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After four years and with many impediments in between, the Commonwealth Games (CWG) returns with much fanfare, this time in Birmingham on the night of July 28. Participants from all the Commonwealth nations will gather at the Alexander Stadium to set up a festival-like atmosphere, for one last night before they buck their socks up for two weeks of gruelling competition.
This is the first major international sports event that is being held in England after the London Olympics in 2012. As many as 5000 athletes from 72 countries will be fighting for the ultimate laurels. All the sports events, which will start on July 29, will continue till August 8.
For India, the flag was hoisted high by badminton star PV Sindhu and hockey captain Manpreet Singh during the opening ceremony. They were followed by 211 other athletes who will be representing India, but star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was ruled out due to injury while national record holder Aishwarya Babu failed the dope test in triple jump.
Return of fans
Fans will be able to return to enjoy the sporting events just like they did in the opening ceremony. And the countries will fight for a total of 272 gold medals, hopefully in front of their own fans. Joining the festivities were the iconic British band Duran-Duran. In addition to this, many stars, local and international, also performed to their best abilities.
The CWG baton has had a long journey, being carried to 72 Commonwealth countries and territories. Before the opening ceremony, the relay, which has travelled through the city of Birmingham, will also reach the venue during the ceremony.
English artists stole the show
The opening ceremony was also attended by some of Birmingham's most famous artists. From Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi to singers Indigo Marshall and Gambini, they promoted their emerging talent on the global stage and performed live at the stadium. The Australian team, which organized the CWG Gold Coast in 2018, was the first in the parade this time.
Later, the rest of the country came out.
If you want to watch the live event, check out the Sony Sports Network, while you can open the Sony Liv app for the online broadcast!
