By IANS,
New Delhi: Participating athletes and delegates were thrilled with the colourful spectacle of dance, music, drums and lights at the 2010 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony Sunday night, and described it as “magnificent” and “unbelievable”.
“It was a stunning display of art, culture and traditions. I was bewildered to find so many diverse looking people belonging to the same country and dancing so beautifully,” said Graeme Carroll, coach of the Australian men’s para-swimming team, after watching the event at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Although Carroll said he found the speeches boring, the vibrant display of colour at the laser show captivated him. “It was just sensational and brilliant,” he said.
“Overall, the event was stunning but had more information been provided through commentary probably I would have enjoyed a bit more,” said Kristin Edwards, a weightlifter from Barbados who sought some more details on the cultural performances.
According to the athletes, the event showcased so much variety that they found it hard to choose any particular performance they liked. Some were smitten by the dances while others were floored by the music.
“I loved the yoga and the tree (of knowledge) part. They were amazing and unbelievable. I got to learn a lot about Indian culture,” said Antonie Xavier Adams, a sprinter from St. Kitts and Nevis.
Edwards loved the 300 metre-long series of tableaux – The Great Indian Journey – that showcased the “riot of life that exists within and around an Indian train”. “It was absolutely gorgeous,” she said.
Even the CWG anthem, which earlier got a lukewarm response from many Indians, was a winner. The guests, despite the language barrier, have taken a strong liking to it.
“That Rahman is a rockstar, he plays to the crowd and not the guests. The anthem is very peppy and the beats are awesome,” said Carroll.
According to Matongno Julien, a high jumper from Cameroon, the best part about the whole ceremony was the Games anthem. “It is a nice track with energetic beats,” he said.
Agreed Edwards: “Although I couldn’t understand the language but still I loved the Games anthem.”
The enthralling programme went on for three hours and encapsulated 5,000 years of Indian history.
As many as 65,000 spectators were present at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.