Despite its cost, the opening ceremony spurred pride among many Indians. Sharmila Singh, a teacher from Delhi, said: “Tonight I think we showed the world what we are capable of.” (Deshakalyan Chowdhury / AFP/Getty Images)
Australian athletes walk with their country’s flag at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games. (Harish Tyagi /EPA)
Britain’s Prince Charles and wife Camilla attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Games at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. Thousands of athletes from 71 countries and Commonwealth territories will compete for 829 medals in 17 disciplines spread over 11 venues. India has relished the chance to put on the games as an antidote to months of bad press over alleged corruption and mismanagement, including headlines about a collapsed footbridge, a tourist shooting and a filthy athletes’ village. (Anindito Mukherjee / EPA)
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Dancers perform during the opening ceremony for the games. (Victor Caivano / Associated Press)
A high point in the ceremony was a journey featuring a model train that chugged around the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium as depictions of India’s religions, regions, languages, passions and common men and women burst from its many carriages. (Lee Jin-man / Associated Press)
The performances, one featuring yoga poses, added to a colorful event that was the culmination of a final week of frantic preparations. In the week leading up to the games, police and troops perched on building tops, along roads and on balconies, especially near the main stadium. Many shops and businesses were closed Sunday, reportedly at the urging of government, while cars were forced to navigate a gantlet of security barriers. (Ryan Remiorz / Associated Press)
Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar carries the baton in the Queen’s Baton Relay, similar to the Olympic torch relay. (Victor Caivano / Associated Press)
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Jawaharlal Nehru stadium lights up in the night. (Lee Jin-man / AP Photo)
Prince Charles officially opened the games. (Feng Li / Getty Images)
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh speaks at the opening ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Games at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. (Anindito Mukherjee / EPA)
