“Commonwealth Games is certainly not a side-show, but the world’s third-largest event,” said Coe, a former Olympic middle-distance champion.

“It’s a high-quality sporting competition with so much honour associated with it. I am sure the Games will leave a long-lasting legacy that people will remember throughout their lives.”

Coe is in India as part of a business and diplomatic delegation headed by British Prime Minister David Cameron.

“I am sure the people of Delhi will be watching the stars of tomorrow. Many stars are coming to the Delhi Games, such as Asafa Powell, who made his debut in this event,” he was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency.

New Delhi is set to host the showpiece event from October 3-14, with thousands of labourers working round the clock to finish long-delayed sporting infrastructure.

London started its two-year countdown to the Games on Tuesday, with most venues and facilities near completion. – AFP