(REUTERS)-Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) chief Michael Fennell thanked India for an outstanding event after a song and dance filled closing ceremony brought a smooth end to a sometimes chaotic Delhi Games yesterday.
The capacity crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium were treated to a three-hour long ceremony featuring the world’s largest helium balloon, 1,200 moving lights, fireworks, various local martial arts, thousands of dancers and a laser show.
“I would like to thank the organising committee and the people of Delhi for overcoming the obstacles presented to them to deliver a truly outstanding event,” Fennell told the appreciative crowd.
Britain’s Prince Edward then officially closed the Games after the CGF flag had been handed from Delhi dignitaries to officials from Glasgow, who will host the 20th edition of the event for mainly former British colonies.
More than 300 performers dressed in tartan outfits and accompanied by two bagpipe players showcased some Scottish culture as Glasgow organisers offered a short glimpse of what can be expected in 2014.
“Delhi’s will be a hard act to follow but we are confident that the bar will be raised again in Glasgow in 2014,” Fennell said.
The closing ceremony matched the success of the spectacular opening to the event 12 days ago, but the $6 billion Delhi Games will be remembered as much for the number of organisational niggles as for the sporting action.
Local fans, frustrated by the Delhi organisers, again heavily booed Delhi Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi at the start of his speech after interrupting him during the opening ceremony.
However, supporters were generally in party mood, offering the largest cheer of the night when the Indian athletes entered the stadium after a best Commonwealth Games finish of second place in the medals table following a close battle with England.
Fans were on their feet waving the tri-colour flag and clapping as Indian athletes brought up the rear in the athletes parade.
Yesterday had been declared a state holiday in the Indian capital to help local police keep a tight reign in and around the stadium, which, like at many venues at the Games, led to long queues for supporters, officials and media.
Another recurring issue at Games’ venues has been moths plaguing spectators and athletes and the bugs again descended in full force on another sticky night in Delhi.
Jamaican Trecia Smith, who retained her title in the women’s triple jump, was awarded the final accolade of the night when she collected the David Dixon award after being named outstanding athlete of the Games.