体坛英语资讯：Commonwealth Games closing ceremony keeps promise under cheerful Delhi sky

 Fireworks sparkled the cool evening air of Delhi, setting new standards of sporting excellence as the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) kept its promise here Thursday evening.

The Commonwealth Games 2010 closing ceremony started with a showcase of the various martial arts of India in a routine that had Sanskrit shlokas (sacred phrases) echoing the air.

The next piece was in the form of a tribute to our nation with the military martial music section which left everyone awestruck. The melodious evening air was testimony to the fact that India had delivered the best Commonwealth Games ever.

Following this, Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman presented his self-composed revival of Vande Matram (national song) that was performed by a group of 2010 school students.

The colorful and creative presentation spread India's feeling of harmony to the world.

This was followed up with a Railgadi (train trail) run by the volunteers of the event.

The fun and frolic continued with the athletes taking centre stage and a joyous, eclectic parade was the result.

Commonwealth Games' Organizing Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi gave a closing speech that highlighted the events' achievements and thanked all for their support for the event.

Mike Fennel, the chief of the Commonwealth Games Federation summed it up quite aptly when he said: "Delhi, you have delivered a truly exceptional Games, and above all, a wonderful experience for all."

The event took a futuristic turn as the Scotts invited everyone to the 2014 CWG event to be held in Glasgow.

On this day, the CWG flag was taken off to begin a new journey towards Glasgow where the 2014 CWG events will take place.

The Glasgow contingent also gave a flavour of things to expect from 2014 CWG with a routine that was amalgamated with tunes of their famed pipers.

It was a great sight to see the athletes from all over the world break free. They let their hair-down to an equally responsive crowd and India's major contribution to the mega-event since 1949 was highlighted in the act.

It is the first time that such a parade with the athletes at the centre of the show happened in the world.

The final part of the show had music booms that featured an array of famous singers including Shaan's tribute to the Commonwealth Games mascot "Shera".

It was an instant hit with the kids and gave one last glimpse of the Delhi Games' symbol.