President, Prince Charles jointly declare CWG open

New Delhi, Oct 3 (PTI) The 19th Commonwealth Games was
Sunday jointly declared open by Prince Charles and President
of
India Pratibha Patil in a diplomatic compromise that was
worked out much before the inauguration.
Officially the Queen, the ceremonial head of the
Commonwealth, declares the Games open. But the monarch's
decision not to attend the ceremony for the first time in 44
years led to a diplomatic arrangement between the British
officials and the Indian authorities.
Under the compromise it was decided that both Charles
and President Patil would jointly declare the Games open.
In a spectacular opening ceremony, after the Queen's
baton was handed over by Beijing Olympic bronze medallist
wrestler Sushil Kumar to Charles, the Prince of Wales read out
the Queen's message but it was President Patil who had the
last word, saying, "Let the Games begin".
"My wife and I are pleased to be able to join you here in
Delhi, where I have been asked by Her Majesty the Queen to be
here at the start of the 19th Commonwealth Games," Prince
Charles said in his message.
"It is fitting that these Games are being held in India.
I firmly believe that when countries can compete in sports
together like this, it helps all nations to search together
for peace throughout the world.
"To everyone, I send my very best wishes for what I hope
will be the experience of a lifetime. I have much pleasure in
declaring the 19th Commonwealth Games open," it said.
President Patil then delivered her speech in which she
said now that the Games are open, let them begin.
"Sports has always been a powerful bridge among different
cultures and at the Commonwealth Games we shall see that
coming true once again. We will see the power of sports bond
together with commonality.
"In the next 11 days we will see thousands of athletes
engaging in various sports competitions and witness the
unfolding of variety of emotions. We shall see human endeavour
at its very best," she said.
"We wish the athletes the very best in their dedicated
pursuit of excellence. I am sure everyone will cherish this
Games. To my fellow Indians, let's showcase our legendary
hospitality while we celebrate sport in our country.
"The Games are now open, let the Games begin," she said.