Commonwealth Games kicks off with bright opening ceremony

GOLD COAST: What a spectacular show! The Gold Coast welcomed the 21st Commonwealth Games with a fusion of Australian and contemporary culture in a spectacular night of colours, pomp and fireworks.

The Games was officially opened by the Prince of Wales Prince Charles in front of an estimated 35,000 crowd at the Carrara Stadium.

A total of 4,450 athletes from 71 former British colonies have come together for this sporting event.

This is the fifth time that the nation Down Under is hosting the Games after Sydney (1938), Perth (1962), Brisbane (1982) and Melbourne (2006).

It is the first time that the Gold Coast, known as a surfer's paradise, is hosting the Games. And a high-tech futuristic display of surfing culture was well presented during the opening ceremony.

A total of 275 events in 18 sports are being contested with Australia providing the largest contingent of 474 athletes.

Famed Aussie artistes Delta Goodrem, Christine Anu and Kate Noonan were among those who kept the crowd entertained.

After Prince Charles and Princess Camilla made their appearances, the ceremony was followed by the Australian national anthem.

It was then time for the march-past with the 2014 hosts - Scotland - being the first nation out.

Bangladesh was the first Asian nation out, followed by Brunei, India and then Malaysia.

The Malaysian contingent, wearing traditional red Malay clothes, strode out with triple jumper Hakimi Ismail bearing the Jalur Gemilang.

A total of 147 Malaysian athletes and officials took part in the march-past.

“Today is a big event. It is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to be the flag bearer and I feel very proud,” said Hakimi.

“I hope I can represent my country well in my own sport.”

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) flag was then ushered in by six athletes - Brendan Williams (Dominica), Natalie Du Toit (South Africa), Alison Shanks (New Zealand), Dr. Nicole Forrester (Canada), Colin Gregor (Scotland) and Rhona Toft (Scotland).

Finally the Queens Baton was brought into the stadium before being handed over to Prince Charles who then declared the Games open.