The Commonwealth Games in the Indian capital have been plagued by security worries, boycotts and allegations of corruption from the outset while there have been fears fears that the shambolic state the Athlete’s Village is currently in could lead to major Commonwealth countries, including England, withdrawing from the competition altogether.

Hamilton claimed that the problems overshadowing the event are solely a reflection of Delhi’s poor organisational planning rather than the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and will not harm the status of the event.

Hamilton, often referred to as the grandfather of Award Ceremonies in the black community, told insidethegames: "At this very moment, the future of the 19th Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, are in limbo but this does not make the ‘Commonwealth Brand’ obsolete.

"Of course lessons will have to be learned though and the process for Hosting Rights made more rigid."

Hamilton’s comments came as the event as the finalists for the 29th annual Commonwealth Sports Awards, which will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham on November 6, were revealed.

English heptathlete star Jessica Ennis, who will not compete in Delhi, leads the nominations in the Outstanding Female category where she will be joined by rower Katherine Grainger of Scotland and badminton star Saina Nehwal from India.

Jamaican sprint sensation Usain Bolt, the highest profile star missing the Delhi Games, is the lead contender in the Outstanding Male category where he is joined on the shortlist by shooter George Achilleos of Cyprus and diver Matthew Mitcham of Australia.

English archer Danielle Brown, who will become the first disabled athlete ever to compete for England in an able-bodied event at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Female With Disability category along with swimmers Sophie Pascoe of New Zealand and Cyprus' Karolina Pelendritou (pictured). 

Amongst some of the other nominations for the Birmingham Awards, rower Andrew Holmes of Scotland has been shortlisted for Outstanding Young Achiever - a prize for athletes under 18-years-old - while the England’s men’s hockey team have been nominated for the Outstanding Team award.

Nominations for the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award are Jamaican netball legend Molly Rhone of Jamaica, squash icon Susie Simcock from New Zealand and Patrick Watts of the Falkland Islands.

Hamilton said: "We look forward to welcoming the athletes, coaches and administrators to Birmingham for our 29th staging on Saturday 6 November. 

"Birmingham has pulled out all the stops and they are assured of a memorable event."

Launched by Hamilton back in 1980, the high profile award ceremony rewards the achievements of the greatest sportsmen and women from across the Commonwealth.

Previous winners include Olympic gold medallist heptathlete Denise Lewis, cricketing legend Brian Lara, footballer stars Dwight Yorke and Michael Owen, boxing icons Lennox Lewis and Joe Calzaghe, triple Olympic champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy and three-time London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe.

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