Commonwealth Games open in New Delhi

The athletic competition is held every four years amongst the member states of the former British Commonwealth [AFP]

The run-up to the 19th Commonwealth Games was dogged by controversies and problems in host-country India [AFP]

Critics questioned whether India could pull off the event amid security concerns, chaotic preparations and fears of an outbreak of dengue fever [AFP]

Organisers hoped the spectacular and smoothly-run opening ceremony would put much of the criticism to rest [AFP]

Almost 7,000 athletes from 71 nations and territories formerly belonging to the British Empire will compete [AFP]

A crowd of 60,000 filled the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the show [AFP]

This year(***)s event has cost at least $6bn, making it the most expensive in the Games(***) history [AFP]

Around 9,000 performers took part in the festivities on Sunday [AFP]

Athletes will compete for the next 11 days, in a variety of sports, including archery, badminton, tennis and wrestling [AFP]