India showcases cultural heritage as Commonwealth Games baton passes to Ahmedabad
India's rich cultural heritage took centre stage at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games here as Glasgow formally handed over the Games baton to Ahmedabad, marking the start of the journey towards the 2030 centenary edition of the multi-sport event.
The handover ceremony on Sunday featured a vibrant showcase of India's music, dance, philosophy and traditions, presenting Ahmedabad as the host city for the 24th Commonwealth Games in four years.
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, representing King Charles III, formally declared the Games closed and invited athletes from across the Commonwealth to Ahmedabad in 2030.
"I call upon athletes of all countries and territories to come to Ahmedabad, India in four years' time to celebrate the 24th Commonwealth Games in what will be the centenary of the Games," he said.
The formal transfer of hosting duties began with the Commonwealth Games flag making its way across the arena. Glasgow's Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren handed the flag to Commonwealth Games Scotland vice-chair Susan Jackson, Scottish netball player Emily Nicholl, Commonwealth Sport president Dr Donald Rukare, Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra, Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and finally Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.
Boxer Jaismine Lamboria, who won gold in the women's 57kg category, carried the Indian flag during the closing ceremony.
The handover was followed by a three-act cultural presentation showcasing India's civilisational heritage and contemporary identity.
The presentation was built around the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — "The World Is One Family" — highlighting themes of unity, friendship and cultural exchange that are central to the Commonwealth Games.
The opening act also marked 150 years of Vande Mataram, India's national song, with actor Manushi Chhillar leading a large-scale choreographed performance.
Hundreds of dancers, accompanied by immersive digital visuals and a score by maestro Shankar Mahadevan, presented India's cultural diversity through its languages, traditions and artistic forms.
A specially produced film introduced Ahmedabad to an international audience, portraying the city and Gujarat as a blend of heritage, innovation and modern urban development.
The film also highlighted India's sporting traditions and its evolution from ancient forms of physical discipline to its ambitions as one of the world's youngest nations.
The presentation concluded with a message that sport can unite people, celebrate diversity and strengthen bonds across the Commonwealth.
The second act, titled "The Cultural Jugalbandi", brought together Indian sitar player Rishab Sharma and Scottish musician Ross Ainslie.
The performance combined the sounds of the sitar with Scottish pipes and whistles, creating a musical exchange between two distinct cultural traditions.
The closing act featured Shankar Mahadevan performing alongside his sons Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan. The trio performed a selection of popular Indian songs, including Suno Gaur Se Duniya Walon, Bhaag Milkha, Ae Watan Watanand Lehra Do.
Gujarati playback singer Bhoomi Trivedi also performed, bringing the host state into the spotlight as India formally took over hosting responsibilities for the 2030 Games.
The Indian showcase followed a farewell presentation by Glasgow featuring Scottish music, poetry and dance.
Scotland's wheelchair racer Melanie Woods received the David Dixon Award, presented to the outstanding athlete of the Commonwealth Games for performance, fair play and contribution to their team's participation.
