Commonwealth Games 2018: Opening ceremony declared the CWG open. (Source: Reuters)
The opening ceremony of the 21st Commonwealth Games got underway on Wednesday evening in Gold Coast, Australia. Luckily for the spectators, athletes and organisers alike, the 35,000 people didn’t care enough about the rain that hit the venue prior to the start. The opening ceremony was slated to last two hours.
As per the programme, the opening ceremony began with celebrations of the laid-back beach lifestyle synonymous with the Gold Coast, and Australian indigenous culture. Later in the evening, Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, is scheduled to officially open the games on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Prince Charles and his wife Camilla touched down in Brisbane earlier in the day for the start of their official trip to Australia for the Games. The royal couple entered the stadium under dry skies half an hour before the ceremony began.
Scotland, as the host of the last Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, were the first to enter the stadium in the Parade of Nations. Host Australia entered last – as is the tradition.
The Josh on the faces of Indian contingent as they march @GC2018 opening ceremony is telling the story of their determination to colour the #GC2018 in Tricolour.🇮🇳
We hope this smile on your faces remain constant and each day a mega-celebration at Gold Coast.#RangDeTiranga— Dept of Sports MYAS (@IndiaSports) 4 April 2018
Rain or Sun, #TeamINDIA is one! We stand together despite torrential rain and take the tricolour into the #Carrara Stadium @GC2018 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/l0jnOosSlJ
— Gagan Narang (@gaGunNarang) April 4, 2018
Prince Charles, Aussie PM and the rest welcome Team Australia #CommonwealthGames2018 pic.twitter.com/HK5yWCPDAm
— Mihir Vasavda (@mihirsv) April 4, 2018
#TeamIndia walked into the #CarraraStadium led by @Pvsindhu1 #StayTuned to watch more from the #GC2018@afiindia @BAI_Media @BFI_basketball @BFI_official @OfficialCFI @TheHockeyIndia @OfficialNRAI @indiasquash @ttfitweet @WeightliftingIN @FederationWrest @ParalympicIndia pic.twitter.com/JMSA4n92Xg
— IOA – Team India (@ioaindia) April 4, 2018
The Atmosphere surrounding the opening ceremony is one of festivity. Ahead of the battles of competition it gives athletes a chance to enjoy where they are reached thus far. Wishing all the athletescompeting @GC2018 all the best and a great evening ahead !
— Abhinav Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) 4 April 2018
An opening ceremony is extremely tiring for the athletes with them having to be on their feet for 5-6 hours. However the adrenaline rush marching into the stadium compensates!
— Abhinav Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) 4 April 2018
Best wishes to the eight players from Odisha and entire Indian contingent for the #GC2018. The whole Nation will be cheering for you over next 10 days. Give your best and make the country proud. Best of luck. @GC2018 pic.twitter.com/C2BslI6qXU
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) 4 April 2018
Prior to the start of the Games, PM Narendra Modi extended his good wishes to the athletes. He wrote in a tweet, “All the best to the athletes representing India at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games! Our sportspersons have worked tremendously hard and the Games will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talent. Every Indian is cheering for our contingent.”
All the best to the athletes representing India at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games! Our sportspersons have worked tremendously hard and the Games will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talent. Every Indian is cheering for our contingent. #GC2018 @GC2018
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 4 April 2018
The games end April 15.