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The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games are officially underway after the opening ceremony was held on the 4th of April. The Games which will go on for the next 11 days will see some of the best athletes of the world compete against each other in a bid to be the best.
The ceremony held in Carrara Stadium showcased the culture of Gold Coast, Queensland, and Australia in what was a visual spectacle. Notable dignitaries and 35,000 fans watched on from the stands as nations, one-by-one came on the pitch and greeted the audience.
Hockey captain Mark Knowles led the host nations brigade as the crowd cheered. The hosts are the top achievers in the history of the competition and will look to continue their dominance on their territory.
71 nations came out for the parade of nations which was followed by an oath of the commonwealth. The Oath was delivered in front of the audience by each member of the three different categories of people involved at the games. A player, a coach, and a technical official.
The Queen's baton was carried out in front of the audience of Carrara stadium by former competitive swimmer Susie O'Neill.
India's contingent of 220 athletes plus officials was led in front of the Australian audience by shuttler P.V. Sindhu. Sindhu's exploits at Rio two years ago meant that she was chosen for this moment. Speaking to Sportskeeda earlier, Sindhu exclaimed,"I'm very happy. It is a proud moment for me".
The ceremony showed the best of Gold Coast to the audience by mixing various native and modern musical performances. Australia's local instrument Didgeridoo was on display as well.
With a beautiful and mesmerizing opening ceremony done with, the hard work begins from tomorrow when the first day of the games will be underway. If the games turn out to be as magical as the opening ceremony was, we are sure in for an amazing tournament.
