CWG 2022 Opening Ceremony Highlights: PV Sindhu, Manpreet Singh Lead India at Commonwealth Games Athletes' Parade

Prince Charles, representing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, declares the 2022 Commonwealth Games Open!

Moments before the Queen’s Baton was passed on Tom Daley to hockey player Alex Danson, table tennis player Kim Daybell, boxer Galal Yafai, gymnast Max Whitlock to former hepthathlete Denise Lewis.

The Commonwealth Flag is carried by six former athletes – Brendan Williams (Dominica, Athletics, 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games), Lechezdani Luza, (Botswana, Boxing, 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games), Matt Levy (Australia, Para-Swimming, 2018 Commonwealth Games), Nicole Forrester (Canada, Athletics, 2002 and 2010 Commonwealth Games) and Alison Shanks (New Zealand, Track Cycling, 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games).

Last but not least it is the European nations, which include countries of the British island – Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England!

India along with Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka showcase Asia’s might at the CWG stage! South Asian nations are expected to have strong support at Birmingham given the sheer number of desi diaspora living in the city.

Caribbean nations as well as Guyana, South America’s only representation at these games, is followed by Asia… and then walk in PV Sindhu and Manpreet Singh holding aloft the Indian flag!

With South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania, among others, done… up next we have nations from the Americas!

After the counties from Oceania, including Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji… it is time now for Africa!

The athletes’ parade at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony is about to begin… starting with Australia

A dance off of the different ethnicities and cultures in Britain’s most diverse city. They colide only to co-exist in harmony!

The CWG 2022 Opening Ceremony is not shying away from Birmingham’s horrific history of abuse as well, showing the world a side that most would likely avoid.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai shares her story and her journey to Birmingham, where she now lives… she speaks on the importance of education!

“Tonight teams from 72 countries and territories join the people of Birmingham to celebrate friendship across borders. The young athletes who will compete over the next two weeks represent millions of girls and boys across the commonwealth. Our shared hope for the future, a future where every child can go to school, where women can fully participate in society, where families can live in peace and in dignity. Over the next few weeks as we watch incredible athletes of the Commonwealth Games remember every child deserves the chance to reach her full potential and pursue her wildest dreams. It is now my honour to say, welcome to Birmingham!”

A video montage is played of the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, celebrating her Platinum Jubilee as head of the Commonwealth.

The sight from above…

Drums and an alaap to start the opening ceremony after a video package introduced the spectators to the Games.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message:

Indian athletes are on their way…

Virat Kohli wishes Indian women’s cricket team!

Asymbolic representation of an aerial map of the West Midlands region’s road and canal network embossed on them will be a key feature of the gold, silver and bronze medals that will be awarded to the 1,875 medal winners of the 22nd Commonwealth Games.

The gold, silver, and bronze medals are being made in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and have been designed by three students from the School of Jewellery in Birmingham.

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