Photo via cygpune2008

At the Balewadi Sports Complex on Sunday yesterday under tight security, the 3rd Commonwealth Youth Games 2008 was declared open by President of India Pratibha Patil. Some 71 nations took part in the opening ceremony that went ‘flawless’.

The gloomy sky that threatened to shower the parade held, only a slight drizzle came down, and the games prior issues to the games such as delay in infrastructure development at the sports village and the city were forgotten.

There was the usual contingents marching which drew loud applause from the audiences. Each nations proudly display their traditional attire and dance sequences. The largest of the contingents was India, Canada, England and Australia.

The Indian Air Force with helicopters and paratroopers showcase their flight capabilities. The Army provided a motorcycle show and the overall theme of the parade is based on the local Marathi culture. There was even a touch of Bollywood when superstar Saif Ali Khan made an appearance and a dance routine.

In the coming days, some 1,300 athletes and 350 officials from 71 countries are participating in 9 disciplines; Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling which will be contested.

The Commonwealth Youth Games at Pune is a curtain raiser for the Commonwealth Games which is to be hosted by Indian in New Delhi when 2010 comes.