Sonia Gandhi meets CWG medallists, Kalmadi kept out

New Delhi, Oct 16: 

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday met Commonwealth Games 2010 medal winners here today.

Sports Minister M S Gill and Bhubaneswar Kalita, who was Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent was present on the occasion. However Commonwealth Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi was not invited.

On Friday, the Prime Minister had also invited Indian medal winners for an interaction but Kalmadi was not invited. Kalmadi has been under a cloud of controversy for the last few weeks.

The Congress has made it clear that irregularities in the conduct of the Games would not be glossed over and those found guilty would be brought to book.

India made a record haul of 101 medals, including 38 Gold, 27 silver and 36 bronze. India stood second in the medal tally behind Australia, which bagged 74 gold, 55 silver and 48 bronze medals.

Delhi hands-over the mantle to Glasgow

Bidding adieu to the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi and the flag handing ceremony to the next host city Glasgow, Scotland, began with acknowledging the magic created by the Games mascot Shera. Emotions ran high as Shaan, the popular playback singer, sang Shera song – Goodbye Shera. Each and everyone present in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, packed to its capacity of 60,000, and billions of viewers across the world sang along with him, Bada Yaad Aayega Tu Shera (We’ll remember you Shera).

After the speech of the Chairman of the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, who thanked one and all for their endless support and faith.

The formal Flag handover ceremony started with Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, the Chief Minister of Delhi and Mr. Robert Winter, Lord Provost of Glasgow coming forward for the flag exchange. Handing over the Flag Mrs. Sheila Dikshit said, "In a few moments the Commonwealth Games Federation Ceremonial Flag will be entrusted to your care so that in a due time you deliver it to Glasgow, the host city of the XX Commonwealth Games to be held in 2014."

Accepting that Mr. Robert Winter, The Lord Provost of Glasgow replied, “This duty I willingly undertake to fulfil.” The Flag was then lowered, folded and handed over to Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP and Chairman OC CWG Delhi 2010. Mr. Suresh Kalmadi handed over the Flag to Lt. Governor of Delhi, Mr. Tejinder Khanna, who, in turn handed it over to the Robert Winter, Lord Provost of Glasgow. The Flag finally passed to Right Honourable the Lord Smith of Kelvin.

In his speech Right Honourable the Lord Smith of Kelvin said, “Delhi has provided a wonderful Games. There are few cities like Delhi and Glasgow that can match the diversity of the Commonwealth and it’s fitting that the Games are exchanged among us.” He thanked Delhi for being generous hosts. He called upon the Commonwealth to visit Glasgow in 2014.

After that HRH Prince Edward, Vice Patron - Commonwealth Games Federation, announced the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Closed, "On behalf of the Queen Elizabeth, Patron of the Commonwealth and in the name of the Commonwealth Games Federation I proclaim the XIX Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 closed and in accordance with the tradition I call upon the sportsmen and sportswomen of the Commonwealth to assemble in 4 years time in Glasgow, Scotland, there to celebrate the XX Commonwealth Games."

Proude to host CWG-PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said it was indeed a proud moment for India to host the 19th edition of Commonwealth Games in the historic city of New Delhi.

"Welcome to India, welcome to these Games. The people of India are delighted to host the 19th edition of Commonwealth Games in this historic city of Delhi," the PM said in his welcome speech at the three-hour-long dazzling opening show.

"It is a proud moment for all our countrymen. I convey my warm greetings to all members (of Commonwealth) in this august gathering in Commonwealth Games fraternity," he said.

Wishing all the participating sportspersons a memorable Commonwealth Games, Singh said, "Enjoy our hospitality, enjoy the Games, enjoy the incredible sound and sights of India.

"Millions are waiting eagerly to watch the Games unfold and celebrate the sporting excellence. The Games will see contest, human skill and above all of courage and uphold the spirit the Commonwealth and seeds of equality and friendship."

The Prime Minister ended his speech saying that may the Games be successful in establishing a bond of unity.

"This is an occasion to essential spirit of Commonwealth Games. May this spread peace equality among all people of nations. May this participation will spread friendship and good will, understanding that will unite us as one large family more than winning or losing.

"My wishes to sportspersons, organisers for a memorable 19th Commonwealth Games," he said.

PTI