Birmingham: Commonwealth Games began with a colourful opening ceremony that showcased the unique diversity of the city and the family of nations at the Alexander Stadium on Thursday night.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived in style, driving into the venue in an Aston Martin as part of a convoy of 72 cars which formed a Union Jack when viewed from above.
Charles later officially declared the 22nd edition of the Games open, with a spectacular fireworks display bringing the ceremony to an end and heralding the start of the worlds first major multi-sport event to take place free of Covid-19 restrictions since the pandemic took hold.
Charles delivered The Queens message to the Commonwealth Games. In it, she said the Games remind us of our connection with one another, wherever we may be in the world, as part of the Commonwealth family of nations.
The Prince of Wales added: Tonight, in the words of the founder of the Games, we embark once again on a novel adventure here in Birmingham, a pioneering city which has drawn in and embraced so many throughout its history. It is a city symbolic of the rich diversity and unity of the Commonwealth, and one which now welcomes you all in friendship.”
More than 5,000 athletes will compete in 280 events across 19 sports in the next 11 days, with a para sport programme integrated into the Games. It will also be the first major multi-sport games to award more medals to women than men 136 and 134.
Other for Birminghamâs Games include a Commonwealth debut for womenâs T20 cricket and for 3×3 basketball as the Games continues its bid to evolve.
The ceremony also featured an appearance from activist Malala Yousafzai. The 25-year-old, who now lives in Birmingham, campaigns and raises funds for girls education programmes in her native Pakistan.
Her determination to stand up for her beliefs almost cost her life, when she was shot in the head in an assassination attempt in 2012.
“As we watch incredible athletes of the Commonwealth Games, each child deserves the chance to reach their full potential and pursue their wildest dreams,” Malala said.
The parade began with nations from Oceania, Africa, Caribbean, and Americans followed by eight countries from Asia namely Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Overall team captain Indika Dissanayake and womens captain Chamari Athapaththu were the joint flag-bearers for Sri Lanka. It is a great opportunity to play against the best sides in the world and participate in the Games, said Chamodi Ranasinghe, a member of Sri Lankas T20 womens cricket interviewed live on television. We hope to do something special here, She said when asked how confident they were of facing England in their opening match on Saturday.
The biggest cheers were reserved for host nation England fielding a 430-strong team.