The Commonwealth Games 2022 came to an end on Monday after a glittering closing ceremony at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. As per the tradition, the flag of the Commonwealth Games Federation, was lowered to officially mark the end of the Birmingham Games and handed over to the state of Victoria, Australia, the host of the next edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2026.
The closing ceremony had kicked off with a performance from Solihull band Ocean Colour Scene. This was followed by a musical performance from the Birmingham-born band Dexys Midnight Runners. One of the biggest bands of all time, UB40 added more to the event, while other musicians and bands from the Midlands region entertained the crowd with their performance.
Prince Edward 'proclaimed Birmingham 2022 closed' and made a formal invitation to the Australian state of Victoria for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. "You have inspired us and hopefully the future generations. You have demonstrated what unites us. On behalf of the Majesty of the Queen, our patron, and in the name of the Commonwealth Games Federation, I proclaim Birmingham 2022 closed," he said, as fireworks lit up the Birmingham sky.
From the beats of Bhangra to the power-packed performance of 'Apache Indian', it was a carnivalesque atmosphere at the refurbished Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, as a dazzling closing ceremony brought the curtains down to the high-octane edition of the Commonwealth Games 2022. More than 4,500 athletes competed from 72 countries over the past 11 days.
At CWG 2022, India finished in fourth position, only behind Australia (178 medals), England (175 medals), and Canada (92 medals) who finished first second, and third respectively.
Notably, India produced a superb display on the concluding day of the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.
Shuttlers PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won the gold medals in their respective singles matches. India's table tennis legend Achanta Sharath Kamal also won the gold medal in the men's singles final, while G Sathiyan secured bronze in the same event. The Indian men's hockey team settled for a silver medal after losing 0-7 against Australia in the final. This was India's final event at the CWG and the country end the campaign with a total of 61 medals. India secure 22 golds, 16 silvers and 23 bronze.