the games.

India has another reason to feel disappointed. When Delhi was bidding for the games, it gave a commitment to bear the full air fare of athletes and officials. The bill is expected to run into several crores -- the games will be attended by athletes and sportspersons from 71 countries. The absence of top stars is making this look like wasted expenditure.

Meanwhile, Kalmadi, who is also president of the Indian Olympic Association ( IOA), was of the view that withdrawal of the international stars will not make a difference and, in fact, provide a good opportunity to discover new talent.

" Australia has confirmed 700 entries, Britain 500 and Canada around 450. I think the absence of big names will give an opportunity to discover new talent," he said. " But let me make it clear that the biggest squads from every country will be coming to India." Last month, Bolt's coach Glen Mills made it clear that the Games was not on the agenda of the Jamaican sprinter. " It ( the Commonwealth Games) were not part of our schedule. Bolt made it known long ago that he is not going to the Commonwealth Games," he said.

A couple of days ago, Scotland's Hoy joined Bolt and said he would prefer to take part in the European Championships, the dates of which might clash with that of the games.

The scheduling of the Games has also been criticised in some quarters. Just 28 days after the end of the event, the high- profile Asian Games start in Guangzhou, China. Although the stars who have pulled out are non- Asian athletes, the scheduling of the two big events could affect their performance.