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India make a run for C'Wealth Games

South Africa's Cape Town and India's New Delhi are shaping as contenders to host the 2006 Commonwealth Games, according to Melbourne's bid leader Ron Walker.

The Australian city's only previous competitor for the games was Wellington, New Zealand, which withdrew from the race last month.

Potential bidders have unto April nine to lodge their bids with the Commonwealth Games Federation, leaving Melbourne less than a fortnight from an unchallenged victory.

But Walker said the race might still be alive.

"There is some information coming out of Cape Town and Delhi that they may just enter the race at the last minute,'' Walker said today. "There are some people in Cape Town and Delhi who have been making some inquiries.''

Melbourne has been lobbying for three years to host the Ggames and has always been a frontrunner. It already has most of the facilities in place and handles world-class events such as the Australian Tennis Open and the Australian Grand Prix Formula One race.

"But it's a big prize we are seeking and you cannot take anything for granted,'' Walker said. "The moment Wellington pulled out we had certain rumblings from other countries that they may bid -- and they still may bid.''

If Melbourne is challenged before April nine, a decision on hosting rights will be made on October ten in Fiji.

AP