"Trying to run down the country is not acceptable to us," Sharma said. "Tens of thousands of our sons and daughters have worked for many years to build the stadiums and build the infrastructure."

"We have had unprecedented rains. We have had floods. We expect respect and understanding from our partners but criticism has been there in the past. This country (India) has seen similar criticism and concerns expressed when we hosted major events and the skeptics have been proven wrong," he added.

Sharma suggested some of the athletes who are threatening to boycott the games are refusing to go to India because "they are not confident of winning the medals or they will lose out."

Sharma bristled at the suggestion that India would fail to welcome guests in an appropriate manner.

"We have very rich cultural traditions, and we know how to receive our guests. Our guests will be welcomed, and the Commonwealth Games will be rejoiced and remembered," he said.

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