Athletes will regret their Delhi snub says Holmes

Sheffield's Jessica Ennis, Phillips Idowu, Mo Farah and Victoria Pendleton were among the big names who withdrew for a variety of reasons as fears grew over the Indians' ability to host the event.

In their absence new stars such as 200m and heptathlon gold medallists Leon Baptiste and Louise Hazel emerged and Holmes is convinced their experiences will leave them in a much better position to move towards London 2012.

Holmes said: "It's a shame that a lot of big names didn't take part because they didn't think these Games would be as successful as they have been, but I think it's proved everybody wrong.

"I have to say a lot of those who didn't turn up are probably regretting not coming out and being a part of a successful team.

"I think the Commonwealth Games is a huge stepping stone and platform. For you to do well here it elevates your confidence and belief that you can take it to the next stage – to the Olympic Games and beyond.

"By not having some of the top names in some of the sports here, others have got medals who have never had that platform before. Now they're the champions and they're the ones to look out for in the future."

England were pipped to second place in the medals table by India when the hosts took badminton singles gold in the dying moments of the Games, but Holmes insisted the total England medals tally of 142 ought to be seen as a success.

Holmes said: "I think it's exceeded our expectations. We always knew we had a strong team but I think we've really risen to the occasion. There have been some great successes from athletes we may not have known before."

Holmes believes the Delhi Games will be remembered fondly despite the teething problems which blighted its early stages, with concerns over the athletes' village as well as a series of technical issues.

"Personally I think it's been a successful Games," she stressed.

Yorkshire athletes enjoy Delhi success: Page 20.