The 32nd National Games drew to a close on Sunday amidst a razzmatazz of gadgetry showcasing the rich cultural tradition of hosts Andhra Pradesh.
While the opening ceremony on December 13 focussed on the nation's principle of unity in diversity with a well thought-out `Spirit of India' show, the two-hour long closing function paid tributes to sporting excellence through visuals and presentation of trophies to the top achievers.
The 10-day spectacle came to an end as Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi declared the Games closed in the presence of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The athletes marched hand-in-hand promising to meet again in Assam three years later for the next edition.
Speaking on the occasion, Vajpayee stressed on the importance of sports in bringing people together.
"Sports cuts across barriers of caste, creed and colour. So, we need to lay stress on sports to strengthen national integrity," he said.
The audience at the Gawchibowli Stadium was mesmerised as a flame took off from the centre-stage, upon a button pressed by Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and travelled across the stadium to the main torch to set off a rocket, which extinguished the sacred fire that was burning for the last ten days.
The rocket went up and burst into tri-coloured smoke. A splendid firework display and laser show lit up the evening sky.
Bugles added to the nostalgic spirit as the IOA flag was slowly lowered and brought to the VIP enclosure by six NCC girls to the accompaniment of pipers' band.
Naidu and state Olympic Association president H J Dora handed over the flag to Kalmadi, who passed it on to Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, in a symbolic call to the northeastern state to begin preparations for hosting the next edition.
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