Today marks the anniversary of a monumental moment in Indian sports history. On October 3, 2010, India formally inaugurated the 19th Commonwealth Games in Delhi, launching the country’s largest international multi-sport event to date and showcasing its potential to the world.
The Games, which ran until October 14, began with a dazzling Opening Ceremony at the newly renovated Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The event, watched by an estimated global audience of three billion, transformed the venue into a spectacular showcase of Indian culture, tradition, and technology.
The lead-up to the Games was plagued by intense international scrutiny over construction delays, venue security, and corruption allegations, leading to a wave of negative global press. However, the grandeur of the opening night quickly shifted the narrative.
- A Grand Spectacle: The ceremony, featuring a massive aerostat (helium balloon) that acted as a projection screen, involved 7,000 performers in an elaborate visual journey through India’s history. Highlights included a “Tree of Knowledge” segment, a giant glowing statue of the Buddha, and a pulsating performance of the official theme song, “Jiyo, Utho, Badho, Jeeto”, by Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman.
- A Symbol of National Pride: The ceremony was declared open by Prince Charles, representing Queen Elizabeth II, and then by President Pratibha Patil. Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra led the Indian contingent, receiving thunderous cheers from the capacity crowd.
- A “World-Class” Event: The successful execution of the ceremony was hailed by many observers as a moment of profound national pride, signaling India’s arrival as a global host for mega-events.
The sporting competition that followed was marked by incredible success for the host nation. India achieved its best-ever performance at the Commonwealth Games:
- Medal Tally: India finished second in the overall medals table, behind Australia, with a total of 101 medals (38 Gold, 27 Silver, 36 Bronze). This remains the only time the country has crossed the 100-medal mark at the CWG.
- Star Performers: Shooters and wrestlers spearheaded the charge. The haul included historic moments like Geeta Phogat becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win a CWG gold, and Krishna Poonia ending a 52-year wait for an athletics gold in the Women’s Discus Throw.
The 2010 Commonwealth Games were a complex legacy—a blend of administrative chaos and spectacular national achievement—ultimately proving India’s capability to host and compete on the grandest international stage.
