NEW DELHI — A growing number of competitors are putting off travel to the Commonwealth Games to allow organizers time to finish their frantic preparations and clean the filthy accommodations that were slated to open today.

The games, which were to start in little more than a week, were meant to showcase India's emergence as a regional powerhouse to the 71 countries and territories of the former British Empire that take part. But long delays in getting facilities ready and a long list of scandals have turned them into an embarrassment.

Organizers have struggled with an outbreak of dengue fever, the collapse of a footbridge leading to the main stadium and security fears after the Sunday shooting of two tourists . A Muslim militant group took responsibility for the shooting.

It is unclear when athletes will actually arrive at the village, which is meant to house more than 7,000 athletes and officials.

The games are scheduled to begin Oct. 3.