Scotland, Canada and New Zealand have all delayed the departure of athletes due to participate in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, which start on 3 October.

Each of the teams revealed the decision had been taken amid ongoing concerns over security and unfinished facilities, after both England and Scotland criticised the conditions of the Athletes' Village this week. The first group of Scottish athletes - competing in boxing, rugby sevens and wrestling events - had been due to travel today [23 September] but will now travel a few days later.

Commonwealth Games Scotland chair Michael Cavanagh said: "We have discussed this with the sports involved and are in agreement that this is the best course of action under the circumstances. "While this is an untimely alteration to their plans, it will ultimately cause less disruption to their final training and preparation than if they were to arrive in the Games Village which is not yet fit for purpose."

Canada delayed the departure of its women's field hockey team and two shooting athletes for "at least two more days", while New Zealand has advised athletes not to travel until 28 September. However, Commonwealth Games England has confirmed that it is still expecting to fly out on time, while Australia has expressed confidence in the security and accommodation arrangements.

The withdrawals also come amid reports that a section of ceiling at the weightlifting arena had collapsed on 22 September, a day following the collapse of a bridge outside the Jawarharlal Stadium. According to The Guardian, Indian cabinet secretary KM Chandreshekhar said: "The cables which were to be set up for the data network were placed on the false ceiling and due to the weight of the cables, the ceiling fell off.

"It's a minor thing and it will be corrected. It's not a matter to be worried about."