CWG Delhi 2010: Let The Games Begin

With one of the grandest ever opening ceremonies on Sunday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, India showcased to the world the spirit of the games, Indian culture and tradition, music, rhythms, dance, colors, diversity of its culture and lifestyles, and above all its technological advancements.

The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, the representative of the Queen, inaugurated the opening ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games by reading out the message from the Queen and declaring the games open in the presence of 60,000 spectators, participants and officials from 71 countries and territories, heads of states and other dignitaries from various countries. Prince Charles, said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I have much pleasure in declaring the nineteenth Commonwealth Games open."

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, present for on the occasion of opening ceremony of Delhi 2010 the along with his wife Gursharan Kaur, graced the occasion with a brief speech, "From all our countrymen, I convey my warm greetings to each member of this august gathering of Commonwealth sporting fraternity… I invite all our guests who have come from every corner of the world to enjoy our hospitality, to enjoy games, to enjoy the incredible sites and sounds of India. Millions of people are waiting eagerly to watch this great sporting spectacle unfold."

The games commenced when the President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil announced, "Let the Games begin," after her brief speech declaring the games open.

The opening ceremony of the 11-day sporting extravaganza, Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010, was marked by a grand cultural extravaganza, dance, music and fireworks; a magnificent opening ceremony showcasing a glimpse of India's great heritage and tradition through light, music and dance show.