After memorable opening ceremony, CWG medal chase begins

NEW DELHI - Medal chase began Monday in the Delhi Commonwealth Games after Sunday evening’s memorable opening ceremony that effectively laid to rest the bitterness and despondency of Indians over corruption allegations and chaos in the run-up to the 19th edition of the Games.

Eight gold medals will be decided Monday — five in swimming, two in weightlifting and one in artistic gymnastics.

India began on a winning note with Arti Bajarang Ghorpade clearing the women’s 200-metre freestyle heat, finishing in 2 minutes and 12.2 seconds and Rohan Bopanna beating Ugandan Robert Buyinza 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of men’s singles event.

The spectacular opening ceremony has come in for praise from the media in several countries - from Australia down under to the United Kingdom.

The headlines in the dailies of the two countries said it all — from “India has arrived” to “India sweeps aside Games shame”.

“India has arrived: spectacular ceremony opens Commonwealth Games,” The Guardian headline said.

The Daily Mail said: “Commonwealth Games kick off in style with stunning opening ceremony… but the real test lies ahead.”

The Sydney Morning Herald said: “An ancient land opens its heart to the world.”

The Australian said, “India put on its best face on Sunday night and pulled off a brilliant opening ceremony that was extraordinary in its ambition and execution. It was everything the organisers had promised and more - an energetic celebration of all India has been and all it intends to be.”