SYDNEY. Sept 8: New Delhi has withdrawn from the race for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, leaving Adelaide and Kuala Lumpur to contest the right to host the sporting event, officials said today, reports AFP.

Two • visiting senior Commonwealth Games Federation official told reporters in Adelaide they had been told Delhi had withdrawn.

The federation's legal adviser Shared Rao said he was in formally advised by Indian games officials before leaving London yesterday that New Delhi would not pursue its bld.

Federation Secretary David Dixon cited recent political problems in India as a possible factor.

Rao and Dixon are here on a three-day trip to inspect facilities and discuss commercial proposals, including sponsorship. They fly to Kuala Lumpur on a similar mission Wednesday.

The Games bring together athletes from members of the Commonwealth nations every four years.

The site of the 1998 Games is due to be announced after a vote by federation officials on July 23 next year in Barcelona Just before the Olympic Games. New Delhi tost to Victoria tn Canada to host the next Games in 1994.