Commonwealth 2010 Games are approaching fast and bringing with along lots of excitement and fun. The capital city of India, New Delhi, is getting prepared for the Commonwealth Opening Ceremony. The city stands tall with its historical heritage and monuments for the Commonwealth Games 2010 in October. With more than millions of people, the city would welcome athletes from 53 Commonwealth member nations who will participate in the Games.
The Commonwealth Opening Ceremony in New Delhi would comprise of certain significant events. These activities are integral part of the game and are observed by every host country and its host city. The Commonwealth Opening Ceremony protocol include:
- There is a single flag bearer that lead the parade of the participating nations (1930-1950) opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.
- The flag carrier also has the Union Jack, which is the national flag of the UK and Northern Ireland.
- This Union Flag or Union Jack bears testimony to the fact that Britain enjoys the leading position in the British Kingdom.
- Since the year 1958, a tradition is introduced where athletes carry a baton from Buckingham Palace to the Opening Ceremony. The baton has a message from the Queen for the athletes. Moreover, the baton is commonly called the Queen’s Baton.
- It is also a protocol of the Commonwealth Game that the last and final carrier of the baton would be a well-known personality from the sports arena, from the host country.
- In the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, marching event forms an important part.
- The participating nations join the marching event according to the alphabetical order.
- According to the rule, the host nation of the previous Commonwealth Game ceremony would lead the marching event, whereas the present host nation would be the last in the same event. Hence, during the upcoming Commonwealth Opening Ceremony, Australia would be the first nation to begin the event of marching and India would be the concluding nation.
- During the medal ceremony, 3 flags are hoisted from the host country’s stadium.
- The 3 flags symbolize:
- Previous Host Nation,
- Current Host Nation
- The Next Host Nation.
