India increases Commonwealth Games budget

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India has doubled its budget to organise the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi next year as it hopes to use the international gathering to show itself off as a major global destination.

The government on Thursday revised the budget to $344 million, a significant increase from the previous $163 million.

"It has been felt important to increase the amount because of the inclusion of new items that are essential for the successful delivery of the Games that were not provided in the initial budget," the country's Information & Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters.

New Delhi is preparing to host more than 100,000 foreign visitors during the Oct. 3-14 event.

(Writing by Sanjay Rajan; Editing by John O'Brien; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)