Birmingham: The Commonwealth Games have got off to a colorful start. A grand opening ceremony was held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. In which the Indian team was led by badminton star PV Sindhu and men’s hockey captain Manpreet Singh. Sindhu and Manpreet marched forward holding the tricolor and waving it majestically against the Indian team. Both players had smiles on their faces. Also, all the Indian running backs were also seen moving forward with confidence. All the male athletes included in the Indian team were seen in blue sherwanis and the female athletes in the same colored kurtas. Two-time Olympic gold medalist PV Sindhu has won silver and gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. The same Manpreet led the hockey team under his captaincy to a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics.
More than 5000 players from 72 countries will participate
Commonwealth Games 2022 has already started. More than 5000 athletes from around 72 countries are going to participate in this huge sports festival. In this game, Indian players are a sensation. More than 200 athletes from India are participating in Commonwealth Games 2022. However, India suffered a major setback before the start when Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra pulled out of the Games due to injury. The last time the Commonwealth Games were held in Australia’s Gold Coast in 2018, India won a total of 26 gold, 20 silver and 20 bronze medals.
President Draupadi Murmu congratulated the Indian players
President Draupadi Murmu has wished the Indian athletes for the Commonwealth Games. She wrote in her message, “On behalf of all countrymen, I wish the Indian contingent for the Commonwealth Games 2022. I am sure that our players will make the country proud with their best performances. All countrymen greet you. All the best for your win.
India’s schedule on the first day of the mega sporting event
Today match between India and Australia women’s cricket team
The match between India and Australia women’s cricket team will be played in Birmingham from 4.30 pm today. The two teams will open the Commonwealth Games against each other in Group A. India will face Pakistan in Badminton. There will be a mixed competition between the two teams i.e. matches will be played in all formats including singles, doubles. The match will start at 6.30 pm.