India stuns the world with grand CWG Games opening ceremony

AMIDST MUCH fanfare and pomp the XIX Commonwealth Games, Delhi 2010 were declared open on Sunday. The spectacular sporting extravaganza was witnessed by millions of people across the world on their TV sets, besides the 60, 000 strong crowd that flocked the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.

The event was kicked off by Prince Charles and President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil as they declared the games open. Though according to protocol, the British Monarch, who heads the CWG Federation has to declare the games open, in her absence, her message was read out to the audience by Prince Charles.

Organizing Committee Chairman, Suresh Kalmadi, CWG federation chief, Mike Fennell, and Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh addressed the august spectators who had gathered on the occasion.

Brushing aside scams, controversies and negative publicity that marred the Games during the last few weeks, the opening ceremony showcased incredible India in its magnificent colors. India’s rich culture and heritage was the essence of the opening ceremony. The event showcased galore dance, music and arts. The XIX Commonwealth Games' opening ceremony enthralled one and all. This is the biggest sporting extravaganza India has ever organized since the 1982 Asian Games.

The much discussed highly expensive Aerostat was raised in the middle of the stadium above 25 meters from the ground suspended with puppets. A team of 1000 drummers created sort of magic with their thumping, beat leaving spectators awestruck.

The tone of shankhnaad across the stadium indicated that India has arrived. The splendid firework lit the sky combined with laser light making environment completely drowned in the colors of India.

Popular classical singer Hariharan took the centre stage along with 1000 school children rendering heart touching Swagatham song (welcome song) to welcome foreign dignitaries and athletes.

Athletes and officials from 71 participating nations took part in the march past. According to reports emanating from Commonwealth Games, there are some 4500 athletes and 2500 support officials who participated in the grand sporting extravaganza. India’s contingent was led by 2008 Olympic Gold medalist, Abhinav Bindra. India is expected to break their best haul of medals in Commonwealth Games, in 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, India had bagged 79 medals. This time they are aiming for 100 medals and second place in the medal tally.

Musicians and artists from across the country mesmerized the audience with their superb performance. Carnatic, Classical, fusion, yoga, Sufi and a host of many other genres of Indian culture were showcased to the world.

The climax of the ceremony was kept under cover. Oscar Award winning music director, AR Rahman took centre stage as he rendered CWG 2010's theme song, O yaaro India bula liya and Jai Ho from his Oscar winning movie, Slumdog Millionaire leaving audiences spellbound.

The grand opening ceremony was applauded by world leaders and media. They showered praise on India for organizing such a magnificent opening ceremony.