After weeks of problems and last-minute scrambling, host India opens the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Thousands of athletes are ready, focusing on the competition ahead.br br New Delhi declared a public holiday on Sunday to ease traffic as police continued to step up security for the Commonwealth Games.br br Britain's Prince Charles opens the 12-day sporting event together with the Indian president at 1:30pm Greenwich Mean Time.br br Organizers and athletes are trying to put controversy aside as they scramble to salvage the spirit of the games.br br The head of the Australian delegation said his athletes were ready.br br [Steve Moneghetti, Chef De Mission, Australia]: br "It's about the athletes today and despite all of that infrastructure and all those concerns, today is a celebration. Today the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony in Delhi, it's happening and it's exciting and there is a great buzz around. The human emotion that you can feel in the Village (Games Village) and in preparation for what is a spectacular night and such a significant moment in Indian sport."br br Corruption, unfinished facilities, dirty accommodation and health concerns have marred the $6-billion sporting event, causing some athletes to pull out of the games.br br But the remaining 6,700 participants representing 54 commonwealth nations are focusing on the competition ahead.br br The games will run through to October 14.