The Commonwealth Games began on time Sunday in Delhi, despite building delays and withdrawals by athletes.
At the 19th annual event, representatives from the 71 nations participating in the multisport event paraded around the packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, at the opening ceremony, which included speeches by Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prince Charles, representing Queen Elizabeth.
“It is particularly fitting that the 2010 Commonwealth Games are being held in India,” said Prince Charles. This year India celebrated 60 years of independence, which brought the Commonwealth of Nations into being.
“Sport has always been a powerful bridge across cultures and people,” President Patil said. “We shall see this come true, one more time.”
Preparation for the games has seen a series of crises including allegations of corruption and building safety concerns. Less than two weeks ago, a bridge outside the stadium collapsed injuring 27 workers.
At the 19th annual event, representatives from the 71 nations participating in the multisport event paraded around the packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, at the opening ceremony, which included speeches by Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prince Charles, representing Queen Elizabeth.
“It is particularly fitting that the 2010 Commonwealth Games are being held in India,” said Prince Charles. This year India celebrated 60 years of independence, which brought the Commonwealth of Nations into being.
“Sport has always been a powerful bridge across cultures and people,” President Patil said. “We shall see this come true, one more time.”
Preparation for the games has seen a series of crises including allegations of corruption and building safety concerns. Less than two weeks ago, a bridge outside the stadium collapsed injuring 27 workers.
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