体坛英语新闻：Commonwealth Games closing ceremony keeps promise under cheerful Delhi sky

NEW DELHI, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- 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."