Introduction
Common Wealth Games are an international, multi-sport event which is held every four years. The 2010 Common Wealth games were the nineteenth Common Wealth Games. the Games were held in New Delhi, India between 3rd October to 14th October 2010. The games were the largest multi-sport event conducted to date in Delhi and India. The opening ceremony took place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. Many performers performed their best and the ceremony lasts for about two and half hours. It was the first time the Common Wealth Games were held in India and the second time this eveent has been held in Asia (after 1998 in Malaysia).
About the Game
The queen's Baton Relay is a relay around the world held prior to the beginning of the Common Wealth Games. The baton carries a message from the Head of the Common wealth, Currently Queen Elizabeth II. The Relay traditionally begins at Buckingham Palace in London. The Queen entrusts the Baton to the first relay runner. At the Opening Ceremony of the Games, the final relay runner hands the Baton bak to the Queen, who reads the message aloud to officially open the Games. Shera was choosen as the official mascot of the games. Shera represents grace, power, majesty and courage. Shera visited many schools of Delhi just to encourage the students about the Games.
About the logo
India's symbol Chakra inspired the logo for the 19th Common Wealth Games. Chakra symbolizes freedom, unity and power. The spiral moving upwards has been used to depict India's march forward towards modernity. "Come out and Play" that's the motto for Delhi CWG 2010. It was an appeal to people of all ages to come forward and participate, become a part of it. The official song was composed by A.R.Rahman.
Games played
There were seventeen disciplines played in Common Wealth Games. Aquatics, Archery, Athletics, badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Balls, Netballs, Rugby 7's, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling are the games that are played in Common Wealth Games. 72 nations participated in the Common Wealth Games. Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Island, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Nigeria, Ghana,Sri Lanka, Tonga, Tanzania, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Dominicia, Singapore and many other countries participated in the Common Wealth Games.
Government Measures
Government took many steps regarding these games. They arranged special training of teaching English to the Cab Drivers, Security, Porters, waiters so that they can communicate witht he tourist properly. Special lanes were made for the CWG. The slums were covered with the Bamboo screens to separate it from the city and fromt he sights of the tourist. Special buildings were made around the Games Village for the athletics to stay and also a free trip was offered to the athletics of the famous Taj Mahal. Special reserved lanes were made on the Highways for the athletics. GPS system was provided on the buses which is equipped with the state art and technology. Government took special care of the power cuts also which is a big problem of Delhi.
Conclusion
The Game ended on 14th October with a grand closing ceremony. But the closing ceremony was not so good as the Opening one. The Common Wealth Flag was handed to Glasgow, Scotland's representatives who will organize the next 20th Common Wealth Games in 2014. Delhi has succesfully organized this Game.