As the curtains come down this evening on the 2010 Commonwealth Games, India is shining with its best ever medal haul with 36 Golds. The hosts will make a last-ditch effort to finish second in the medal's tally, as India's performances in Hockey and Badminton are expected to add more yellow metals. England with 37 Golds are currently at second spot, while Australia have taken an unassailable lead with a tally of 72 Golds. On the final day of the Games, 16 Gold medals are up for grabs in Marathon, Gymnastics, Badminton, Hockey, Net Ball and Table Tennis. In Badminton, all eyes will be on the Saina Nehwal. She clashes with Malaysia's Wong Mew Choo for the top place in women's singles, while India's Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa will seek the gold in Women's Doubles. Malaysia bagged the Gold in the mixed Doubles category in Badminton. Malaysia's Ee Hui Chin and Kein Keat Koo beat England's Jenny Wallwork and Nathan Robertson by 2-0. Singapore got the gold. 4 more golds will be decided in Badminton, today. In Hockey, India will take on world champion Australia in the final, with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh joining the home crowd to cheer the hosts. New Zealand won the Bronze in men's hockey defeating England 5-2 in penalty Shootout. Four Gold will be decided at Gymnastics Rhythmic in Rope, Hoop, Ball and Ribbon, while 3 gold will be on stake in Table Tennis events. NetBall will account for one gold. Kenya dominated the marathon events at the Commonwealth games with its athletes securing golds in both men's and women's categories. In men's event, Kenya's John Kellai won the race clocking 2 hours 14 minutes 35 seconds. Australia's Michael shelly won the silver as he finished 53 seconds behind the leader. Kenya also secured the bronze with Amos Matui finishing the race in 2 hours 15 minutes 58 seconds. In Women's Section, Kenyan athletes had a one-two finish with Australia finishing third. Irene Rosgei won the race with the timing of 2 hours 34 minutes 32 seconds while compratiot Irene Mogake finished 11 seconds behind her to bag the silver. Australia's Lisa Weightman clinched the Bonze clocking 2 hours 35 minutes 25 seconds. Yesterday, Indian boxers created history by winning three gold medals as Suranjoy Singh, Manoj Kumar and Paramjeet Samota recorded comprehensive victories in the finals of their respective categories yesterday. Suranjoy received a walkover against Benson Njangiru of Kenya. Manoj thrashed English pugilist Bradley Saunders 11-2 in a totally lop-sided encounter, while Samota conquered Abdul Tariq Haq of Trinidad and Tobago 5-1 in a hard fought contest in the Super Heavyweight. This is the first time in the history of Commonwealth Games that India has won three gold medals in boxing. Away from the rings, Achanta Sharat Kamal and Subhajit Saha had bagged the men's doubles table tennis gold. The paddlers defeated top seeds Zi Yang and Ning Gao of Singapore in a final that was stretched to five sets. Indian shooters who have been the biggest achievers, failed to cull a gold, and had to settle for a silver and a bronze on the last day of their campaign. Meanwhile, the grand finale of the games today will be a blast of music with a laser show as its highlight, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The celebration will reach a crescendo tonight as the flag comes down to begin its journey to Glasgow for the next meet in 2014. Involv0ing 7,000 performers, the theme of the closing function will showcase martial arts and include segments like 'Tribute to the Motherland' and 'Music of Universal Love', with aerostat – the world's largest helium balloon set to dazzle the spectators. The 2-hour-15-minute show featuring 7,000 performers from all over the country, will spread the message of universal love as the athletes from participating nations and territories march out as a one big family after 11 days of exhilarating action.
News On AIR | October 14, 2010 11:24 AM
India shining with its best ever medal haul