The grand finale of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games began with India showcasing martial arts from across the country. 520 martial artists showed their prowess of the ancient martial arts of the country including Kalaripayattu from Kerala, Silambam from Tamilnadu, Dandpatta from Maharashtra, Gatka from Punjab and other places. Naga Warriors with their traditional spears moved around with the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium lit up with hi-tech laser beams and colour lights. The stadium echoed by spectators as sixteen fire dancers added to the beauty of the martial art dance with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, and Guest of honour and Sri Lankan President Rajapaske watched from the pavilion. Queen's representative Earl Of Wessex, Prince Edward was also watching from the pavilion with other VIPs including Sonia Gandhi and Commonwealth Games Federation President Mike Fennell. Vice President Hamid Ansari, Senior BJP leader L.K. Advani and a number of Cabinet Minister besides Delhi Chief Minister and Lt. Governor were also present. The 60-crore rupee helium balloon AEROSTAT reflected the dancers giving a stunning background from the skies. As the games will now go to Glasgow, Scotland, the Bagpipers and drummers of the Indian Armed forces gave a fitting performance to the cheers of the spectators. Thousands of children paid a tribute to the National song “Vande Mataram”. Some other prominent songs like “Sare Jahan Se Achha” and “Qadam Qadam Badaye Ja” also filled the air with patriotic fervour. If common man was the focus in the opening ceremony, Railgari show by thousands of volunteers in the closing ceremony with thrilling formations stole the show……Dubbed as real Ambassadors or the face of the games they did a splendid role in making the games a success.Soon after this the players and the para-sports persons, who set more than 75 games records, walked in waving their country's flags. Following this, the sportsmen and women from across the world from 71 commonwealth countries and Territories came in led by the Indian contingent. In the opening ceremony, they came in carrying the placards of their respective country, but now in the closing ceremony no such barriers were there, reflecting the spirit of Vasudeva Kutumbakam marching out as one big family after 12 days of action on the fields.The famous Singer Shan dedicated a song to the games mascot Shera while he was taken around the stadium in a cart.Addressing the closing ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Suresh Kalmadi said that India has made a statement to the world that it is on the march on the sporting arena.Delhi Chief Minister, Mrs. Sheila Dikshit handed over the chair for the 2014 Commonwealth Games at Glasgow in Scotland to the Lord Provost Robert Winter in a formal ceremony.
News On AIR | February 9, 2011 3:44 PM
Martial arts, Railgari show and Shera in Closing Ceremony Closing