Pawar, in his speech, also lauded Kalmadi over the “excellent infrastructure work in the city” and said even as CYG saw India leading from the front, the Mohali test too saw Sachin doing remarkably well, which was a true toast to the sporting spirit of the country. He added what China had done by winning the maximum medals in the Beijing Olympics, India had done at this grand event which saw the participation of 71 countries.

Kalmadi said that with the PM announcing Rs 700 crore for training purpose, the sports city at Balewadi will turn out to be the best in the world. “Just as cricket, these games have to be given equal importance and more funds,” he said. He thanked the Centre for the Rs 3,000 crore released for the Games and thanked both the municipal corporation chiefs, divisional commissioner, collector, and mayors of both the corporations for the infrastructure work in the city. “The CYG has done magic for Pune infrastructure,” he said bowing and thanking Puneites for all the support they rendered for the games.

Even as the crowd revelled in the Bollywood extravaganza that unfolded at the venue, amidst fireworks, the customary passing over the quaich (torch) was done by Suresh Kalmadi to M Quail, tourism minister of Isle of Man from Scotland which will host the next CYG in 2011.

President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Michael Fennel declared the Games closed. Ministers, Patangrao Kadam, Harshvardhan Patil, Dilipwalse Patil and Vasant Purke were also present at the closing function.

... contd.