2011 World Cup kicks off in Dhaka with Bangladesh’s national anthem
By ANIThursday, February 17, 2011
DHAKA - The spectacular opening ceremony of the 2011 World Cup began at the Bangabandhu National Stadium here on Thursday evening with Bangladesh’s national anthem-’Amar Shonar Bangla’, a song written and composed by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
The jam-packed Bangabandhu National Stadium came alive with passion and pride as a lively choir sang the national anthem.
A delighted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaking on the occasion said the nation was proud to host the 2011 World Cup.
“I believe that international ties will be strengthened by this sport,” Hasina said, and thanked the ICC for choosing Bangladesh as the venue for the opening ceremony.
Indian singer Sonu Nigam entertained the spectators on the occasion with an English number-’Let’s Go For The Glory.’
Around 3500 performers are expected to put up a colourful depiction of Indian, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi culture during the opening ceremony.
Canadian pop singer Bryan Adams and Bangladesh-based Runa Laila are also expected to perform on the occasion.
India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are jointly hosting the 2011 ICC World Cup.
India takes on Bangladesh in the opening match of the tournament to be played in Dhaka on Saturday. (ANI)
