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Glasgow’s 2014 Games hopes rise as Delhi falls behind. Glasgow's prospects of hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014 have been given another boost after it emerged that the Delhi games in three years' time are behind schedule.

The Indian city's preparations for the 2010 event are so far behind schedule that the chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Mike Hooper, is to spend 20 days a month there until preparations are back on track.

Just 36 days before Commonwealth delegates vote to choose between Glasgow and Nigerian rivals Abuja, this will sharpen minds. Prospects of a second Games being hosted by a third-world country already condemned as ill- prepared in recent evaluation reports are unlikely to promote the Nigerian cause.

New Zealander Hooper is officially relocating to Delhi to assist the 2010 hosts, but Louise Martin, the Dunblane-based secretary of the CGF and chairwoman of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland, confirmed that Hooper was doing so because Delhi's preparations were giving cause for concern.

"We understand the athletes' village is not even started," she said. "We believe there are problems with acquisition rights. They have promised to demolish and rebuild the main stadium, yet have not started to take down the old one yet."

Mrs Martin declined to comment on how Delhi's problems may affect Glasgow, other than to observe: "Whether that will sway voters is up to them. We're working on our own preparations and leaving nothing to chance."

Meanwhile, students from Glasgow's three universities yesterday joined together to show their support for the city's Games bid.

Students from across the Commonwealth who are studying at Glasgow, Strathclyde and Caledonian universities formed a giant number 36 to promote the bid.

It is 36 days until the November 9 decision day and 36 votes are all that is required for the city to clinch the Games.

Glasgow University student Procheta Mallik, from India, who took part in yesterday's event in the grounds of Caledonian University, said: "This is a sport-crazy city. I think the sporting facilities, culture and atmosphere of Glasgow make it an ideal place to host the 2014 games".

Amos Madhlopa, from Malawi, who is studying at Strathclyde, said: "Glasgow has the appropriate infrastructure to host the games. It has an extensive transport network and high-rated hotels."

Also showing her support yesterday was singer Lauren Tilly, from Tillicoultry, who recently performed at the Urban Music awards in New York. After singing for the students, she said: "This event was a brilliant idea and everyone seems to have really enjoyed themselves."

(Source: The Herald)