The chief organiser of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi has welcomed an Indian government investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement that surrounded the event.

The Games were hailed as a success in India despite a budget that ballooned to an estimated six billion dollars and a desperate last-minute dash to finish facilities, amid widespread criticism of the preparations.

“We welcome the initiative and hope that it will be comprehensive, covering all aspects,” Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of the Delhi 2010 organising committee, said.

Kalmadi, a veteran political survivor who has headed the Indian Olympic Association for 14 years, was booed at the opening and closing ceremonies after becoming the public face of the Games’ troubled build-up.

The Games were hit by uncompleted athletes’ accommodation, shabbily constructed new venues and a series of organisational glitches ranging from poor ticket sales to delayed sports results.

In his statement, Kalmadi said Indians had “done themselves proud” at the Games, adding that athletes, team officials and the foreign media had eventually heaped “widespread acclaim and praise” on the host city.

A panel of investigators headed by a former chief of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) will submit its report to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by January.