XtraTime Web Desk: A glittering opening ceremony marked the beginning of the 21st Commonwealth Games at the Carrara Stadium in Gold Coast on Wednesday. The 35000 strong crowd was entertained to some brilliant light and sound show along with some great performances from the likes of Ricki-Lee Coulter and Delta Goodrem. The main attraction of the opening ceremony was the performances from the indigenous artists showcasing Australia’s rich cultural heritage.
Sportspersons from 71 countries will be competing with each other over the next 11 days in the quest for gold. India will be represented in the Games by a strong contingent of 221 athletes. Ace schuttler PV Sindhu did the honour of carrying the Tri Colour during the Parade of the Nations.
Hosts Australia is fielding a strong contingent of 500 athletes. Olympic medallist hockey player Mark Knowles did the honour of carrying the Australian flag.
The Commonwealth Games presents Australia a perfect opportunity to restore the country’s battered sporting reputation the ball-tampering scandal which drew criticism from around the world. Sport-mad Australia’s image took a bruising after a plot to alter the ball was revealed in a Test match against South Africa, an offence which triggered an outpouring against Australia’s hard-nosed cricket team.
Earlier a heavy shower just minutes before the start of the opening ceremony of the 21st Commonwealth Games did not dampen the spirits of the capacity crowd or the performers at Carrara Stadium.
The Games which was officially declared open by the Prince of Wales will be held from April 4-15.