Commonwealth Games End with Spectacular Closing Ceremony
- 14 years ago
A spectacular laser show and fireworks marked the grand finale of the 19th Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Also on display…. traditional Indian songs, dances and displays of ancient martial arts from across the nation.
The sky over the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was alight with multi-colored laser beams and a brilliant display of crackers.
About 800 performers also displayed the best of their states through traditional martial art forms in a bright light and sound show set to hundreds of drumbeats.
The country's vice president and prime minister were also at the ceremony. Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa was the guest of honor.
[Arvind Kumar, Spectator]: (male, Hindi)
“There was discipline. The program was well managed. The stadium was completely filled with spectators. All the events were very interesting. It really was a very successful program.”
[Mary, Spectator]: (female, English)
“It was just beautiful tonight, to see children came out and make all beautiful colors. I was so proud of India tonight. Good job India, congratulations.”
Prince Edward, Vice Patron of Commonwealth Games Federation, proclaimed the Games closed.
[Prince Edward, Vice Patron, Commonwealth Games Federation]: (male, English)
"On the behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, Head of the Commonwealth and in the name of Commonwealth Federation, I proclaim the 19th Commonwealth Games, Delhi 2010, closed."
Amid chaos and controversies, India hosted the Games, and managed to retain its second position after Australia.
The event was being marred by charges of rampant corruption, dubious contracts and poor workmanship over the past few months.
But with a spectacular opening ceremony, an impressive athletic performance and a great start to the closing ceremony, the 2010 Commonwealth Games is now being perceived as a success.
The sky over the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was alight with multi-colored laser beams and a brilliant display of crackers.
About 800 performers also displayed the best of their states through traditional martial art forms in a bright light and sound show set to hundreds of drumbeats.
The country's vice president and prime minister were also at the ceremony. Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa was the guest of honor.
[Arvind Kumar, Spectator]: (male, Hindi)
“There was discipline. The program was well managed. The stadium was completely filled with spectators. All the events were very interesting. It really was a very successful program.”
[Mary, Spectator]: (female, English)
“It was just beautiful tonight, to see children came out and make all beautiful colors. I was so proud of India tonight. Good job India, congratulations.”
Prince Edward, Vice Patron of Commonwealth Games Federation, proclaimed the Games closed.
[Prince Edward, Vice Patron, Commonwealth Games Federation]: (male, English)
"On the behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, Head of the Commonwealth and in the name of Commonwealth Federation, I proclaim the 19th Commonwealth Games, Delhi 2010, closed."
Amid chaos and controversies, India hosted the Games, and managed to retain its second position after Australia.
The event was being marred by charges of rampant corruption, dubious contracts and poor workmanship over the past few months.
But with a spectacular opening ceremony, an impressive athletic performance and a great start to the closing ceremony, the 2010 Commonwealth Games is now being perceived as a success.