What started 80 years ago as the British Empire Games has survived the demise of British colonial power, World War II and the end of the Cold War to emerge as a curious, some would say outdated, festival of sports which nevertheless defies the odds and remains hugely successful.

This time around though the games are facing an unprecedented challenge in the shape of India, by far the most populous nation in the pack, hosting them for the first time and with just a few days to go until the scheduled opening ceremony in New Delhi, things are looking bleak.