Gold Post

memorable farewell

gold Coast: If the opening was about history and traditions, the signing off was all about celebration as Gold Coast threw a big party to mark the end of the 21st CWG with the legendary boxer M C Mary Kom carrying the flag for India at the closing ceremony. A packed Carrara stadium bid goodbye to the thousands of athletes and officials, who descended on this coastal city for 12 days of competition during which India pulled off its third-best ever medal count of 66, 26 of them Gold. "The calibre of athletes has been unparalleled, showcasing world record holders, sporting greats and breakthrough performances from young athletes," CWG Federation President Louise Martin said in her address. "While the Games is coming to a close, the future of sport in the Commonwealth is very bright indeed. In fact, in 2018, the Commonwealth and Commonwealth Sport are more relevant than ever before," she said.

‘will build on gains’

Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore on Sunday lauded the Indian athletes' performance at the CWG and promised to build on the success in Gold Coast keeping the 2024 and 2028 Olympics in mind. India finished third in the medals tally, courtesy 66 medals including 26 Gold, 20 Silver and as many Bronze. "The intensity and passion shown by the athletes has made the entire nation proud," said Rathore in a video message. "While we won a lot of medals in disciplines which have been our traditional stronghold, it was even more heartening to find our athletes doing well in sports, where we have not won too many medals," Rathore added.