The Commonwealth Games has been deemed safe for Bermuda's athletes to participate in.

Bermuda's Chef de Mission for the Games, Stanley Douglas, arrived in Delhi on Sunday and was satisfied the Island's athletes would not be at risk by competing in India's capital.

A number of international athletes have already pulled out of the Games because of health and security concerns, but yesterday the Bermuda Olympic Association (BOA) confirmed the Island's team would be attending.

Douglas' report read: "Having had the opportunity to review the Village I would say that it is safe for our team to arrive on the (September) 29th from Bermuda. I look forward to receiving them and making the best afford on their part here in Delhi.

"Our team has been given block 28 which consist of four apartments. The rooms are fair and standard and once cleaning and beds are made up I do not perceive any problems with this facility. The external appearance will need continued work.

Douglas' main concern had been regarding security but having visited the Games Village he believed the safety of Bermuda's athletes would be assured.

"Security is tight with most people who enter the village going through at least two security checks and or screening," read his report.

"This is one area that I know was of concern for most of the team. I can assure you that the village is well secure; there are perimeters walls with armed security."

On the health fears following the outbreak of dengue fever in Delhi, Douglas' report added: "When I arrived at the village last night they where spraying the perimeter.

"This was quite effective as we noted many dead mosquitoes. I must say that with the volume that I have seen, our team must continue to take every precaution while here in Delhi."

The report continued: "This area is completed with a few shops, an Internet Cafe' and Games room. There is also a center for live entertainment and socializing. This will be a joy for all team members.

"There is Wi-Fi throughout the village with access via password. Arrangements are being made for a Bermuda password for our team to use."

Pullouts by top athletes will not dilute the track and field competition, the organising committee of the Delhi Commonwealth Games said yesterday.

Jamaica's triple Olympic gold medal sprinter Usain Bolt sparked a series of Games snubs with world record holder David Rudisha (800 metres), Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu (400m) and world champion Dani Samuels (discus) joining him on the sidelines.

Secretary general of the Games organising committee Lalit Bhanot still expects the track and field events to be fiercely contested.

"Every event goes through this problem (pullouts) but every Games give birth to new champions as well," Bhanot told Reuters.

"I can assure you the level of competition is going to be high. I have seen the entries and the performance level is going to be better than the last Commonwealth Games."

Bhanot's comments received support.

"The competition in athletics is going to be very tough. I am expecting a good performance from the athletes," said P.T. Usha, who narrowly missed bronze in the 400 metres hurdles event of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

While some of the athletes withdrew citing health and security apprehensions, Usha blamed timing of the event for other pullouts.

"I think the scheduling for the Games and injuries are mostly to blame for the pullouts," she said.

"It is the end of the season for the European athletes, so there are obviously injury scares."

India's former national coach J.S. Saini also downplayed the impact of no-shows.

"Bolt not coming to Delhi is a disappointment more for the spectators.

"Of late he has not been best and his absence would not make a huge difference," said Saini, referring to the Jamaican's 100 metre loss to Tyson Gay in Stockholm last month.

"I don't think one or two withdrawals in any discipline lowers the competition level. You do not expect world records at Commonwealth Games after all.

"If any thing, I think it's the timing of the Games that matters more. After a long season, the European athletes are fatigued and cannot give their best.

"I think it is going to suit the Asian teams."