Fireworks explode at the XIX Commonwealth Games
Fireworks explode at the XIX Commonwealth Games closing ceremony at Jawarharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. – Photo by AFP
NEW DELHI: The curtain fell on the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Thursday evening with a closing ceremony that celebrated the end of 11 days of sport with a mix of relief and jubilation.
In the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, a two-and-a-half hour show of traditional dance, Bollywood music and huge fireworks gave the finishing sparkle to an event that survived rocky preparations and daily operational hiccups.
With many Indians pointing out that pessimistic international expectations had been proved wrong, the organisers said their decision to hold the Games in fast-developing India was a major gamble that had paid off.Unfinished athletes’ accommodation, security fears, big-name withdrawals and poor ticket sales were among a myriad of difficulties that got the Games off to an uncertain start.
But the occasion closed on a high after Indian athletes performed beyond all expectations to finish second in the overall medals table, sneaking ahead of England with a badminton gold late on Thursday.
Attendances at most venues improved dramatically, no terror attack materialised, and glitches over transport, and a stomach bug among swimmers were all overcome.
In the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, a two-and-a-half hour show of traditional dance, Bollywood music and huge fireworks gave the finishing sparkle to an event that survived rocky preparations and daily operational hiccups.
With many Indians pointing out that pessimistic international expectations had been proved wrong, the organisers said their decision to hold the Games in fast-developing India was a major gamble that had paid off.Unfinished athletes’ accommodation, security fears, big-name withdrawals and poor ticket sales were among a myriad of difficulties that got the Games off to an uncertain start.
But the occasion closed on a high after Indian athletes performed beyond all expectations to finish second in the overall medals table, sneaking ahead of England with a badminton gold late on Thursday.
Attendances at most venues improved dramatically, no terror attack materialised, and glitches over transport, and a stomach bug among swimmers were all overcome.
