It began with DJs performing with 1000 dancers on five stages of the field in an electrifying atmosphere with a 25 stacks of speakers blaring 500,000 Watts of sound. Soon a seven-minute laser show accompanied by heart-thumping music was the order of the day.Ī 30-minute segment titled 'Music of Universal Love' featuring renowned Indian singers and musicians mesmerized the crowd in the final leg of the ceremony. Thank you Delhi," as the 12-day sporting spectacle was declared closed by Prince Edward. In all-praise of Delhi, Games president also said, "Delhi you have delivered a truly exceptional Games. Named after the former secretary of the CGF, the award instituted in 2002 is given to the outstanding athlete of each of the Commonwealth Games based on their performance. In between, the Games president, Fennell, presented the David Dixon Award Jamaican triple jumper gold medallist Trecia Smith.
The performers began with a lone piper as the spotlight soon shifted to a giant structure that inflated and the Clyde Arc Bridge with the Armadillo and River Clyde flowing underneath was created, leaving all and sundries mesmerised. Scottish performers soon took the centrestage proudly showcasing their country's spirit, culture and heritage in a 10-minute Glasgow segment. Kalmadi received the flag before handing it over to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Tejinder Khanna who in turn gave it to Winter. The otherwise vociferous spectators were stunned in silence in an emotional moment of sorts as they bade farewell to the Games 2010. Official representative of the 2014 host city, Robert Winter, who is the Lord Provost of Glasgow, said, "This duty I willingly undertake to fulfil," as the Games flag was lowered with an Army band in the background. The ceremonial flag handover segment began with Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit saying, "In a few moments, the ceremonial flag will be entrusted to your care so that in due time you deliver it to Glasgow." For India, it's a new beginning in sports," he said as the packed stadium cheered as well as jeered to Kalmadi's few remarks. "But it's not the end, it's just the beginning. "The sporting extravaganza has ended," he said. Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi in is speech said the Games had given a new beginning to Indian sports. The official mascot of the Games, Shera, was given an emotional farewell as he went around the stadium accompanied by singer Shaan. Saina Nehwal, who won the singles badminton title this morning, accompanied Narang during the flag's march-past.Īthletes march-past followed as the biggest Indian contingent danced in jubilation while entering the arena. In a surprise package, the Games volunteers, Delhi United, chugged into the stadium making a beeline in a display of Indian Railways legacy.įlags of the 71 participating nations with ace shooter Gagan Narang holding the Indian tricolour entered the field together as one big contingent, signifying the bonds and friendships formed during the Games. The performers sprinkled the tri-colour of Indian flags, signifying the festival of Holi in what turned out to be a visual delight. There was much excitement and euphoria in store when a tribute was paid to the India's sporting spirit, aptly titled Agni - a segment that featured the fiery and passionate tradition of the country's martial arts.Ĭhants of Agni shloka preceded eight martial art forms - Kalaripayattu, Naga warriors, Thangta, Gatka, Silambam, Akhara, Dhan Patta, Talwar Raas - that enthralled the audience as skies lit up with dazzling fireworks.įourteen military bands, 17 pipes and drums of various regiments and batallions of the Indian Army performed in unison as pigeons were set free.ĭressed in white, 2010 Delhi school children paid tribute to the motherland performing to the tunes of Vande Mataram as they took positions to form rangoli pattern and Ashoka chakra on the field. Pyros took off from the roof of the stadium giving a delightful sight as countdown in Devanagri script opened up the proceedings with the crowd roaring from the stands. The Indian national anthem was played as the packed stand stood up in respect to mark the beginning of the closing ceremony. The ceremony began with the arrival of dignitaries who included the Prime Minister, the Vice President, UPA chairperson, CGF chief Michael Fennell and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the guest of honour. "In accordance with tradition I call upon the sportsmen and sportswomen of the Commonwealth to assemble in four years time in Glasgow, Scotland, there to celebrate the XX Commonwealth Games." Reading out the closure statement, the Prince said, "In the name of the Commonwealth Games Federation, I proclaim the XIX Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 closed.