Curtains down on 4th military world games
The grand finale showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity marked the conclusion of the weeklong sporting extravaganza - the Fourth CISM Military World Games in Hyderabad this evening. The Defence Minister of India, declared the Games closed at the GMC Balayogi stadium. The closing ceremony was a four-hour long celebration adding to the festive mood of Vijayadashami, the Dussehra. Thousands of spectators filled every inch of the stadium to join the celebrations of the Games in which nearly 5000 athletes from 101 countries participated.
This was the biggest International multi-sport event of the year, the motto of which was ‘Friendship Through Sport’. Russia emerged on top of the Medal Tally with 42 Gold, 26 Silver and 28 Bronze medals. China, second with 36 Gold, 22 Silver and 13 Bronze while Germany came a distant third with 7 Gold, 10 Silver and 13 Bronze.
India won 10 medals including 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 7 Bronze, its largest haul ever in the two editions of the Games that it participated in. The successful conduct of the Games brought together few nations who are otherwise in conflict and yet competed in the true spirit of sportsmanship. In the Games, 3 world records and 27 CISM records were either set or overhauled. Of these 17 were set alone by women athletes. A record 49 countries won medals during the competitions, the highest ever in any edition of the Games.
The evening began with a performance of a classical Bharatnatyam dance by Sonali Sharma. Gayatri sang an ever-popular composition highlighting the unity in diversity of India ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’. Fusion dance of Bharatnatyam and contemporary jazz performance by students of Trapeze received huge applause from the spectators. Like the opening ceremony, Akashganga skydiving team and Sarang Helicopter display team exhibited their daring and breathtaking formation display.
In an enthralling band display, Indian Armed Forces Bands played tunes to signal the march past by the competitors from participating countries. One after another, the countries followed in their immaculate military uniform waving to the cheering spectators. Indian contingent led by Captain Tushar Tomar received loudest applause and cheers from the audience.
Defence Minister congratulated the Indian Armed Forces for the successful conduct of the Games and said that these Games would usher in new era not only in the Indian subcontinent but also throughout Asia. CISM President Brigadier General Gianni Gola in an emotionally charged speech said that Military World Games have been a stupendous succeess. “This was the first Games outside Europe and that happens to be the best ever in India. Seldom has any country been successful in conducting such a wonderful organization of the Games”, he said. Being an Italian himself, CISM President told the audience that ‘BRAVO’ the mascot of the Games, in Italian meant ‘Well Done’. “A message of peace has been sent from Hyderabad to the entire world on this occasion”, he said. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh expressed satisfaction at the successful completion of the Games and said that Hyderabad was ready to host any international events in the future including the Olympics.
After lowering the CISM Flag, the torch was handed over by Chief of Indian Delegation Major General VK Ahluwalia to Brigadier General Luis Antonio Pinto Machado, Chief of Brazilian delegation, host of the next Games. The flame of the Game was extinguished in a poignant ceremony. A 10-minute video flashback of the ‘The Week that Was’ capturing the essence of the Games was screened at the stadium.
Pop singer Raageshwari set the mood of the evening by her electrifying performance showcasing the musical world of Indian films. The tempo was raised to a new level by Al from Al-Mel team-the proud winners of Nach Baliye’s premier season. Bollywood actress Isha Sherwani cast a spell on the audience with her contemporary dance that was a mix of physical balancing act with martial arts. Samba dancers from Brazil then took over bringing alive the beat and rhythm of Brazil. Replicating almost the streets of Rio, these dancers nearly set the stadium on fire with their enthusiasm and rhythm.
The ceremony reached a crescendo when the World-renowned percussionist Sivamani along with 11 drummers took center stage and rocked the audience with their breathtaking performance on drums.
The audience was treated to a glimpse of what is to come after four years when the Rio parade danced down the stadium featuring the Brazilian Carnival.
A brilliant display of fireworks finally brought the curtains down on the eventful Games that brought together nations and their soldiers in an unheralded spirit of camaraderie even as the city of Hyderabad bade farewell to the military athletes.