By IANS,
New Delhi: Indian President Pratibha Patil said Sunday hosting the Commonwealth Games has given India an opportunity to showcase “our legendary hospitality” to the world.
“Let us use this opportunity to showcase our legendary hospitality while we enjoy the celebration of sport in our country,” Patil said, after Britain’s Prince Charles read out the Queen’s message declaring open the 19th edition of the international sporting event.
Patil and Charles jointly inaugurated the event that ends Oct 14.
“The Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are now open. Let the Games begin,” Patil said, speaking in Hindi and English at the inaugural ceremony.
Addressing the packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the president said: “Sport has always been a powerful bridge across cultures and people. At the 19th Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, we shall see this come true one more time.”
“We will witness the power of sport to bring together athletes from the nations and territories of the Commonwealth, bound together, by a commonality of purpose,” she said.
“We will see a variety of emotions unfold when the competitions begin. And we will experience much of it ourselves,” she said, reading from a written statement.
Clad in a cream coloured sari with bright orange border for the event, the president said a “determined effort” of athlets “will offer those watching the Games a great opportunity to imbibe lessons that will enable them enhance the quality of their pursuits.
“Let me wish the athletes the very best in their dedicated pursuit of excellence. To our friends from other countries, let me say: India is a diverse and beautiful nation, with a rich heritage and culture.”
Speaking in Hindi, to the cheering audience of 65,000, Patil extended her greetings to everyone on the occasion.