Delhi Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi risked ridicule today as he appeared to be in denial over the near empty stadiums which greeted the first day of the Commonwealth Games.

India is set to host a Formula One race in 2010, according to the head of the Indian Olympic Association.

India is set to become the latest addition to the grand prix calendar after the Indian Olympic Association announced that a preliminary deal to stage a race in 2009 has been agreed with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Delhi has beaten off the challenge of Hamilton to stage the 2010 Commonwealth Games.